Name: Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (5.1 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix; 3 cups cold milk; 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed; 2–3 ripe bananas, sliced; 1–2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; 1 box vanilla wafer cookies; Optional: 4 oz cream cheese or ½ cup sweetened condensed milk (for added richness)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

This Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream is a luscious, no-bake dessert that brings together the sweet flavors of ripe bananas, juicy strawberries, and creamy vanilla pudding. It’s layered to perfection with whipped topping and vanilla wafers, creating a crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for potlucks, parties, or an indulgent family treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how incredibly easy and delicious this dessert is. There’s no baking involved, which makes it perfect when I want to whip something up quickly without turning on the oven. The combination of strawberries and bananas gives a naturally sweet and refreshing taste, while the creamy pudding and crunchy cookies bring all the textures I crave in a dessert. It also looks stunning in a trifle dish or glass pan.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Instant vanilla pudding mix
Cold milk
Whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
Fresh strawberries, sliced
Bananas, sliced
Vanilla wafer cookies
Optional: cream cheese or sweetened condensed milk for extra richness

Directions

I start by whisking the vanilla pudding mix with cold milk until it thickens. I let it chill in the fridge for a few minutes to set.
In a large serving dish or trifle bowl, I layer the bottom with vanilla wafer cookies.
I add a layer of sliced bananas and strawberries on top of the cookies.
I spoon over a layer of pudding, followed by a layer of whipped topping.
I repeat the layers until I reach the top of the dish, finishing with whipped topping and some fresh fruit for garnish.
I cover and refrigerate the pudding for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld and the cookies soften slightly.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 10–12 servings. It takes around 15–20 minutes to prepare, plus at least 2 hours of chilling time.

Variations

Sometimes I swap vanilla pudding for banana or cheesecake-flavored pudding for a twist. I also like folding in softened cream cheese with the pudding to make it extra rich. When I want a bit of crunch, I sprinkle chopped pecans or granola on top before serving. For a chocolatey variation, I use chocolate pudding and add mini chocolate chips between layers.

Storage/Reheating

I keep this dessert refrigerated and covered for up to 3 days. The cookies get softer the longer it sits, so I try to serve it within 24 hours for the best texture. It doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh fruit and pudding.

FAQs

How far in advance can I make this dessert?

I usually make it the night before serving. It holds up well overnight and gives time for the flavors to combine.

Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?

I prefer fresh fruit for the best texture and flavor, but thawed frozen fruit works in a pinch. I make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture.

What type of pudding works best?

Instant pudding is the easiest and quickest option. Vanilla, banana, or cheesecake flavors all work beautifully in this recipe.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, I’ve used almond milk and a dairy-free whipped topping. Just make sure the pudding mix is dairy-free as well.

Can I use graham crackers instead of vanilla wafers?

Absolutely. Graham crackers give a different but delicious twist with a slightly nutty flavor and still soften nicely.

Conclusion

Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream is a nostalgic, refreshing, and crowd-pleasing dessert that I keep coming back to. It’s creamy, fruity, and easy to throw together, making it perfect for gatherings or just a treat for myself. I love how customizable it is with different puddings or toppings—and it’s always a hit with guests.