Fresh strawberries, sweet bananas, creamy vanilla pudding, fluffy whipped topping, and layers of buttery vanilla wafers come together to create a rich, fruity twist on a Southern classic. Perfect for cookouts, birthdays, holidays, or anytime you’re craving a crowd-pleasing dessert!
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients
Pudding
- 2 (5.1 oz) boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold whole milk
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
Layers
- 2 boxes vanilla wafers
- ½ cup crushed vanilla wafers
- ½ cup crushed strawberry sandwich cookies or freeze-dried strawberries (for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pudding
Whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk until smooth. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it begins to thicken.
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, then mix until creamy.
Fold the pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture. Gently fold in the whipped topping until smooth and fluffy.
Step 2: Prepare the Fruit
Slice the bananas and dice the strawberries into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Layer the Dessert
In a 9x13-inch dish:
- Add a layer of vanilla wafers.
- Spread a layer of pudding.
- Add sliced bananas.
- Sprinkle diced strawberries.
- Repeat the layers until the dish is full.
Finish with a thick layer of pudding on top.
Step 4: Decorate
Top with:
- Whole vanilla wafers
- Crushed vanilla wafers
- Crushed strawberry cookies or freeze-dried strawberries
- Extra fresh strawberries
- Banana slices (add just before serving for the freshest look)
Step 5: Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor and texture.
📌 Recipe Details
Prep Time: 25 Minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes
Chill Time: 4 Hours
Total Time: 4 Hours 25 Minutes
Servings: 12
Easy Eatz Tips
✅ The pudding tastes even better the next day.
✅ Toss banana slices with a little lemon juice to help prevent browning.
✅ Add fresh strawberries just before serving if making it more than a day ahead.
✅ Garnish with whipped cream and mint leaves for a bakery-style presentation.
What to Serve With
- Fresh lemonade
- Sweet tea
- Vanilla ice cream
- Grilled burgers or BBQ
- Fried chicken
- Summer cookout favorites
🍓🍌 Strawberry Banana Pudding just got an upgrade! Creamy vanilla pudding, fresh strawberries, ripe bananas, and layers of crunchy vanilla wafers make every bite irresistible. Whether it’s for Sunday dinner, a family cookout, or a holiday dessert table, this one is guaranteed to disappear fast!
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