Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of homemade pudding. But when you combine the sweet, fruity burst of strawberries and bananas with creamy, velvety pudding, you’ve got a dessert that’s pure bliss. Whether you’re looking to treat your family, impress guests, or indulge in something sweet after a long day, this Strawberry Banana Pudding recipe has got your back. Trust me, this one’s a total crowd-pleaser! It’s like a tropical escape in every bite, layered with rich flavors that will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds!).

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Banana Pudding

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

• Versatile: Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy indoor nights. This pudding is a great option when you want something sweet but don’t have a ton of time to prepare.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with ingredients you likely already have at home. No need for anything fancy here—just fresh fruit, a few pantry staples, and a little bit of love.
• Quick and Easy: You’ll be able to whip this up in no time! It’s simple to prepare and requires minimal effort, making it ideal for even beginners in the kitchen.
• Customizable: You can easily switch up the fruit (hello, blueberries or mango!) or play with the textures. Want a thicker pudding? Add more cornstarch. Prefer it creamier? Throw in a little more whipped cream.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone from kids to adults will enjoy this dessert. It’s got the perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and fruity freshness.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this deliciously indulgent dessert:

Bananas: The naturally sweet, creamy fruit that adds richness and depth. Sliced and layered between the pudding, bananas bring a smooth texture and a pop of tropical flavor.

Strawberries: Fresh, juicy, and bursting with sweetness. Strawberries bring a delightful tartness that contrasts perfectly with the creamy pudding and the sweet bananas.

Vanilla Pudding Mix: This is the base of the pudding—rich, creamy, and full of vanilla flavor. If you’ve ever had the store-bought version, you know how comforting it is, but homemade takes it to a whole new level!

Milk: The liquid that makes the pudding creamy and smooth. Whole milk gives the best results, but you can also use a lighter option if you prefer.

Whipped Cream: Adds a light, airy texture to the dish, making it even more irresistible. Top the pudding with a dollop for that classic finishing touch.

Vanilla Extract: A few drops of vanilla add warmth and depth to the pudding’s flavor. It enhances the sweetness of the fruit and elevates the overall taste.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this sweet masterpiece:

Prepare the Pudding: Start by whisking together the vanilla pudding mix with the milk in a medium-sized bowl. Whisk it for a few minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency. This is where the magic happens.

Layer the Fruit: In a large serving dish or individual bowls, layer the sliced bananas and strawberries. You can arrange them neatly or let them fall where they may—it’s all about creating that luscious, fruity base.

Pour the Pudding: Gently pour the thickened pudding over the fruit, making sure it’s spread evenly. Don’t worry about perfection here; the beauty is in the layers, and they’ll all come together perfectly.

Top with Whipped Cream: Add a generous dollop of whipped cream on top of the pudding for that extra creamy finish. Feel free to add a little extra vanilla extract if you want a hint of vanilla flavor in the cream!

Chill: Pop the pudding into the fridge for at least 2 hours, so it has time to set and get even creamier. While you’re waiting, you can relax and enjoy the anticipation!

Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, serve it up in bowls or cups, and dig in! Enjoy the rich, smooth texture with the bursts of fresh fruit. It’s like a little bit of heaven in every spoonful.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 280

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling)

How to Serve Strawberry Banana Pudding

This dessert is perfect for so many occasions. Here are a few ways you can serve it to make it even more delightful:

• With Extra Fruit: If you’re a fruit lover, top each serving with more fresh fruit—like extra strawberries, blueberries, or even kiwi slices.
• Crumbled Cookies or Biscuits: For a little crunch, crumble some cookies or graham crackers on top. It adds a fun texture contrast to the creamy pudding.
• On Its Own: Honestly, this pudding is so good on its own that it doesn’t need anything extra. But a sprig of mint or some shaved chocolate could really make it stand out for a special occasion.
• In Individual Portions: Make individual servings by layering the pudding in small mason jars or cups. It’s perfect for parties, and everyone gets their own little treat.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Make Ahead: This pudding actually tastes even better the next day! Make it the night before and let it sit in the fridge overnight to let all the flavors really blend.
• Use Ripe Bananas: Make sure your bananas are ripe—sweet, soft bananas will create the best texture in the pudding.
• Add a Crunchy Element: If you want a little extra texture, you can sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or pecans on top before serving.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a stir before serving to smooth it out.
• Double the Recipe: If you’re serving a crowd, don’t be afraid to double the recipe! This pudding is always a hit, and you’ll be glad you made extra.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute the vanilla pudding mix with a homemade version?
A1: Absolutely! If you prefer a homemade pudding base, you can make it from scratch using milk, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla. It’ll be just as delicious!

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, this pudding is a great make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it the day before and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a stir before serving to smooth it out.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: While the pudding itself can be frozen, the texture might change slightly once thawed. For the best results, it’s recommended to store it in the fridge instead.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Since this is a chilled dessert, it’s best enjoyed cold. However, if you want to warm up the pudding base, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes! This recipe is easy to scale up, and it’s perfect for large gatherings. Just be sure to use a bigger dish for the extra servings.

Q7: Can I use different fruits instead of bananas and strawberries?
A7: Absolutely! You can swap out the fruits for other favorites like mango, peaches, or blueberries. Get creative!

Q8: How can I make this dessert dairy-free?
A8: To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the milk with almond or coconut milk and use dairy-free whipped cream.

Q9: Can I add a layer of chocolate to the pudding?
A9: Yes! If you’re a chocolate fan, drizzle some melted chocolate or chocolate syrup between the layers for an extra indulgent treat.

Q10: How can I make this dessert more decadent?
A10: For a richer version, you can use heavy cream instead of milk and add a bit of cream cheese to the pudding mixture.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Banana Pudding is like a big, sweet hug for your taste buds. It’s creamy, dreamy, and just the right mix of indulgent and refreshing. Whether you’re making it for a party or enjoying it as a treat for yourself, it’s sure to bring smiles all around. So go ahead, give this recipe a try—it’s a dessert you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy!

Print