If you’re looking for a dessert that stops people in their tracks and leaves everyone swooning, the Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream is it! Imagine layers of melt-in-your-mouth vanilla wafers, juicy strawberries, ripe bananas, and the creamiest, silkiest pudding you’ve ever had – every bite is a magical combination of nostalgia and freshness. Best of all, this recipe comes together with pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, yet looks and tastes like something you’d find in a charming Southern bakery. Whether you’re making it for a weekend family treat or a special celebration, your guests will be asking for seconds…and the recipe!

Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream is that it uses familiar, easy-to-find ingredients, each playing an essential role in building those mouthwatering layers. There’s nothing fancy here, just tried-and-true building blocks that add sweet creaminess, chewy texture, and pops of bright fruit flavor you’ll crave year-round.

Vanilla Wafers: These cookies are the classic base, providing a subtly sweet, crumbly layer that soaks up all the pudding goodness.
Bananas: Sliced bananas bring a creamy texture and gentle sweetness that complement every other ingredient perfectly.
Milk: Use cold milk (dairy or your choice of non-dairy) to dissolve the pudding and create that super-smooth filling.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add tang, color, and a summery brightness that makes this dessert irresistible.
French Vanilla Pudding Mix: This is your secret weapon for that extra vanilla punch and rich, luscious texture.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds a decadent, tangy smoothness that blends beautifully with the other creamy elements.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Just the right amount of sweetness and extra silkiness – this can is pure magic for creamy desserts!
Whipped Topping: Fluffy, cloud-like whipped topping finishes off the pudding dream and ties all the layers together for that signature, airy bite.

How to Make Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream

Step 1: Cream the Base

Start things off by adding the softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk to a mixing bowl. Beat them together until the mixture is completely smooth, creamy, and lump-free. This base gives your Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream that signature thick, luscious consistency – don’t rush it! A few extra seconds of mixing now mean every bite later will be silky perfection.

Step 2: Mix In the Pudding and Milk

Sprinkle in the French Vanilla pudding mix and pour in the cold milk. Stir everything together with enthusiasm (or use your mixer for extra smoothness) until it’s well-blended, silky, and just starting to thicken. The pudding elevates the flavor and helps the layers stay in place without getting runny.

Step 3: Layer the Goodness

Get out your favorite large serving dish (clear glass is lovely so you can see those layers!). Begin building your Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream by making an even layer of vanilla wafers along the bottom. Next, add a generous layer of sliced bananas, followed by a scatter of sliced fresh strawberries, giving you that perfect mix of fruit and crunch.

Step 4: First Pour of Pudding

Carefully pour half of your creamy pudding mixture over the fruit and wafers, letting it seep down into all the gaps. This is where the magic starts: the wafers begin to soften, soaking up all the sweet, vanilla-rich flavor while the fruit holds its shape.

Step 5: Repeat the Layers

Make a second round of wafers, then fruit, then pour over the rest of the pudding mixture. Gently smooth the top with a spatula, making sure every corner is covered – this double-layer approach ensures every serving gets the perfect ratio of pudding, fruit, and cookies.

Step 6: Top With Whipped Topping and Chill

Finish by spreading the whipped topping over the entire top of your Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream, creating beautiful swoops and swirls. Pop it into the refrigerator for at least four hours (overnight is even better!) to let the flavors mingle, the wafers soften, and every layer meld into a dreamy, scoopable dessert.

How to Serve Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream

Garnishes

You’ve built a showstopper, so don’t forget to dress it up! Try a sprinkle of extra sliced strawberries and bananas over the top, or add a few whole vanilla wafers for crunch and a playful touch. A dusting of crushed cookies or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can push your Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream right over the top.

Side Dishes

While this dessert is certainly the star of any table, you can pair it with lighter sides like a refreshing fruit salad, some crisp butter cookies, or fun, sparkling drinks to cleanse the palate between bites. Think of this as your main event, with cheery companions on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Have fun with serving! You can scoop the pudding dream into individual mason jars or parfait glasses for pretty single servings, or let guests assemble their own layers at a dessert bar. It’s just as perfect in a trifle bowl as it is in a classic casserole or even on a picnic table in disposable cups – versatile, beautiful, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the dish well with plastic wrap or transfer scoops to an airtight container. Your Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream will stay tasty in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind, the cookies and fruit will continue to soften, making the texture even more luscious over time.

Freezing

While this dessert is best enjoyed freshly chilled, you can actually freeze portions if needed! Scoop servings into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to one month. Allow them to thaw in the fridge before serving – just note that the fruit may lose a bit of its texture after freezing, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Reheating

Honestly, Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream is meant to be served cold and creamy, straight from the refrigerator. If you happen to freeze it, just let it thaw fully in the fridge before diving in. Warming isn’t necessary and could change the creamy consistency, so simply chill, scoop, and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I make Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dessert was practically invented for making ahead. Assemble everything the night before and let it chill overnight in the fridge. The flavors deepen and layers set up beautifully, making serving a breeze when it’s time for dessert.

Do I need to use fresh strawberries, or will frozen work?

Fresh strawberries definitely give the best texture and bright flavor, but in a pinch, thawed frozen strawberries can still work. Just pat them dry with a paper towel and slice before layering to help prevent extra moisture from seeping into the pudding.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought topping?

Absolutely! If you love homemade whipped cream, feel free to whip up a batch and spread or pipe it over the top layer. Just be sure to use it within a day or two, as fresh whipped cream doesn’t stay as stable as store-bought topping for longer storage.

Could I substitute another fruit in the Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream?

Go for it! Blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches can be amazing in this recipe. Mix and match with the bananas or create your own signature fruit blend; the fundamental layers and creamy pudding hold up beautifully to a variety of fruit combinations.

What’s the best dish to serve Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream in?

A clear glass trifle bowl really steals the show for dramatic, visible layers. But any large, deep dish or casserole will work, and you can always use individual jars for portable, party-perfect servings.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream, you’ll want to make it for every picnic, potluck, or family night you can. It’s a dessert that feels like a warm hug and never fails to wow a crowd. So grab your mixing bowl, gather a few simple ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a spoonful of pure comfort and joy. Happy layering!

Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 15 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful and creamy dessert that combines the classic flavors of vanilla, strawberries, and bananas in a luscious pudding. This Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream is a perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the pudding:

2 boxes Vanilla Wafers
6 to 8 bananas, sliced
2 cups milk
1 container strawberries
1 (5 oz.) box French Vanilla pudding
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 oz.) container whipped topping

Instructions

Combine cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk: In a mixing bowl, blend the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
Mix in pudding and milk: Add French Vanilla pudding and milk to the mixture, stirring until well combined.
Layer ingredients in serving dish: Create layers in a large dish with vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and strawberries.
Pour pudding over layers: Pour half of the pudding mixture over the fruit and wafers.
Repeat layers: Continue layering the ingredients, finishing with the remaining pudding mixture on top.
Top with whipped topping and chill: Spread whipped topping over the final layer and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Layering
Cuisine: American