Strawberry Banana Pudding

A creamy, dreamy layered dessert that combines vanilla pudding with ripe banana slices and fresh strawberries, layered with cookies for crunch and drizzled with strawberry sauce. Light, fruity, and irresistibly nostalgic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines classic banana pudding with a fresh strawberry twist
Creamy texture balanced with juicy fruit and crunchy cookies
Perfect for gatherings, dessert tables, or casual indulgence
Pretty layered presentation in trifle bowls or glasses
Easy to customize fruit, pudding, or cookie choices
Great make-ahead dessert—flavors meld beautifully
Ideal refreshing dessert in warm weather or spring events
Satisfies comfort food cravings with fresh flavors
Scale up easily for large potlucks or parties
Sweet yet not overly heavy—fruit lightens the richness

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the pudding layer:

Instant vanilla or banana cream pudding mix
Cold milk (dairy or plant-based alternative)
Sweetened condensed milk (optional for richer flavor)
Whipped topping or whipped cream

For the fruit layer:

3–4 ripe bananas, sliced thinly
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
½ cup strawberry glaze or strawberry sauce (optional but recommended)

For the cookie/crunch layer:

Nilla wafers, Butter cookies, or Chessman cookies
Crushed or whole, depending on layering style

Toppings (optional):

Extra strawberry slices
Crushed cookies
Whipped cream dollops

Directions

Prepare pudding mixture: Whisk instant pudding mix into very cold milk. Optionally stir in sweetened condensed milk and cool whip until smooth and thickened. Chill briefly if desired.
Macerate strawberries: Slice strawberries and gently toss with a little sugar and lemon juice; let sit for at least 30 minutes to bring out juices.
Layer dessert: In a trifle bowl or individual glasses, start with a base of cookies, then pudding, banana slices, strawberries, and strawberry sauce. Repeat layers until vessel is nearly full.
Finish topping: Top with whipped cream or whipped topping. Garnish with fresh strawberries and crushed cookies for decoration.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; best if chilled for several hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
Serve: Scoop into bowls or spoon out each layered portion, ensuring some fruit, pudding, and cookie in every bite.

Servings And Timing

Servings: makes about 8–10 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes to overnight
Total Time: ~30 minutes active, plus chilling

Variations

Use chocolate or banana pudding mix for different flavor profiles
Substitute macerated berries—like raspberries or cherries—for strawberries
Layer in crumbled graham crackers or Oreo cookies for more crunch
Fold softened cream cheese into pudding for cheesecake-like richness
Make individual parfait jars for portion control and presentation
Use coconut or almond milk and dairy-free whipped topping for vegan version
Add granola or nut topping just before serving for texture contrast
Swirl in lightly mashed bananas into pudding for extra banana flavor
Top with shaved chocolate or toasted coconut for garnish
Add a drizzle of fruit syrup or caramel for extra sweetness

Storage/Reheating

Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days
Cookies soften over time—best when consumed within 1–2 days
Stir gently before serving to redistribute juices
Not meant to be reheated—serve cold or chilled

Strawberry Banana Pudding

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead?

Absolutely—assemble it in advance and chill for a few hours or overnight to let flavors meld.

Will the bananas discolor?

To slow browning, toss banana slices in a little lemon juice before layering, and cover pudding well.

Can I skip the cookies?

Yes—omit cookies and serve as a creamy fruit pudding, or use granola/crushed nuts for crunch.

Is strawberry sauce necessary?

It’s optional but enhances the bright flavor and moistens layers—especially nice with fresh strawberries.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes—use plant-based milk, vegan pudding mix, vegan whipped topping, and cookies.

What pudding mix works best?

Instant vanilla or banana-flavored pudding mixes are easiest and yield thick, creamy results.

Can I swap strawberries for other fruit?

Certainly—blueberries, raspberries, or peaches work well too.

How do I prevent cookies from getting soggy?

Layer cookies between thicker pudding and fruit layers and eat shortly after chilling for best texture.

Can I add cream cheese?

Yes—blend softened cream cheese with pudding for a creamier, cheesecake-like texture.

How should I serve it?

Use a glass trifle dish or small jars layered for pretty presentation; offer whipped cream on top.

Conclusion

Strawberry Banana Pudding is an elegant yet comforting dessert that celebrates the classic combination of fresh fruit, creamy pudding, and crunchy cookies in beautiful layered form. Easy to customize and perfect served chilled, it’s a delightful treat for gatherings, potlucks, or simply indulging in fruity nostalgia with each spoonful.