Description
Sweet summer memories bloom in this Strawberry Banana Pudding, where luscious fruit layers mingle with creamy custard. Silky vanilla pudding and fresh berries create a nostalgic dessert perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 3 ripe but firm bananas, sliced
Dairy and Dairy Alternatives:
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 can (14 ounces/397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or 8 ounces/226 grams whipped topping)
Dry Ingredients and Flavorings:
- 1 box (3.4 ounces/96 grams) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 box vanilla wafers or graham crackers, crushed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Craft the pudding base by whisking vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and sweetened condensed milk until uniformly blended. Allow mixture to rest for 5 minutes, enabling natural thickening.
- Create airy whipped cream by beating heavy cream until soft peaks emerge. Delicately incorporate whipped cream into pudding mixture, ensuring smooth integration.
- Prepare fresh fruits by thoroughly washing strawberries and bananas. Slice both into uniform, bite-sized pieces for consistent layering and aesthetic presentation.
- Construct dessert layers in a clear serving dish or trifle bowl: Begin with a foundational layer of vanilla wafers or graham crackers, followed by a generous pudding spread, then artfully arrange strawberry and banana slices across the surface.
- Repeat layering process, alternating between cookies, pudding, and fruit slices until all ingredients are utilized. Ensure final layer is a smooth pudding surface for visual appeal.
- Embellish the dessert by sprinkling crushed cookies across the top. Strategically place additional strawberry and banana slices for decorative flair.
- Refrigerate dessert for 2-4 hours or overnight, allowing flavors to meld and textures to harmonize. Chilling enhances overall taste and consistency.
- Serve chilled, scooping into individual bowls. Delight in the creamy, fruity dessert that promises a refreshing and indulgent experience.
Notes
- Prevent browning by tossing banana slices in a bit of lemon juice to maintain their fresh, bright color and prevent oxidation.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting vanilla wafers with almond flour cookies or gluten-free graham crackers for those with dietary restrictions.
- Boost nutrition by adding a sprinkle of chia seeds or chopped nuts between layers for extra texture and healthy fats.
- Elevate flavor complexity by using a mix of fresh and slightly caramelized fruits, which adds depth and intensity to the dessert’s overall taste profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg