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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes