Strawberry Banana Pudding is a dreamy, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings and sweet cravings. Creamy pudding layers meet fresh fruit and classic cookies in every bite.
With just 20 minutes of prep, this chilled treat brings together familiar flavors in a nostalgic parfait style. It’s light, refreshing, and irresistibly easy to love.
A Sweet Stack of Goodness: Key Ingredients in Strawberry Banana Pudding
- Bananas – Soft and naturally sweet, they add creamy texture and tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with vanilla pudding.
- Strawberries – Juicy and tart, these fresh slices brighten every layer with vibrant color and fruity freshness.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix – The smooth, velvety base that ties it all together with rich vanilla flavor and effortless prep.
- Cold Milk – Essential for activating the pudding mix into a luscious, spoonable consistency.
- Sour Cream – Adds a slight tang and richness, balancing the sweetness and making the pudding extra creamy.
- Whipped Topping – Light and fluffy, it brings an airy finish and blends seamlessly into the pudding layers.
- Vanilla Wafers – Softened between layers, they turn delightfully cake-like and add a nostalgic crunch to the dessert.
- Strawberry Wafer Cookies – A fun twist on the classic topping, these add extra crunch and strawberry flair for presentation.
How to Make This Fruit-Lover’s Dream Dessert
Start by whisking together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until thickened. Blend in sour cream and half of the whipped topping to create a fluffy, rich pudding base.
Layer vanilla wafers in the bottom of your dish, then spoon on pudding, followed by banana and strawberry slices. Repeat the layers to build height and visual appeal.
Finish with a generous layer of whipped topping and decorate with more fruit and strawberry wafers. Chill for at least two hours before serving to let the layers set and flavors meld.
Tips & Twists for the Perfect Pudding Parfait
For the best texture, use just-ripe bananas to avoid mushiness after chilling. Fresh strawberries add brightness, but you can swap in blueberries or raspberries for a berry medley version.
Want a more decadent twist? Mix in a little cream cheese with the sour cream for a cheesecake-like tang. For added crunch, sprinkle crushed nuts or granola between the layers.
Individual parfait cups are great for portion control and presentation. They’re also perfect for picnics or parties.
Keeping It Fresh: Storing Strawberry Banana Pudding
This pudding is best enjoyed within two days, as the bananas will begin to brown and the wafers soften further. Keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator.
Avoid freezing—it alters the texture of the fruit and pudding. For best results, assemble the pudding a few hours before serving, and add the final decorative toppings just before it hits the table.
Strawberry Banana Pudding
Ingredients
- 11 oz vanilla wafers
- 4-6 strawberry wafer cookies
- 2 cups cold milk
- 16 oz whipped topping e.g., Cool Whip
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 lb ripe strawberries sliced
- 4 medium bananas sliced
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk using a hand mixer set to medium speed for approximately two minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Incorporate the sour cream and 8 oz of the whipped topping into the thickened pudding, blending until fully integrated.
- Arrange a layer of vanilla wafers in the bottom of your serving dish.
- Spoon over a portion of the pudding mixture, then scatter sliced bananas and strawberries across the surface.
- Repeat these layers, alternating pudding, fruit, and wafers, until the dish is filled.
- Finish by spreading the remaining 8 oz of whipped topping across the top.
- Adorn the surface with strawberry wafer cookies, additional sliced bananas, and fresh strawberries.
- Refrigerate for no less than two hours before serving chilled.
