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Best Strawberry Banana Pudding

Best Strawberry Banana Pudding

The Best Strawberry Banana Pudding is a classic comfort dessert, offering a delightful blend of sweet strawberries and creamy bananas layered with luscious pudding. This recipe is incredibly useful for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to special celebrations, providing a crowd-pleasing treat that's both simple to make and wonderfully satisfying.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Chill Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings: 8 puddings
Course: Dessert
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
  • 2 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 3 cups cold milk
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 (8 ounce) container whipped topping, thawed
  • Optional: Vanilla wafers or crushed graham crackers for layering

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium Bowl
  • Serving Dish

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and the cold milk. Continue whisking for about 2 minutes, or until the pudding begins to thicken. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow it to set up further.
    1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix, 3 cups cold milk
  2. In a separate medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This mixture forms the rich, tangy layer that elevates our pudding.
    1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  3. Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until it's well combined and no streaks of cream cheese remain. This creates a light and airy element that complements the richness of the cream cheese.
    1 (8 ounce) container whipped topping, thawed
  4. Add the pudding mixture to the cream cheese and whipped topping mixture. Stir gently until both components are fully incorporated and you have a smooth, homogenous pudding. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the whipped topping.
  5. Begin by spreading a thin layer of vanilla wafers or crushed graham crackers (if using) at the bottom of your serving dish. Next, add a layer of sliced bananas, followed by a layer of sliced strawberries. Spoon a generous amount of the pudding mixture over the fruit layers, ensuring even coverage. Repeat the layers of wafers (if using), bananas, strawberries, and pudding until you reach the top of your dish or have used up all the ingredients. Aim for at least two full fruit and pudding layers for the best experience.
    2 cups sliced fresh strawberries, 2 ripe bananas, sliced, Optional: Vanilla wafers or crushed graham crackers
  6. Cover the serving dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the Best Strawberry Banana Pudding for at least 2 hours, or preferably until chilled through and set, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Notes

Leftovers can be refrigerated for 2-3 days. Freezing is not ideal due to texture changes.