Strawberry Banana Pudding is a creamy, fruity twist on the classic Southern dessert. Layers of vanilla pudding, fresh strawberries and bananas, and buttery cookies make it sweet, soft, and utterly indulgent. 🍓🍌🍮
Ingredients
- 1 box (3.4 oz / 96 g) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 1 box (11 oz / 310 g) vanilla wafer cookies
- Optional: whipped cream for topping
Instructions
1. Prepare Pudding
- In a bowl, whisk instant pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until it thickens.
- Optionally, fold in whipped cream for a richer, creamier texture.
- Add vanilla extract.
2. Layer the Dessert
- In a trifle dish or large bowl, layer cookies on the bottom.
- Add a layer of pudding, followed by banana slices and strawberries.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with pudding on top.
3. Chill
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours (overnight is best) to allow cookies to soften and flavors to meld.
4. Serve
- Top with whipped cream and extra sliced strawberries just before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Cookies: Graham crackers or sponge cake slices can replace vanilla wafers.
- Fruit: Add blueberries or raspberries for extra flavor.
- Make it boozy: A splash of strawberry liqueur can add a grown-up twist.
- Texture: Layering more cookies gives a firmer bite; fewer cookies make it creamier.
I can also give a quick 15-minute no-bake version, or a fancier trifle-style presentation that looks restaurant-worthy.
Do you want me to do that?
