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Strawberry Banana Pudding: A Sweet, Refreshing Classic

If there’s one dessert that effortlessly brings a smile to anyone’s face, it’s strawberry banana pudding. Imagine the sweetness of ripe strawberries and bananas coming together with a creamy, indulgent pudding filling. The addition of a crunchy vanilla wafer cookie layer elevates this dish into something truly special. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering, a dinner party, or just as a midweek treat, this strawberry banana pudding will quickly become a go-to recipe. The best part? It only takes 10 minutes to prepare! No cooking required, just a few simple ingredients and a dash of creativity.

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Strawberry Banana Pudding: A Sweet, Refreshing Classic

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This Strawberry Banana Pudding is the dessert of your dreams! 🍓🍌 Packed with the sweetness of ripe strawberries and bananas, and topped with velvety pudding, it’s the perfect blend of fruity and creamy flavors. 🍮✨ A timeless classic made even better with fresh fruit, this treat is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Ready to enjoy a spoonful of happiness? 😍 #StrawberryBanana #ClassicPudding #FruityDelight #SweetAndCreamy #PuddingLovers #DessertGoals #TropicalTwist #EasyDesserts #FreshFruitFix #DessertTime 🍓🍌

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt – The Greek yogurt adds a creamy texture and a bit of tanginess to balance the sweetness of the pudding.
  • 1½ cups milk – This helps to thin out the pudding mix and creates a smooth consistency.
  • 3.4 oz. vanilla pudding mix (sugar-free or regular) – This is the star of the dessert, bringing that classic vanilla flavor and thickening the mixture. You can opt for a sugar-free version for a lighter choice.
  • 1½ cup whipped topping – You can use Cool Whip or Tru Whip, both of which are available in regular or sugar-free versions.
  • 4 bananas, sliced – Bananas are a must in any banana pudding, offering sweetness and a creamy texture when layered in.
  • 16 oz. strawberries, sliced – Fresh strawberries bring a burst of color and a juicy, tart flavor that pairs perfectly with the bananas.
  • ¼ cup vanilla wafer cookies, crushed – These cookies add that signature crunch to the pudding, giving the dessert its classic texture.
  • Extra cookies or whipped topping for topping – This is optional but adds an extra bit of flair when serving.

Instructions

1. Prepare the pudding mix:

  • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt, 1½ cups of milk, and the 3.4 oz. vanilla pudding mix. Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth.
  • Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, or as instructed on the pudding package. This will allow it to thicken to the right consistency. If the pudding becomes too thick, you can add a bit more milk to adjust the texture.

2. Fold in the whipped topping:

  • Once your pudding mix is ready, gently fold in the 1½ cups of whipped topping. Stir it until the pudding and whipped topping are fully incorporated. This step ensures a light, airy texture.

3. Layer the pudding:

  • Choose a large, transparent dish or trifle bowl for layering the pudding. The clear sides of the dish will showcase the beautiful layers of pudding, bananas, and strawberries.
  • Start by scooping a layer of the creamy pudding mixture at the bottom of the dish. Then, add a layer of sliced bananas, followed by a layer of sliced strawberries.
  • Continue alternating layers of pudding, bananas, and strawberries until the dish is full. The key here is to make each layer even, so each bite is filled with the perfect combination of flavors.

4. Top it off:

  • To finish, sprinkle the crushed vanilla wafer cookies on top of the pudding for a delightful crunch.
  • You can also add a dollop of whipped topping for an extra creamy finish or decorate with more fresh strawberries for a fresh, vibrant look.

Notes

  • Pudding Consistency: If the pudding becomes too thick, add more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
  • Prepping in Advance: If you plan on making this ahead of time, it’s a good idea to assemble the pudding and whipped topping separately. When layering the pudding, alternate between layers of pudding and whipped topping. This will keep the pudding from becoming too set and ensure that the layers remain distinct.
  • Banana Preparation: Bananas can brown quickly, so it’s best to slice them right before you layer them into the pudding. If you’re making this ahead of time, you can drizzle the bananas with a little bit of lemon juice to prevent browning.
  • Cookie Crunch: The vanilla wafer cookies can soften when they sit in the pudding for a while, so if you want an extra crunchy texture, wait until just before serving to add the cookies on top.
  • Substitute Ideas: Feel free to swap in other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for a twist on this classic recipe. You could even try different types of cookies, such as shortbread or graham crackers, for a different flavor profile.
  • Author: Rosa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

As a beginner cook, you might be intimidated by the idea of making a pudding from scratch, but fear not! This recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly. The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity—no complicated steps, just fresh ingredients and a little bit of time. Plus, it’s a healthier take on traditional banana pudding, with Greek yogurt and whipped topping that add a light, creamy texture without being overly rich. You get the sweet satisfaction of indulging without the guilt.


Ingredients and Preparation

For this strawberry banana pudding, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt – The Greek yogurt adds a creamy texture and a bit of tanginess to balance the sweetness of the pudding.
  • 1½ cups milk – This helps to thin out the pudding mix and creates a smooth consistency.
  • 3.4 oz. vanilla pudding mix (sugar-free or regular) – This is the star of the dessert, bringing that classic vanilla flavor and thickening the mixture. You can opt for a sugar-free version for a lighter choice.
  • 1½ cup whipped topping – You can use Cool Whip or Tru Whip, both of which are available in regular or sugar-free versions.
  • 4 bananas, sliced – Bananas are a must in any banana pudding, offering sweetness and a creamy texture when layered in.
  • 16 oz. strawberries, sliced – Fresh strawberries bring a burst of color and a juicy, tart flavor that pairs perfectly with the bananas.
  • ¼ cup vanilla wafer cookies, crushed – These cookies add that signature crunch to the pudding, giving the dessert its classic texture.
  • Extra cookies or whipped topping for topping – This is optional but adds an extra bit of flair when serving.

Alternative Ingredients:

  • If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, you can substitute it with regular yogurt or even sour cream for a tangy twist.
  • Instead of vanilla pudding mix, you can try other flavors like butterscotch or chocolate for a fun variation.
  • If you prefer homemade whipped cream, you can easily substitute the store-bought whipped topping with your own.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making strawberry banana pudding is as easy as 1-2-3. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dessert ready in no time!

1. Prepare the pudding mix:

  • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt, 1½ cups of milk, and the 3.4 oz. vanilla pudding mix. Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth.
  • Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, or as instructed on the pudding package. This will allow it to thicken to the right consistency. If the pudding becomes too thick, you can add a bit more milk to adjust the texture.

2. Fold in the whipped topping:

  • Once your pudding mix is ready, gently fold in the 1½ cups of whipped topping. Stir it until the pudding and whipped topping are fully incorporated. This step ensures a light, airy texture.

3. Layer the pudding:

  • Choose a large, transparent dish or trifle bowl for layering the pudding. The clear sides of the dish will showcase the beautiful layers of pudding, bananas, and strawberries.
  • Start by scooping a layer of the creamy pudding mixture at the bottom of the dish. Then, add a layer of sliced bananas, followed by a layer of sliced strawberries.
  • Continue alternating layers of pudding, bananas, and strawberries until the dish is full. The key here is to make each layer even, so each bite is filled with the perfect combination of flavors.

4. Top it off:

  • To finish, sprinkle the crushed vanilla wafer cookies on top of the pudding for a delightful crunch.
  • You can also add a dollop of whipped topping for an extra creamy finish or decorate with more fresh strawberries for a fresh, vibrant look.

Beginner Tips and Notes

  • Pudding Consistency: If the pudding becomes too thick, add more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
  • Prepping in Advance: If you plan on making this ahead of time, it’s a good idea to assemble the pudding and whipped topping separately. When layering the pudding, alternate between layers of pudding and whipped topping. This will keep the pudding from becoming too set and ensure that the layers remain distinct.
  • Banana Preparation: Bananas can brown quickly, so it’s best to slice them right before you layer them into the pudding. If you’re making this ahead of time, you can drizzle the bananas with a little bit of lemon juice to prevent browning.
  • Cookie Crunch: The vanilla wafer cookies can soften when they sit in the pudding for a while, so if you want an extra crunchy texture, wait until just before serving to add the cookies on top.
  • Substitute Ideas: Feel free to swap in other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for a twist on this classic recipe. You could even try different types of cookies, such as shortbread or graham crackers, for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Strawberry banana pudding is a versatile dessert that can be paired with many dishes. Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

  • Light Savory Dishes: Serve this sweet dessert alongside a savory meal like grilled chicken or a fresh salad. The light, creamy texture of the pudding will balance out the richness of a main course.
  • BBQ Feasts: This dessert pairs wonderfully with barbecue dishes like grilled chicken, burgers, or smoked ribs. The sweetness of the pudding complements the smoky, savory flavors of grilled meats.
  • Brunch or Potluck: If you’re bringing this pudding to a brunch or potluck, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. It’s easy to make in large quantities and will satisfy a crowd.

Storage Tips:

  • If you have leftovers, cover the pudding tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The pudding will keep its flavor and texture for a little while, but it’s best enjoyed within the first 24 hours for the freshest taste.
  • If you need to store the pudding longer, you can freeze it, though the texture may change slightly once thawed.

Engagement Features

This strawberry banana pudding is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just a casual family dinner. We’d love to hear how your version turned out! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know if you tried any variations or substitutions. Your feedback and creativity can inspire other home cooks to try their own twists on this classic dessert.

Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family—after all, good food is meant to be shared! Happy cooking, and enjoy every sweet bite of this delicious strawberry banana pudding!

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