Strawberry Banana Pudding

When I first started experimenting with desserts in my bakery, I wanted something that could bring together the comfort of a classic pudding with the fresh sweetness of seasonal fruits. That’s when the idea of Strawberry Banana Pudding came to life. I remember preparing it for a summer afternoon gathering, where the scent of ripe strawberries filled the air and the creamy layers melted in every spoonful. It quickly became one of those recipes I keep making over and over, not just because my customers love it, but because it never fails to remind me of simple, joyful moments.

This pudding is all about balance: the silkiness of the cream, the natural sweetness of bananas, and the slight tang of fresh strawberries. Each bite carries a smooth, fruity freshness that feels indulgent without being overwhelming. Whether served chilled for a refreshing dessert or slightly warm for a cozy treat, this recipe adapts beautifully to different occasions.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You will love this recipe because it delivers a delightful mix of flavors and textures in every spoonful. The creaminess of the pudding pairs perfectly with the light bite of fruit and the soft, tender cookie layers. It’s the kind of dessert that makes both children and adults happy, and it works for every season. Fresh fruits keep it light, while the pudding base makes it satisfyingly rich.

Versatile

This Strawberry Banana Pudding is extremely versatile. You can prepare it in a large dish for family gatherings or make it in small individual jars for personal servings. It works perfectly for picnics, lunchboxes, and even as a quick sweet after dinner. By changing the type of cookies or adding different fruits like blueberries or kiwi, you can give it a new twist each time.

Affordable

All the ingredients in this recipe are easy to find and budget-friendly. Most of them are probably already in your kitchen, and the fresh fruits can be sourced locally or from the market without costing much. This makes it a perfect dessert for large gatherings without breaking the bank.

Ingredients for the Recipe

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

• 2 medium ripe bananas, sliced

• 3 cups cold milk

• 1 packet instant vanilla pudding mix (about 100g)

• 1 cup heavy cream, whipped

• 200g vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits

• 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, for sweetening strawberries)

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

How to Prepare This Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

Step 1 – Prepare the strawberries
Wash the strawberries under cold running water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Hull each berry and slice them into even pieces. If you prefer a sweeter taste, sprinkle the slices with the sugar and gently stir. Set them aside for about 10 minutes so they release some natural juice.

Step 2 – Prepare the bananas
Peel the bananas and cut them into thin, even slices. Work quickly to prevent browning. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, lightly coat the slices with a small amount of lemon juice before using.

Step 3 – Make the vanilla pudding base
In a large mixing bowl, pour the cold milk. Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and whisk steadily for about two minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and thick. Make sure there are no lumps. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for 5 minutes so it can set slightly before layering.

Step 4 – Whip the cream
In another mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until it reaches soft peaks. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor. Once whipped, gently fold the cream into the prepared vanilla pudding to create a lighter, fluffier texture. This step will give the pudding a rich and airy consistency.

Step 5 – Prepare the cookies
Arrange the vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits in a single layer at the bottom of your chosen serving dish. If the cookies are too large, break them into smaller pieces to fit snugly. The goal is to create a firm base without leaving gaps.

Step 6 – Start layering the dessert
Spread a portion of the pudding mixture evenly over the cookie layer. Arrange a layer of banana slices on top of the pudding. Follow with a layer of strawberry slices, distributing them evenly to ensure every bite has both fruits. Repeat the process: cookies, pudding, bananas, strawberries, until all ingredients are used, ending with a smooth layer of pudding on top.

Step 7 – Add the final touch
For decoration, arrange a few extra strawberry and banana slices on the top layer. If you want a little crunch, sprinkle a few crushed cookies or biscuit crumbs over the surface.

Step 8 – Chill before serving
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. This chilling time allows the cookies to soften slightly and the flavors to blend beautifully.

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Quick and Easy

This recipe is simple to prepare with minimal cooking skills required. Most of the work involves slicing, mixing, and layering, which means you can prepare it in under 20 minutes, excluding chilling time.

Customizable

You can easily customize the recipe to suit your taste. Replace strawberries with raspberries or peaches, or swap the bananas for mango slices. You can also use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla for a richer flavor.

Popular With Many People

The combination of fruit and pudding is universally loved, making it a safe choice for family dinners, school events, and gatherings with friends. It is also easy to make in bulk, so serving a large crowd is never a problem.

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FAQs

Can I make this pudding a day in advance?
Yes, this dessert actually tastes better when prepared the day before, as it allows the cookies to soften and the flavors to blend more deeply.

How can I keep the bananas from turning brown?
Lightly coat the banana slices with lemon juice before layering them. This slows down oxidation without affecting the taste too much.

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using, otherwise the pudding may become watery.

Is it possible to make this pudding without dairy?
Absolutely. Use plant-based milk for the pudding mix, coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and dairy-free cookies for a fully vegan version.

Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant?
Yes, you can prepare a traditional custard or pudding from scratch. Just make sure it is fully cooled before layering it with the fruits and cookies.

How long does this pudding keep in the fridge?
It can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to three days. After that, the texture of the fruit and cookies may change.

Can I serve it warm instead of chilled?
While it is traditionally served cold, you can serve it slightly warm by using freshly made pudding and layering quickly before the heat dissipates. Keep in mind the cookies will stay firmer in this case.