Strawberry Banana Pudding Dessert – A Classic No-Bake Favorite with a Fruity Twist

 🍓 Strawberry Banana Pudding Dessert – A Classic No-Bake Favorite with a Fruity Twist

If you're looking for a dessert that’s effortlessly impressive, irresistibly creamy, and bursting with fresh fruit flavor, this Strawberry Banana Pudding Dessert is your dream come true. It takes the nostalgic charm of traditional banana pudding and gives it a bright, summery upgrade with fresh strawberries. This no-bake dessert is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or weeknight indulgences, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal effort.

With layers of velvety vanilla pudding, pillowy whipped topping, sweet bananas, juicy strawberries, and the iconic crunch of Nilla wafers, each bite is a textural dream and a flavor-packed delight. It's the kind of dish that disappears fast—so be sure to grab your piece early!

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🛒 Ingredients & Their Purpose

Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dessert the comforting-yet-refreshing masterpiece that it is.

✅ Ingredients:

1 (5.1 oz) box of instant vanilla pudding mix

This creates the creamy, smooth base layer and brings that classic banana pudding flavor.

3 cups cold milk

Used to activate and thicken the instant pudding—cold milk is essential for setting properly.

1 (8 oz) tub of whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

Adds an airy, mousse-like texture when folded into the pudding.

4–5 ripe bananas, sliced

Provides natural sweetness and pairs beautifully with the vanilla pudding.

1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

Adds a refreshing tang and vibrant color that elevates the traditional banana pudding.

1 box (11 oz) Nilla wafers

These crunchy cookies soften slightly as they chill, adding a cake-like texture to the layered dessert.

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🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Chill Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Servings: 12–16 (depending on portion size)

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✅ Step 1 – Prepare the Vanilla Pudding

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens to a smooth consistency. Let it rest for 5 minutes to fully set.

> Pro Tip: Use a hand mixer on low speed for an ultra-smooth pudding base.

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✅ Step 2 – Fold in the Whipped Topping

Gently fold the whipped topping into the prepared pudding using a rubber spatula. Mix until well combined and the texture is light and fluffy.

> Pro Tip: Don’t overmix—gentle folding keeps the mixture airy and prevents deflation.

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✅ Step 3 – Layer the Dessert

In a 9×13-inch glass baking dish (or a large trifle bowl for a stunning presentation), start building your layers:

1. Nilla wafers: Line the bottom of the dish with a single layer.

2. Banana slices: Add a layer of freshly sliced bananas.

3. Strawberries: Scatter a layer of sliced strawberries over the bananas.

4. Pudding mixture: Spread a generous layer of the pudding mixture over the fruit.

5. Repeat layers: Continue layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with pudding on top.

6. Garnish: Arrange extra strawberry and banana slices on top for a polished look. Add crushed Nilla wafers or a dusting of graham cracker crumbs for texture.

> Pro Tip: Dip banana slices in lemon juice before layering to prevent browning during chilling.

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✅ Step 4 – Chill Before Serving

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight). This allows the Nilla wafers to soften slightly and the flavors to meld.

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💡 Why This Recipe is a Fan Favorite

No-bake and beginner-friendly – no oven, no stress!

Make-ahead perfection – it actually tastes better the next day.

Balanced textures – creamy, crunchy, soft, and juicy all in one bite.

Customizable – swap in other fruits like blueberries or raspberries.

A guaranteed crowd-pleaser – kids and adults alike love it.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This dessert pairs perfectly with:

Grilled summer meals like BBQ chicken or pulled pork

Brunch spreads alongside quiches or muffins

Hot coffee or iced tea for a delightful contrast

A scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence

> Serve it chilled for the best texture and flavor.

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🏁 Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Banana Pudding Dessert is the definition of easy elegance. It’s made with everyday ingredients, requires zero baking, and delivers a flavor payoff that’s out of this world. Whether you're feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a sweet moment, this dessert is comforting, colorful, and utterly crave-worthy.

Looking for a recipe that’s easy to make, easy to love, and impossible to forget? This is it.

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📌 Pin or Bookmark This Recipe

Don’t forget to save this Strawberry Banana Pudding Dessert—you’ll want to make it again and again.

👉 Try it today and 

taste why this fruity twist on a Southern classic is stealing the show at every gathering!

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