why make this recipe
This dessert mixes sweet bananas, fresh strawberries, and creamy pudding. It tastes fresh and rich. You can make it for family meals, potlucks, or a quick sweet treat. It needs simple steps and no baking.
introduction
Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream is a layered, chilled dessert. It uses vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, strawberries, a creamy pudding mix, cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and whipped topping. You make layers and chill the dish so flavors come together. It is soft, sweet, and easy to share.
how to make Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
- Soften the cream cheese and stir it with the sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
- Add the French Vanilla pudding mix and milk. Stir until you have a smooth pudding mixture.
- In a large serving dish, make a layer of vanilla wafers. Add a layer of sliced bananas and strawberries on top of the wafers.
- Pour half of the pudding mixture over the fruit and wafers. Spread it evenly.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining wafers, bananas, strawberries, and pudding mixture. Finish with the pudding mixture on top.
- Spread the whipped topping over the final layer.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Ingredients :
- 2 boxes Vanilla Wafers
- 6 to 8 bananas, sliced
- 2 cups milk
- 1 container strawberries
- 1 (5 oz.) box French Vanilla pudding
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 oz.) container whipped topping
Directions :
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
- Add the French Vanilla pudding and milk to the mixture and stir until well combined.
- In a large serving dish, layer the vanilla wafers, followed by a layer of sliced bananas and strawberries.
- Pour half of the pudding mixture over the fruit and wafers.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, finishing with the pudding mixture on top.
- Spread the whipped topping over the final layer and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
how to serve Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
Serve chilled. Cut or scoop into bowls. Add an extra fresh strawberry or a few wafer crumbs on top for a simple garnish. Serve within a few hours after removing from the fridge for best texture.
how to store Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and keep in the refrigerator. Eat within 2–3 days for best freshness. The bananas may brown over time, so use soon.
tips to make Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
- Use ripe but firm bananas to avoid soggy slices.
- Slice fruit just before assembling to keep it fresh.
- Chill at least 4 hours so layers set well.
- If you want firmer layers, use chilled pudding mixture.
- Stir the cream cheese well to remove lumps before adding pudding.
variation (if any)
- Swap strawberries for raspberries or mixed berries.
- Use chocolate or banana pudding instead of French vanilla for a different taste.
- Add chopped nuts between layers for crunch.
- Make mini cups instead of one large dish for single servings.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this a day ahead?
A: Yes. Make it a day before and keep it covered in the fridge. Serve within 2–3 days.
Q: Can I use instant pudding mix?
A: Yes. The recipe calls for a French Vanilla pudding box, which is usually instant. Follow package directions if needed.
Q: Can I freeze this dessert?
A: Freezing changes texture. It may become watery when thawed. It is best kept in the fridge.
Q: Can I use whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
A: Yes. Stabilized whipped cream works best. Regular whipped cream may lose shape after time.
Q: How do I stop bananas from browning?
A: Slice them just before assembling and cover well. You can toss slices in a little lemon juice to slow browning.
Conclusion
For a classic layered take on this dessert, see My Favorite Southern Strawberry Banana Pudding | Orchids + Sweet … for a Southern-style version. If you like parfaits, try ideas from Strawberry Banana Pudding Parfait | I Heart Recipes. For a bar form of banana pudding, check Banana Pudding Dream Bars – 365 Days of Baking. For a health-conscious take, look at Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream Recipe. For another simple strawberry dessert idea, see Strawberry Dream Dessert Recipe – Sweet and Savory Meals.
Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
Ingredients
Dessert Base
- 2 boxes Vanilla Wafers
- 6 to 8 pieces bananas, sliced Use ripe but firm bananas.
- 1 container strawberries Slice fresh strawberries before use.
Pudding Mixture
- 1 (5 oz.) box French Vanilla pudding Instant pudding mix recommended.
- 2 cups milk
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese Soften before mixing.
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 oz.) container whipped topping Can substitute with stabilized whipped cream.
Instructions
Preparation
- Soften the cream cheese and stir it with the sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
- Add the French Vanilla pudding mix and milk. Stir until you have a smooth pudding mixture.
Layering
- In a large serving dish, make a layer of vanilla wafers.
- Add a layer of sliced bananas and strawberries on top of the wafers.
- Pour half of the pudding mixture over the fruit and wafers, spreading it evenly.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining wafers, bananas, strawberries, and pudding mixture. Finish with the pudding mixture on top.
- Spread the whipped topping over the final layer.
Chilling
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.