The Best Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe

Introduction

This strawberry banana pudding is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, combining creamy layers of vanilla and banana pudding with fresh fruit and crunchy cookies. It’s easy to make and perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat any time.

Ingredients

• 1 (3.4 ounce) box Vanilla pudding mix
• 1 (3.4 ounce) box Banana cream pudding mix
• 4 cups Milk (very cold, 2% or Whole milk)
• 8 ounces Cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1 (14 ounce) can Sweetened condensed milk
• 2 containers Cool whip (one for pudding, one for topping)
• 1 pack Chessman butter cookies
• 1 box Nilla wafers
• 2 Bananas (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup Strawberries (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup Strawberry glaze (optional but recommended)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the vanilla pudding mix and banana cream pudding mix. Pour in the very cold milk and use an electric mixer to blend until the mixture begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Step 2: Set the pudding aside. In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sweetened condensed milk on high speed until smooth and lump-free.
3. Step 3: Pour the cream cheese mixture into the pudding bowl and gently fold together with a spatula. Then fold in one container of Cool Whip carefully to keep the mixture fluffy.
4. Step 4: Start layering the pudding in a serving dish by spreading a portion of the pudding mixture on the bottom. Add a layer of Chessman butter cookies, then a layer of Nilla wafers, followed by sliced bananas and strawberries. If your dish is clear, arrange some strawberries along the edges for a pretty presentation.
5. Step 5: Drizzle strawberry glaze over the fruit layers, then add another layer of pudding mixture. Continue layering cookies, bananas, strawberries, and glaze until the dish is full or ingredients are used up.
6. Step 6: Finish with a final layer of pudding and spread the remaining Cool Whip on top evenly. Decorate with leftover strawberries, crushed Nilla wafers, and additional glaze if desired.
7. Step 7: Cover the dish lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or preferably overnight to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of rum or banana liqueur to the pudding mixture.
• Use fresh whipped cream instead of Cool Whip for a more natural texture.
• Try substituting the Chessman cookies and Nilla wafers with graham crackers or shortbread for a different crunch.
• If strawberry glaze isn’t available, a simple drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar works well.

Storage

Store the pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Refrain from freezing, as the texture can change. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes for the best taste and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this pudding ahead of time?

Yes, it’s best to prepare the pudding a few hours or even the night before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cookies to soften slightly.

What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese?

You can substitute with mascarpone or full-fat ricotta for a similarly creamy texture, though the flavor will be slightly different.

The Best Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe

---

★★★★★

5 from 92 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling time, preferably overnight)
• Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Best Strawberry Banana Pudding is a luscious, creamy dessert featuring layered vanilla and banana cream puddings, cream cheese, and sweetened condensed milk. Combined with fresh bananas, strawberries, crunchy Chessman butter cookies, and Nilla wafers, it’s topped with fluffy Cool Whip and optional strawberry glaze for a beautiful and delicious treat perfect for any occasion.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pudding Base

• 1 (3.4 ounce) box Vanilla pudding mix
• 1 (3.4 ounce) box Banana cream pudding mix
• 4 cups very cold 2% or whole milk

Cream Cheese Mixture

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

Toppings and Layers

• 2 containers Cool Whip (one for pudding mixture, one for topping)
• 1 pack Chessman butter cookies
• 1 box Nilla wafers
• 2 bananas, thinly sliced
• 1 cup strawberries, thinly sliced
• 1 cup strawberry glaze (optional but recommended)

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the pudding: In a large bowl, add both the vanilla pudding mix and banana cream pudding mix. Pour in 4 cups of very cold milk. Using an electric mixer, blend the milk into the pudding mixes until fully combined and thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Make the cream cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sweetened condensed milk. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
3. Combine puddings and fold in Cool Whip: Pour the cream cheese mixture into the prepared pudding mix. Gently fold the two mixtures together with a spatula until well incorporated. Then fold in one container of Cool Whip carefully to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
4. Start layering the pudding: Add a small amount of the pudding mixture to the bottom of your serving dish. Layer with Chessman butter cookies, Nilla wafers, sliced bananas, and sliced strawberries. If using a clear dish, arrange strawberries along the edges for a decorative effect.
5. Add glaze and continue layering: Drizzle strawberry glaze over the fruit layers, then add another layer of pudding mixture. Repeat layering cookies, bananas, strawberries, and strawberry glaze until the dish is filled or ingredients are used up.
6. Top the pudding: Finish with a final layer of pudding, then spread the remaining Cool Whip evenly on top. Decorate with leftover sliced strawberries, crushed Nilla wafers, and any remaining strawberry glaze for a beautiful presentation.
7. Chill before serving: Lightly cover the pudding with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.
8. Serve and enjoy: Remove from fridge, slice into portions, and serve chilled for a refreshing and decadent strawberry banana pudding experience.

Notes

• For best flavor and texture, use very cold milk when mixing puddings.
• Allow the cream cheese to soften fully to avoid lumps in the mixture.
• Folding in the Cool Whip gently keeps the pudding light and fluffy.
• Strawberry glaze is optional but adds a beautiful glossy finish and extra flavor.
• This dessert is best served after refrigerating overnight but can be enjoyed after 30 minutes chilling.
• Leftover pudding can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: strawberry banana pudding, layered pudding dessert, no-cook pudding recipe, creamy pudding, fruit pudding, easy dessert, cream cheese pudding, Nilla wafers dessert