Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: strawberry banana pudding! The combination of sweet, ripe bananas and juicy strawberries layered in a creamy, dreamy pudding is just heavenly. I remember family gatherings where this delightful dish would steal the show—everyone would gather around, eagerly waiting for their scoop. The best part? That luscious creaminess that just melts in your mouth! Trust me, once you make this strawberry banana pudding, you’ll be hooked. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a nostalgic experience that brings back all those warm, fuzzy memories of laughter and love. So, grab your mixing bowls and let’s create that blissful treat together!
Ingredients for Strawberry Banana Pudding
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 package vanilla wafers
How to Prepare Strawberry Banana Pudding
Alright, let’s get down to the fun part—making this delicious strawberry banana pudding! It’s super simple, and I promise, you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar in no time. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll be on your way to dessert perfection.
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Mixture
First things first, grab a medium-sized saucepan and toss in the 2 cups of milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/3 cup of cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Now, whisk everything together until it’s nice and smooth. You don’t want any lumps, so give it a good mix!
Next, place the saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring constantly—this is where the magic happens! You want the mixture to come to a gentle boil and thicken up nicely. It usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon. Once thickened, pull it off the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for that lovely flavor boost. Yum!
Step 2: Assemble the Layers
Now, it’s time to layer this beauty! Grab a pretty glass dish or a trifle bowl—whatever you have on hand. Start with a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom. Then, add a layer of sliced bananas followed by a layer of sliced strawberries. Repeat this layering until you run out of ingredients, finishing with strawberries on top if you can! Trust me, it’s a feast for the eyes already.
Step 3: Chill and Serve
Pour that thick, luscious pudding mixture over your beautiful layers, making sure everything is coated well. Now, cover your dish with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling time is crucial, as it allows the flavors to meld together and the pudding to set to that perfect creamy texture you crave. Once it’s chilled, you’re ready to dig in! Serve it up with a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling extra fancy. Enjoy every spoonful of this delightful treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just a few simple steps!
- Incredibly creamy texture that feels like a hug in a bowl.
- The delightful combination of strawberries and bananas is simply irresistible.
- Perfect for gatherings—everyone loves this nostalgic dessert!
- Versatile enough to serve at any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive celebrations.
- Can be made ahead of time, making it a stress-free treat for busy days.
- Kid-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
Tips for Success
To ensure your strawberry banana pudding turns out absolutely perfect, here are my top tips that I swear by:
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Trust me, using fresh, ripe strawberries makes a world of difference in flavor. They’ll be sweeter and juicier, giving your pudding that burst of freshness.
- Let the Pudding Cool Completely: After you’ve made the pudding, allow it to cool before layering it with the fruit. This helps prevent the bananas from browning and ensures everything stays fresh and delicious.
- Layer with Care: When assembling, make sure to layer the bananas and strawberries gently. You want those beautiful colors to shine through, so be a little delicate!
- Whipped Cream Topping: If you want to elevate your dessert, consider topping it with freshly whipped cream just before serving. It adds a light, airy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy pudding.
- Make Ahead: This pudding is perfect for prepping in advance! Make it the night before, and let it chill overnight. The flavors will have more time to meld, making it even tastier!
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to mix things up! You can add crushed nuts for a little crunch, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor. Get creative!
With these tips, your strawberry banana pudding will not only look stunning but taste absolutely divine. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this luscious strawberry banana pudding. Keep in mind that these values may vary slightly based on specific brands and ingredient choices:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 5g
Enjoy this delightful treat while keeping these nutritional details in mind, and remember, it’s all about balance and enjoying life’s sweet moments!
FAQ About Strawberry Banana Pudding
Got questions about making the best strawberry banana pudding? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions I get, along with my tried-and-true answers.
How do I store leftover strawberry banana pudding?
To keep your pudding fresh, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It’ll stay good in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just remember to add a little extra layer of whipped cream before serving again!
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Absolutely! If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. Just keep in mind that it might not be quite as rich and creamy, but it’ll still taste delicious!
What can I use instead of vanilla wafers?
If you can’t find vanilla wafers, you can use graham crackers or even shortbread cookies. They’ll add a different twist, but trust me, it’ll still be amazing!
Can I make this pudding dairy-free?
Definitely! You can swap the milk and cream for your favorite non-dairy alternatives, like almond milk or coconut cream. Just make sure to check that your pudding mix is dairy-free, too!
How do I keep the bananas from browning?
Great question! To prevent your banana slices from browning too quickly, you can toss them in a little lemon juice before layering them. It’ll keep them looking fresh and vibrant!
Can I freeze strawberry banana pudding?
I don’t recommend freezing it, as the texture can change once thawed. The bananas may become mushy, and the creamy pudding might separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh!
What’s the best way to serve this pudding?
Serve it chilled right from the fridge! You can add a dollop of whipped cream on top for that extra touch, or even sprinkle some crushed nuts for a delightful crunch. It’s perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to potlucks!
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or tips of your own! I love hearing how your strawberry banana pudding turns out!
Final Thoughts
Wow, can you believe how easy and delicious this strawberry banana pudding is? I hope you’ve enjoyed making it as much as I do! I’d absolutely love to hear your thoughts, tips, or any personal twists you added to the recipe. Please feel free to leave a comment below—your feedback means the world to me!
If you loved this recipe, why not give it a rating? It helps others discover this delightful dessert, and it warms my heart to know that more people are enjoying it! And hey, if you shared this recipe with friends or family, I’d love to hear how they liked it too. Let’s spread the joy of cooking together!
Happy pudding-making, and don’t forget to savor every creamy, fruity bite. Until next time, keep those kitchen adventures coming!
Print
Strawberry Banana Pudding: 7 Steps to Pure Delight
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and creamy strawberry banana pudding dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 package vanilla wafers
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine milk, cream, sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and strawberry slices in a dish.
- Pour the pudding mixture over the layers.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
- Allow pudding to cool completely before serving.
- Can be topped with whipped cream if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: strawberry banana pudding
