Description
Creamy, fruity, and irresistibly nostalgic this Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream is a no-bake (or Southern-style baked) dessert layered with silky vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, juicy strawberries, and crunchy vanilla wafers.
I tested this recipe with both instant pudding and homemade custard. The instant version wins for ease and freshness, while the custard version gives a richer, bakery-style flavor. Perfect for summer gatherings, Sunday dinners, or any time you crave comfort in a spoon.
Ingredients
2 cups vanilla pudding (prepared).
¼ cup whipped cream (optional for fluffier texture).
1 banana, sliced.
½ cup strawberries, sliced.
½ cup crushed vanilla wafers or cookies.
Optional: strawberry sauce or glaze.
Optional Add-Ins for Next-Level Flavor (Tested & Approved):
Toasted Coconut: Adds nutty crunch Sprinkle between pudding layers (Optional).
Crushed Graham Crackers: Buttery texture Alternate with wafers (Optional).
Vanilla Bean: Paste Deep vanilla aroma 1 tsp in pudding base (Optional).
Almond Extract: Enhances fruit ¼ tsp with vanilla extract (Optional).
Instructions
1. Cut the banana and strawberries into even, bite-sized slices. Set aside.
2. If desired, fold whipped cream into vanilla pudding to make it fluffier.
3. Layer pudding at the bottom of your dish, then banana slices and cookie crumbs. Add strawberries and repeat.
4. Top with whipped cream, fruit slices, cookie crumbles, and strawberry drizzle.
5. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to set the layers.
Personal Note: The first time I made this, I didn’t dry the strawberries their juice soaked the bottom layer and made it soggy. Now I always pat them dry first, and the wafers stay perfectly soft-but-structured. Lesson learned the sweet way.
Notes
To keep bananas from browning, coat them in lemon juice and a pinch of sugar before layering.
For best texture, chill 10 minutes between layering steps.
Swap vanilla pudding for cheesecake or banana flavor for a fun twist.
Try it in a glass trifle bowl for beautiful presentation.
Make Ahead: Assemble 4–6 hours before serving.
Fridge: Store tightly covered 2–3 days.
Freezer: Freeze pudding base alone up to 1 month; add fruit after thawing.
Re-Serve: Stir lightly and top with fresh fruit before presenting.
Chef’s Notes / Experience:
The first time I made this, I skipped chilling between layers the pudding ran into the fruit, and it looked messy (but still delicious!). Now I always chill between layers for a clean look and the perfect soft-cookie texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream, easy no bake desserts, simple dessert recipes for beginners, layered pudding dessert, summer fruit dessert, banana pudding recipe, healthy banana pudding alternative