Strawberry Banana Pudding Dessert

 Strawberry Banana Pudding Dessert

A Creamy, Fruity No-Bake Delight Everyone Will Crave

If you're searching for a dessert that’s rich in nostalgia, bursting with fresh flavor, and effortlessly easy to prepare, look no further than this Strawberry Banana Pudding Dessert. This irresistible twist on the beloved Southern classic combines the comfort of creamy vanilla pudding with the vibrant sweetness of strawberries and bananas, layered between crisp Nilla wafers and fluffy whipped topping.

Perfect for summer BBQs, holiday potlucks, or a weeknight treat, this no-bake dessert delivers both comfort and freshness in every spoonful. The best part? It comes together in just 15 minutes of prep and needs only a few pantry and fridge staples.

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🛒 Ingredients & Their Purpose

Understanding each ingredient’s role helps you master this recipe with confidence.

For the Pudding Layer:

2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix

This is the creamy, flavorful base that gives the dessert its classic banana pudding richness without the need for stovetop cooking.

4 cups cold whole milk

Cold milk helps the pudding set quickly and become thick and luscious. Whole milk adds extra creaminess.

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

Folds into the pudding for a light, airy texture that balances the density of the wafers and fruit.

For the Layers:

1 box Nilla Wafers (or vanilla wafer cookies)

These add crunch and classic banana pudding flavor. They soften over time to create cake-like layers.

3–4 ripe bananas, sliced

Provides natural sweetness and creamy texture. Ripe bananas add depth of flavor without overpowering.

1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

Adds a tart-sweet freshness that cuts through the richness and enhances the overall fruitiness.

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Strawberry Banana Pudding Dessert

Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Pudding Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until smooth and thickened. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes to fully set.

Step 2: Fold in the Whipped Topping

Using a spatula, gently fold the whipped topping into the pudding until fully combined. The result should be smooth, fluffy, and spoonable.

Step 3: Layer the Dessert

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, begin layering the ingredients:

1. Base Layer: Start with a single layer of Nilla wafers on the bottom of the dish.

2. Fruit Layer: Add a layer of sliced bananas and strawberries, alternating for even distribution.

3. Pudding Layer: Spoon a generous layer of the pudding mixture over the fruit and wafers, smoothing it out with a spatula.

Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a pudding layer on top. Garnish with extra fruit and wafers if desired.

Step 4: Chill

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

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❤️ Why Everyone Loves This Strawberry Banana Pudding Dessert

No-bake convenience — Minimal effort with maximum reward.

Fruity freshness — Strawberries add a juicy, tangy contrast to sweet bananas.

Make-ahead magic — Perfect for prepping in advance for stress-free entertaining.

Kid-friendly and crowd-approved — A universally loved flavor combination.

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💡 Pro Tips for the Perfect Dessert

Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture, but avoid overripe ones that may become mushy.

Layer strategically — Slice bananas just before layering to prevent browning.

Whipped topping tip — Let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours before folding in, never microwave.

For extra richness, add a layer of sweetened cream cheese mixed with powdered sugar before the pudding layer.

Make it pretty — Add a final layer of strawberries and crushed wafers on top for visual appeal and extra crunch.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for a decadent touch.

Pair with iced coffee or sweet tea for a complete Southern-style dessert experience.

Want to elevate it for guests? Spoon into individual cups or mason jars for easy serving and presentation.

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📝 Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Banana Pudding Dessert is a must-make recipe that captures the heart of a classic Southern treat while adding a vibrant, fruity flair. With its creamy texture, fresh fruit layers, and buttery wafers, it's the kind of dessert that gets better by the spoonful — and even better the next day.

Simple, no-bake, and completely crave-worthy, this dish will quickly become your go-to dessert for every occasion. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this pudding is proof that easy desserts can still taste extraordinary.

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Ready to wow your friends and family?

Make this Strawberry Banana Pudding Dessert once, and you'll be making it again and again.

📌 Pin it, share it, and don’t forget to print it — this is one recipe you’ll want to keep 

forever.

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Looking for more no-bake dessert ideas? Let me know and I’ll send you a curated list of the best crowd-pleasers.