I have a rule for potlucks: I only bring dishes that I know will come home with an empty pan. This Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream is my undisputed champion. It disappears faster than anything else on the table! It's a "lush" style dessert, layers of vanilla wafers, cream cheese, pudding, and tons of fresh fruit, that creates a cool, creamy no-bake dessert lasagna that people literally line up for. If you want to be the most popular person at the BBQ, this is your ticket.
This no-bake strawberry banana pudding layers creamy vanilla pudding, fresh fruit, and soft vanilla wafers for an easy, crowd-pleasing summer dessert. Light, sweet, and ready in about 15 minutes, it’s a perfect make-ahead treat for any gathering.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
- Ingredients for Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
- How to Make Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
- My Top Tips for Perfect Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
- Little Moments in the Kitchen
- Substitutions for Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
- Variations on Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
- Equipment for Making Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
- Storage Tips for Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
- Adam's Tip for Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
- FAQ About Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
- Related
- Pairing
- recipe
Why You'll Love This Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
- No-bake and ridiculously easy. This dessert requires zero baking and comes together in about 15 minutes. Just layer, chill, and serve. It's perfect for hot summer days when you don't want to heat up the kitchen.
- Fresh, fruity, and nostalgic. The combination of strawberries and bananas with creamy vanilla pudding and vanilla wafers is the perfect balance of fresh and comforting. It tastes like childhood memories mixed with a modern twist.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd. This recipe makes a large trifle dish or 9x13-inch pan, serving 10 to 12 people. It's a crowd-pleasing dessert for potlucks and gatherings that looks impressive but requires minimal effort.
Ingredients for Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
This recipe is incredibly simple and uses ingredients you can find at any grocery store. The fresh fruit makes it feel special, but the ease of assembly keeps it stress-free.
What You'll Need
- 2 boxes (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold whole milk
- 1 container (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 box (11 ounces) vanilla wafer cookies
- 3 to 4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- Optional: Extra whipped topping and whole strawberries for garnish
Why These Ingredients Matter
Instant vanilla pudding is the base. It creates that creamy, smooth pudding layer that holds everything together. Using instant pudding means no cooking required, making this a true no-bake dessert.
Fresh bananas and strawberries add natural sweetness. The ripe fruit provides a fresh, juicy contrast to the creamy pudding and adds beautiful color to the layers.
Vanilla wafers soften into a cake-like texture. As the cookies absorb the pudding, they transform into a soft, cake-like layer that adds texture and that nostalgic banana pudding flavor.
How to Make Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
Step-by-Step Directions
- Prepare the pudding. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes, until the pudding thickens. Let it sit for 5 minutes to set fully.
- Fold in the whipped topping. Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the pudding until smooth and creamy. This makes the pudding light and airy.
- Prepare the fruit. Slice the bananas and strawberries. Set aside.
- Layer the dessert. In a large trifle dish or 9x13-inch baking dish, start with a layer of vanilla wafer cookies at the bottom. Top with a layer of sliced bananas, then a layer of sliced strawberries. Spread a generous layer of the pudding mixture over the fruit.
- Repeat the layers. Continue layering vanilla wafers, bananas, strawberries, and pudding until you've used all the ingredients. Aim for 2 to 3 full layers. End with a layer of pudding on top.
- Chill and set. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the cookies to soften.
- Garnish and serve. Before serving, top with extra whipped topping, a few whole strawberries, and crushed vanilla wafer cookies if desired. Scoop into bowls and enjoy!
Quick Tip: To keep bananas from turning brown, toss the sliced bananas in a little lemon juice or pineapple juice before layering. This adds a subtle tang and keeps the bananas looking fresh.
My Top Tips for Perfect Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
Use cold milk for instant pudding. Cold milk helps the pudding set faster and creates a thicker, creamier texture.
Don't skip the chill time. The dessert needs at least 4 hours to set properly. The cookies need time to soften and the flavors need time to come together.
Choose ripe but firm bananas. Overly ripe bananas can turn mushy and brown quickly. Look for bananas that are yellow with just a few brown spots.
Make it the night before. This dessert is even better the next day after everything has had time to meld together. It's a perfect make-ahead summer dessert.
Little Moments in the Kitchen
The first time I made this, Adam stood on his tiptoes to peer into the trifle dish as I layered the pudding and fruit. "Mom, this looks like a rainbow cake but with pudding," he said, mesmerized. When I told him he had to wait four hours for it to chill, he groaned dramatically. "Four hours? That's like a million years!"
When we finally served it that evening, he took one bite and said, "Okay, waiting a million years was totally worth it. Can we make this for my birthday?" Grandma Viola tried it and smiled. "This reminds me of the banana pudding my mama used to make, but better. The strawberries are a nice touch, honey."
If you love easy, no-bake desserts like this, you'll also want to try our Baileys Irish Cream Cheesecake. It's another showstopper.
Substitutions for Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
- Instant vanilla pudding: Swap with banana pudding mix or cheesecake pudding mix for a different flavor twist.
- Whipped topping: Use freshly whipped heavy cream sweetened with powdered sugar instead of Cool Whip for a more natural option.
- Vanilla wafers: Substitute with graham crackers, Nilla wafers, or shortbread cookies.
- Fresh strawberries: Use frozen strawberries (thawed and drained) if fresh aren't available, or swap with fresh raspberries or blueberries.
Variations on Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
- Strawberry Banana Pudding Cheesecake: Add 8 ounces of softened cream cheese to the pudding mixture and beat until smooth for a richer, cheesecake-style pudding that's perfect for desserts with few ingredients.
- Strawberry Banana Pudding Cups: Layer the pudding, fruit, and cookies in individual mason jars or parfait cups for a portable, single-serve version perfect for parties and summer food desserts.
- Healthy Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream: Use sugar-free instant pudding, light whipped topping, and replace vanilla wafers with whole grain graham crackers for a lighter version that's one of the best pudding desserts for healthy desserts for sweet tooth cravings.
- Old Fashioned Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream: Use homemade vanilla pudding instead of instant for a more traditional, from-scratch flavor that rivals the best banana cream recipes desserts.
- Strawberry Banana Pudding Pie: Press crushed vanilla wafers into a pie dish to form a crust, fill with the pudding and fruit mixture, and chill for a pie-style version that's perfect for good desserts for parties.
If you love fruity desserts, try our Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls. They're another fresh, delicious favorite.
Equipment for Making Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
- Large mixing bowl: For whisking together the pudding and folding in the whipped topping.
- Whisk: Essential for mixing the instant pudding until smooth and thick.
- Trifle dish or 9x13-inch baking dish: A clear trifle dish shows off the beautiful layers, but a 9x13-inch dish works perfectly too.
- Sharp knife: For slicing the bananas and strawberries.
- Plastic wrap: To cover the dish while it chills in the refrigerator.
Storage Tips for Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
- Refrigerator: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bananas may start to brown slightly after the first day, but the flavor will still be delicious.
- Freezer: This dessert doesn't freeze well due to the fresh fruit and whipped topping, which can become watery when thawed.
- Pro Tip: To keep bananas from turning brown, brush the sliced bananas with a little lemon juice or pineapple juice before layering. This adds a subtle tang and prevents browning.
- Make-ahead tip: Assemble the dessert the night before and let it chill overnight. The flavors meld together beautifully, and the cookies soften to the perfect texture.
For more delicious dessert inspiration, check out our Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies. They're a crowd favorite.
Adam's Tip for Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
"Mom says to use cold milk when you make the pudding or it won't get thick. I tried to help once with warm milk and it stayed runny. Cold milk is the secret!"
FAQ About Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
What keeps bananas from turning brown in banana pudding?
To keep bananas from turning brown, toss the sliced bananas in a little lemon juice, pineapple juice, or orange juice before layering them in the pudding. The acidity in the juice helps prevent oxidation and keeps the bananas looking fresh for longer.
What are the four ingredients in a banana pudding recipe?
A classic banana pudding recipe typically includes instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, vanilla wafer cookies, and bananas. Many recipes also add whipped topping or whipped cream for extra creaminess.
What kind of milk is best for banana pudding?
Whole milk is best for banana pudding because it creates the richest, creamiest pudding. However, you can use 2% milk or even almond milk if needed. Just note that lower-fat milks may result in a slightly thinner pudding.
What are the two ingredients in banana pudding?
The two most essential ingredients in banana pudding are instant vanilla pudding mix and milk. However, traditional banana pudding also includes vanilla wafer cookies and sliced bananas to make it complete.
For another easy, layered dessert, check out these Easy Strawberry Pudding Parfaits from Allrecipes. They're simple and delicious.
Conclusion
So, don't expect leftovers! I hope you enjoy the compliments just as much as the dessert itself. It's always a good feeling to wash an empty dish knowing you made the hit of the party.
If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out! And if you add any fun variations, I want to hear about it. For more delicious dessert inspiration, check out our Honey Cinnamon Dessert. Tag me on social media or leave a comment below. Happy cooking, and enjoy every creamy, dreamy, fruity bite!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream:
recipe
Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream (No-Bake Family Dessert)
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl :For preparing the pudding mixture
- 1 Whisk Helps pudding set smoothly
- 1 Trifle dish or 9x13-inch dish Clear dish shows beautiful layers
- 1 Sharp knife For slicing fruit
- 1 Measuring cups For milk
- 1 Plastic wrap For chilling
Ingredients
- 2 boxes Instant vanilla pudding mix 3.4 oz each
- 3 cups Whole milk Cold
- 1 container Whipped topping 8 oz thawed
- 1 box Vanilla wafer cookies 11 oz
- 3–4 Bananas Ripe-sliced
- 2 cups Strawberries Hulled and sliced
- Extra whipped topping Optional garnish
- Whole strawberries Optional garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk the [instant vanilla pudding mix] with the cold [whole milk] until thick and smooth. My daughter loves watching it magically thicken in just a couple minutes, it never gets old
- Gently fold in the [whipped topping] until the pudding becomes light and airy. This is my daughter’s favorite part, she calls it “cloud mixing.
- Slice the [bananas] and [strawberries]. If little hands are helping, I let my daughter handle the strawberries while I take care of the knife work
- Line the bottom of your dish with [vanilla wafer cookies], then add [bananas], [strawberries], and a generous layer of pudding. Watching the layers build is pure joy.
- Repeat the layers until everything is used up, finishing with a thick, creamy pudding layer on top
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. My daughter always asks if we can peek early, but trust me, the wait makes it even sweeter.
- Right before serving, top with [extra whipped topping] and [whole strawberries]. Then scoop, serve, and watch smiles spread around the table
Notes
- For banana browning, lightly brush slices with lemon juice before layering.
- For a lighter version, use sugar-free pudding and lite whipped topping.
- This dessert is even better the next day, the wafers soften into cake-like layers.
- Store tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days (if it lasts that long!).
- My daughter loves packing this into little jars for sleepovers, it makes her feel like a real pastry chef.
Leave a Reply