A Sweet Slice of History
Banana pudding has been a beloved Southern dessert since the late 19th century, originally made with custard and vanilla wafers. The addition of strawberries gave this classic treat a fruity twist in the mid-20th century, bringing a burst of color and fresh flavor. Combining bananas, strawberries, creamy pudding, and whipped topping creates a modern favorite perfect for summer gatherings and holidays.
Strawberry Banana Pudding – Easy & Delicious Homemade Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
This Strawberry Banana Pudding is a creamy, fruity, and utterly irresistible dessert! Perfect for spring and summer picnics, this layered treat combines ripe bananas, juicy strawberries, and silky vanilla pudding with fluffy whipped cream and crisp vanilla wafers. It’s easy to assemble, looks stunning in a glass dish, and is sure to steal the spotlight at any family dinner, BBQ, or potluck.
Ingredients
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2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
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4 cups cold milk
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1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
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1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
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1 box vanilla wafers
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4 ripe bananas, sliced
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2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
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1 cup strawberry pie filling or glaze (optional)
Instructions
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In a large bowl, whisk pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened.
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Stir in sweetened condensed milk until well combined.
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Fold in half of the whipped topping.
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In a glass trifle dish, layer vanilla wafers, pudding mixture, bananas, and strawberries.
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Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with fruit and a dollop of whipped topping.
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Drizzle with strawberry glaze if desired.
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Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
Substitute vanilla pudding with banana cream for extra flavor.
For added texture, use crushed vanilla wafers between layers.
Best served cold and within 2 days for optimal freshness.
FAQ
1. Can I make this pudding the day before?
Yes! It’s even better when chilled overnight. Just cover tightly and refrigerate. Add fresh banana slices right before serving to keep them from browning.
2. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Absolutely! Whip 1½ cups of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla until stiff peaks form. It gives a richer, homemade flavor.
3. What’s the best dish to use for this recipe?
A clear trifle dish or 9×13-inch glass pan works perfectly, letting you show off the beautiful layers of fruit, pudding, and cookies.
