Introduction

Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream is a delightful no-bake dessert that combines creamy vanilla pudding with fresh fruit and crunchy wafers. This layered treat is perfect for gatherings or a sweet family snack, offering a refreshing and indulgent flavor that everyone will love.

The image shows a close-up of a dessert with multiple layers in a clear glass dish. The bottom layer is crumbly and beige, likely crushed nuts or cookies. Above this is a thick creamy layer with visible chunks of strawberries and bananas mixed in. The next layer is a vibrant red strawberry sauce with whole strawberries embedded inside. On top is a thick dollop of creamy white filling, generously covered with banana slices, strawberries, and small round beige cookies scattered across. A woman's hand is holding the dish slightly from the side. The background features a white marbled texture surface, adding brightness. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 boxes Vanilla Wafers
6 to 8 bananas, sliced
2 cups milk
1 container strawberries, sliced
1 (5 oz.) box French Vanilla pudding mix
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 oz.) container whipped topping

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Add the French Vanilla pudding mix and milk to the bowl and stir until the mixture is well combined.
Step 3: In a large serving dish, start by layering vanilla wafers evenly across the bottom.
Step 4: Add a layer of sliced bananas and strawberries on top of the wafers.
Step 5: Pour half of the pudding mixture evenly over the fruit and wafers.
Step 6: Repeat the layers with the remaining wafers, bananas, strawberries, and pudding mixture, finishing with pudding on top.
Step 7: Spread the whipped topping over the final layer to cover completely.
Step 8: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften.

Tips & Variations

Use slightly underripe bananas to prevent browning and keep the pudding fresh-looking longer.
For extra crunch, reserve some vanilla wafers to crush and sprinkle on top just before serving.
Try swapping strawberries with fresh blueberries or raspberries for a different berry flavor.

Storage

Store the pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, consume within 24-48 hours, as the wafers will continue to soften over time. Leftovers can be stirred gently before serving if layers separate. No reheating is needed since this is a chilled dessert.

How to Serve

A close-up of a dessert bowl shows three main layers: the bottom layer appears to be creamy vanilla pudding with a smooth texture and pale yellow color; on top are fresh banana slices that are light yellow with soft textures, arranged in a mound; scattered around and on top of the bananas are bright red raspberries and small pieces of light brown crunchy cookie. A spoon is pouring a thick, shiny cream sauce over the bananas, adding gloss and richness to the dish. The bowl is clear glass, and the surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this pudding ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert actually benefits from being made ahead and chilled for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften perfectly.

Can I use fresh fruit only?

Definitely! Fresh bananas and strawberries are ideal. Just slice them right before assembling to keep them from browning and losing freshness.

Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 685 reviews

A luscious and creamy Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream featuring layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and strawberries, all enveloped in a rich French vanilla pudding mixture with cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk, topped with fluffy whipped topping. This no-bake dessert is perfect for a refreshing treat or special occasion.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8 to 10 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit

6 to 8 bananas, sliced
1 container strawberries, washed and sliced

Base

2 boxes vanilla wafers

Pudding Mixture

1 (5 oz.) box French vanilla pudding mix
2 cups milk
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

Topping

1 (12 oz.) container whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)

Instructions

Prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
Add pudding and milk: Stir in the French vanilla pudding mix and the 2 cups of milk into the cream cheese blend, mixing thoroughly until the pudding is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
Layer wafers and fruit: In a large serving dish or trifle bowl, create the first layer by evenly spreading vanilla wafers on the bottom, followed by a layer of sliced bananas and strawberries to cover the wafers.
Pour pudding mixture: Pour half of the prepared pudding mixture evenly over the fruit and wafer layer, allowing it to soak slightly.
Repeat layering: Repeat the layering process with the remaining vanilla wafers, bananas, and strawberries, then pour the remaining pudding mixture on top to finish the layers.
Add whipped topping and chill: Evenly spread the whipped topping over the final pudding layer to create a light and airy finish. Cover the dish and refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow it to set and flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

For best results, use ripe but firm bananas to prevent mushiness in the pudding.
You can substitute fresh whipped cream for the whipped topping if desired.
Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, but overnight chilling enhances flavor and texture.
This dessert is best served cold and is not suitable for freezing.
To add a nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between layers if preferred.

Keywords: strawberry banana pudding, no-bake dessert, layered pudding dessert, vanilla wafer pudding, creamy fruit dessert