STRAWBERRY BANANA PUDDING
This Strawberry Banana Pudding is a creamy and refreshing dessert, perfect for any occasion. The combination of bananas, strawberries, vanilla wafers, and a creamy pudding makes it a crowd-pleasing treat. Chilling is essential for the best texture and flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 box (12 ounces) vanilla wafers
Instructions
- Cream cheese mixture: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, beating until well combined.
- Fold in whipped topping: Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping.
- Prepare pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk for 2 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Combine mixtures: Add the thickened pudding to the cream cheese mixture and mix well.
- Assemble the pudding: In a large trifle dish or serving bowl, layer the vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and sliced strawberries. Begin with a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom. You can also use individual serving dishes for portion control.
- Add pudding mixture: Pour the pudding mixture over the layers of fruit and wafers.
- Chill: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the pudding to set and the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve chilled, garnished with additional sliced strawberries or whipped topping, if desired.
Notes
- Fruit Ripeness: Use ripe but not overly soft bananas and fresh, ripe strawberries.
- Layering: You can adjust the layering of the ingredients to your liking. Some people prefer more bananas or strawberries.
- Vanilla Wafers: You can substitute other cookies for vanilla wafers, such as graham crackers or shortbread cookies.
- Make-Ahead: This pudding is best made ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to set.
- Storage: Store leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.