If you’re searching for a showstopping dessert that’s as nostalgic as it is refreshingly fruity, you’re in the right place. This Strawberry Banana Pudding is the ultimate crowd-pleaser — a creamy, dreamy dessert with cloud-like layers of instant vanilla pudding, juicy sliced strawberries, sweet bananas, and deliciously crunchy vanilla wafers. Whether you’re making it for a family picnic, potluck, or just a sweet treat at home, this is a recipe you’ll keep coming back to for both its flavor and simplicity. Enjoy a classic, but with a strawberry twist!

Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All it takes are a few simple staples to master this unforgettable Strawberry Banana Pudding. Each ingredient in this recipe is chosen to build irresistible layers of flavor, creaminess, and a gorgeous pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need — and why:

Milk: The base of the pudding, keeping it silky smooth and full-bodied.
Plain Greek Yogurt: Adds a pleasant tang and extra creaminess to the pudding mixture, balancing the sweetness.
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: The backbone of the dessert! Quick to prepare and perfectly flavored, it brings everything together.
Whipped Topping (Tru Whip or Cool Whip): Folds in airy lightness, making the pudding irresistibly fluffy.
Strawberries: Fresh slices lend juicy bursts of color and a tart-sweet flavor.
Bananas: Their creamy, sweet slices are a classic pairing, weaving through every spoonful.
Vanilla Wafer Cookies (crushed): For that signature crunch and a touch of nostalgia.
Extra Whipped Topping or Cookies (for topping): Optional, but highly recommended for that inviting, finished look!

How to Make Strawberry Banana Pudding

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Pudding Base

In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, Greek yogurt, and instant vanilla pudding mix until the mixture is perfectly smooth and thickening. Let it rest for about five minutes — or follow the pudding package directions — so it sets up into that dreamy consistency that makes this dessert shine.

Step 2: Gently Fold in Whipped Topping

Once your pudding has set, it’s time to give it a lift! Gently mix in the whipped topping, using a spatula to fold it through the pudding until you don’t see any streaks. This step turns the filling lusciously airy, almost cloud-like.

Step 3: Layer in the Goodness

Grab your favorite glass bowl or trifle dish and get ready for some fun (and maybe a little kitchen artistry). Start by spreading a thick layer of the pudding mixture on the bottom. Next, scatter a layer of sliced strawberries and bananas on top. Repeat these layers—pudding, strawberries, bananas—until your bowl is brimming and the fruit and pudding run out.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Now for the grand finale: sprinkle the crushed vanilla wafer cookies liberally over the top and add an extra swoosh of whipped topping if you like! Chill the pudding in the fridge until you’re ready to serve, letting all those flavors mingle together. That’s it—your Strawberry Banana Pudding masterpiece is ready to wow!

How to Serve Strawberry Banana Pudding

Garnishes

Give your finished pudding a flourish of extra whipped topping, a sprinkle of vanilla wafer crumbles, and a few fresh strawberry and banana slices right on top. This not only looks utterly irresistible but adds a little something special to every single bite. Don’t be shy — let it look as playful or polished as you like!

Side Dishes

Strawberry Banana Pudding is perfect on its own, but if you’re planning a larger dessert spread, consider offering light sides like a citrus fruit salad, or serve with crisp butter cookies to complement its creaminess. It also pairs beautifully with coffee or a glass of cold milk for that classic comfort-food feel.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, spoon individual servings into mason jars or parfait glasses for an adorable grab-and-go treat. For a party, use miniature trifle bowls or clear cups so everyone gets a glimpse of those beautiful, fruity layers. However you serve it, this Strawberry Banana Pudding is bound to stand out on any dessert table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Strawberry Banana Pudding keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days. To store, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap, or transfer individual servings to airtight containers. The pudding may soften the cookies over time, but that only deepens the flavor—think cakey, creamy bliss!

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for Strawberry Banana Pudding, as the texture of both the pudding and the fresh fruit will change after thawing. The bananas, especially, can become mushy, and the pudding may separate, losing that signature creamy appeal. If you need to prep ahead, it’s best to assemble the pudding one day before serving and refrigerate.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this dessert—it’s best enjoyed chilled, right from the fridge! If you’d like to refresh the top before serving leftovers, simply add another dollop of whipped topping and a few fresh fruit slices to brighten it up.

FAQs

Can I make Strawberry Banana Pudding ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the pudding up to one day before serving and store it covered in the refrigerator. Waiting allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and you’ll have a luscious dessert ready when you need it.

Is there a way to make this dessert lighter?

Definitely. You can substitute sugar free pudding mix, light whipped topping, and skim or low-fat milk to cut down on calories. Greek yogurt adds creamy richness without a lot of fat, so the dessert still feels indulgent.

What can I use instead of vanilla wafer cookies?

If you don’t have vanilla wafers, try graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or even ladyfingers. Each option will bring a slightly different texture and taste, but all work beautifully layered in this pudding.

Can I use frozen berries?

While fresh strawberries yield the best texture and color, you can use frozen strawberries if needed. Just be sure to thaw and thoroughly drain them to avoid excess moisture, which can make the pudding watery.

How do I keep the bananas from turning brown?

You can lightly toss your banana slices in a bit of lemon juice before layering. This not only helps maintain their bright color but adds a pleasant hint of citrus to your Strawberry Banana Pudding.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something comforting, cheerful, and bursting with flavor, you simply have to try this Strawberry Banana Pudding. Each layer is a celebration of silky, fruity, nostalgic goodness. Share it at your next picnic or treat yourself on a quiet night in—you’ll be surprised just how quickly it disappears!