Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe

Dreamy Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Creamy strawberry crunch banana pudding offers a delightful twist on classic dessert comfort.

Sweet layers of ripe bananas and velvety pudding create an irresistible combination.

Crunchy strawberry-infused topping adds unexpected texture and excitement to each spoonful.

Seasonal berries bring vibrant color and fresh flavor to this nostalgic treat.

Decadent yet simple, this recipe works magic with minimal ingredients.

Crafted with love, this dessert promises to become your new favorite indulgence.

You won’t be able to resist another bite of this heavenly creation.

Banana Pudding Twists For Extra Flavor

  • Tropical Banana Twist: Replace strawberries with crushed dried pineapple and macadamia nuts for a Hawaiian-inspired dessert.
  • Chocolate Lover's Version: Swap vanilla wafers with chocolate graham crackers and add cocoa powder to the pudding mix for a rich chocolate flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free vanilla wafers and certified gluten-free pudding mix, ensuring all ingredients are safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Substitute dairy milk with coconut milk, use plant-based whipped topping, and replace instant pudding with chia seed pudding base made with plant milk and vanilla extract.

Serving Up Strawberry Banana Pudding

  • Sweet Summer Picnic Companion: Pack this dessert in individual mason jars for a portable and charming outdoor treat.
  • Elegant Dinner Finale: Serve in clear glass dessert dishes to showcase beautiful layered colors and textures, perfect for an impressive after-dinner presentation.
  • Family Movie Night Delight: Create smaller individual portions in clear plastic cups for easy grab-and-go snacking during movie time, letting kids and adults enjoy their own personal dessert.
  • Brunch Centerpiece Magic: Arrange the pudding in a large trifle bowl for a stunning centerpiece that guests can scoop directly from the main dish, adding a touch of homemade charm to your brunch spread.

Pudding Storage Solutions

  • Store covered in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Keep layers intact to preserve texture and flavor.
  • Transfer pudding to a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 weeks. Wrap with plastic wrap before adding lid to prevent freezer burn.
  • Move from freezer to refrigerator overnight for gradual defrosting. Gently stir to redistribute ingredients before serving.
  • Do not reheat this dessert, as bananas and whipped cream will lose texture. Enjoy cold directly from the refrigerator for best taste and consistency.

FAQs

  • Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?

No, freeze-dried strawberries provide a concentrated flavor and crispy texture that fresh strawberries can’t. Fresh strawberries would make the crunch layer too wet and soggy.

  • Is instant pudding mix necessary?

Yes, instant pudding mix helps create a quick, smooth, and stable pudding base without additional cooking. It ensures the right consistency and saves preparation time.

  • How long can I keep this dessert in the refrigerator?

The banana pudding stays fresh for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container. After that, the bananas might start to brown and the texture could change.

Why Strawberry Banana Pudding Stands Out

  • Craft Incredible Layers: Build beautiful, mouth-watering dessert layers that create visual and taste excitement with each spoonful.
  • Customize with Ease: Mix and match ingredients, swap cookie types, or adjust fruit quantities to suit personal preferences and pantry supplies.
  • Quick-Fix Dessert: Prepare this delightful treat without complicated baking techniques, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or sudden sweet cravings.
  • No-Bake Delight: Skip the oven completely, blending ingredients quickly and chilling for a stress-free dessert that requires minimal kitchen skills.

Everything You Need For Banana Crunch Pudding

Main Ingredients:
  • Banana: A sweet, soft fruit that adds natural sweetness and creamy texture to the dessert.
  • Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: A quick-setting base that creates a smooth and rich pudding foundation.
  • Whipped Topping: A light and airy ingredient that makes the pudding extra creamy and soft.
Crunch Components:
  • Freeze-Dried Strawberries, Vanilla Wafer Cookies: Ingredients that provide a delightful crunch and fruity flavor to the dessert.
  • Butter: A binding agent that helps create a cohesive and crispy strawberry crunch topping.
Finishing Touches:
  • Whipped Cream, Fresh Chopped Strawberries: Toppings that add visual appeal and extra fresh strawberry flavor to the dessert.
  • Milk: A liquid ingredient that helps activate and thicken the instant pudding mix.

Making Strawberry Banana Pudding Step By Step

Step 1: Whip Up The Pudding Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine instant vanilla pudding mix with milk.

Whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes smooth and starts to thicken.

Gently fold in the whipped topping, creating a creamy and light texture.

Set the pudding mixture aside while you prepare the other components.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Strawberry Topping

Grab your food processor and toss in these ingredients:
  • Freeze-dried strawberries
  • Vanilla wafer cookies
  • Melted butter

Pulse the mixture until it transforms into a delightful, crumbly texture that will add a satisfying crunch to your dessert.

Step 3: Build Delicious Layers

Select a beautiful serving dish and start layering your dessert.

Begin with spreading half of the pudding mixture evenly across the bottom.

Next, arrange a generous layer of sliced bananas on top.

Sprinkle half of the strawberry crunch mixture over the bananas.

Repeat these layers once more, creating a visually stunning and delectable dessert.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Crown your dessert with a luxurious layer of whipped cream.

Generously scatter the remaining strawberry crunch over the top.

For an extra pop of color and freshness, garnish with finely chopped fresh strawberries.

Step 5: Chill And Enjoy

Transfer the dessert to the refrigerator and let it rest for at least one hour.

This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the texture to set perfectly.

When ready, serve cold and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Pudding Pro Tips

  • Choose ripe but firm bananas to prevent browning and maintain a perfect texture in your dessert.
  • Pulse vanilla wafers and freeze-dried strawberries briefly to create a consistent, fine crumb for an even crunch.
  • Layer bananas carefully to prevent excess liquid from making the dessert soggy and compromising the crunch.
  • Use high-quality freeze-dried strawberries for a more concentrated and vibrant strawberry flavor throughout the pudding.
  • Prepare the dessert a day ahead to allow flavors to meld and develop a more complex taste profile.
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Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe

Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe


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4.7 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy strawberry crunch banana pudding beckons dessert enthusiasts with its luxurious layers of sweet comfort. Crisp cookie crumbles and luscious fruit create a delightful dance of textures you won’t want to miss.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
  • 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 2 cups milk

Crunch and Cookie Layer:

  • 1 cup vanilla wafer cookies
  • 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter

Topping Layer:

  • 1 cup whipped topping
  • Whipped cream (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pudding base by whisking instant vanilla pudding mix with milk until it reaches a thick, creamy consistency. Gently incorporate whipped topping for a light, airy texture.
  2. Create the strawberry crunch topping by pulsing freeze-dried strawberries, vanilla wafer cookies, and melted butter in a food processor until it forms a coarse, crumbly mixture.
  3. Construct the first layer in a serving dish by spreading half of the prepared pudding mixture evenly across the bottom.
  4. Arrange a generous layer of sliced bananas over the pudding, creating a smooth, even coverage.
  5. Sprinkle half of the strawberry crunch mixture over the banana layer, ensuring a consistent distribution of the crumbly topping.
  6. Repeat the layering process with the remaining pudding mixture, followed by another layer of sliced bananas.
  7. Top the second banana layer with the remaining strawberry crunch, creating a textured and colorful surface.
  8. Finish the dessert by piping or spreading whipped cream across the top of the dish.
  9. Garnish with freshly chopped strawberries for an additional burst of flavor and visual appeal.
  10. Refrigerate the dessert for a minimum of 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and the pudding to set completely before serving chilled.

Notes

  • Customize the pudding’s sweetness by adjusting the amount of whipped topping for a lighter or richer texture.
  • Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free vanilla wafer cookies in the strawberry crunch layer.
  • Prevent banana browning by tossing sliced bananas in a little lemon juice before layering to maintain their fresh appearance.
  • Make it dairy-free by substituting milk with almond or coconut milk and using a non-dairy whipped topping alternative.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 273 kcal
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 155 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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