Introduction

Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream is a delightful and creamy dessert that combines fresh fruit, crunchy vanilla wafers, and luscious pudding. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home, this no-bake layered dessert is simple to make and sure to impress.

A close-up of a square glass dish holding a layered dessert with four visible layers: the bottom layer is a crumbly light brown crust, followed by a thick creamy white layer with pieces of sliced strawberries inside; above it is a glossy red strawberry sauce layer, and the top layer consists of creamy white frosting with banana slices, whole strawberries, and small round brown cookies placed on top. The dessert looks juicy with sauce dripping slightly on the side, and the background shows a blurred white marbled texture surface. 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
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

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
Step 2: Add the French Vanilla pudding and milk to the mixture and stir until well combined.
Step 3: In a large serving dish, layer the vanilla wafers, followed by a layer of sliced bananas and strawberries.
Step 4: Pour half of the pudding mixture over the fruit and wafers.
Step 5: Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, finishing with the pudding mixture on top.
Step 6: Spread the whipped topping over the final layer and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent browning and keep the dessert fresh-looking.
Substitute fresh blueberries or raspberries for strawberries for a different fruity twist.
For extra crunch, add chopped nuts between layers.
Make it a little lighter by using low-fat cream cheese and pudding mixes.

Storage

Store the pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, enjoy within 24 hours as the wafers soften over time. If needed, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to soften the pudding slightly.

How to Serve

A clear glass square dish filled with a layered dessert sits on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a bright red strawberry sauce, topped with thick pale yellow custard mixed with pieces of soft cake. Above this is a thick layer of white whipped cream spread evenly. On top of the whipped cream lies a shiny red strawberry topping with sliced strawberries and banana pieces arranged on top. The dessert is finished with light tan crushed cookie crumbs and several large swirls of white whipped cream at the center. A few whole strawberries are placed on the marble surface nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this pudding tastes even better when made ahead. Just refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set.

Can I use instant pudding mix for this recipe?

Yes, instant French Vanilla pudding works well and speeds up preparation. Just mix it with the milk according to package instructions before combining with the cream cheese and condensed milk.

Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.4 from 108 reviews

Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream is a luscious, no-bake layered dessert combining creamy French Vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, juicy strawberries, and crunchy vanilla wafers, all topped with fluffy whipped topping. This easy-to-make refrigerator pudding is perfect for warm-weather gatherings or any time you crave a sweet, creamy treat.

Author: Tara
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
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 boxes Vanilla Wafers
1 (5 oz.) box French Vanilla pudding mix

Fruit

6 to 8 bananas, sliced
1 container fresh strawberries, sliced

Dairy & Refrigerated

2 cups milk
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 oz.) container whipped topping

Instructions

Prepare the pudding mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk. Beat or whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
Add pudding and milk: Stir in the French Vanilla pudding mix along with 2 cups of milk. Continue to mix until everything is well incorporated and the pudding mixture thickens slightly.
Layer ingredients in serving dish: In a large clear serving dish or trifle bowl, spread a layer of vanilla wafers evenly across the bottom.
Add fruit layer: Place a layer of sliced bananas followed by a layer of sliced strawberries evenly over the vanilla wafers.
Pour pudding layer: Pour half of the prepared pudding mixture over the layered wafers and fruit, spreading it out to cover completely.
Repeat layering: Repeat the layers by adding another layer of vanilla wafers, bananas, and strawberries, then pour the remaining pudding mixture over the top layer, smoothing it out.
Top with whipped topping: Finally, spread the whipped topping evenly over the entire pudding layer to create a creamy finish.
Chill: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours, or until fully set and chilled to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent them from browning too quickly.
For a stronger strawberry flavor, macerate the strawberries with a little sugar before layering.
This dessert is best made the day before to allow flavors to meld and wafers to soften.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
You can substitute whipped topping with fresh whipped cream for a fresher taste.

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