Description
This luscious Strawberry Banana Pudding is a creamy, fruity dessert layered with vanilla and banana cream pudding, fresh bananas, strawberries, crunchy cookies, and a smooth cream cheese mixture, topped with cool whip and optional strawberry glaze. Chilled to perfection, it’s a delightful treat perfect for gatherings or a sweet family dessert.
Ingredients
Pudding Mix and Dairy
- 1 (3.4 ounce) box Vanilla pudding mix
- 1 (3.4 ounce) box Banana cream pudding mix
- 4 cups Milk (very cold 2% or Whole milk)
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces Cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 (14 ounce) can Sweetened condensed milk
Toppings and Layers
- 2 containers Cool whip (one for pudding mixture, one for topping)
- 1 pack Chessman butter cookies
- 1 box Nilla wafers
- 2 Bananas (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup Strawberries (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup Strawberry glaze (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pudding Base: In a large bowl, combine the vanilla pudding mix and banana cream pudding mix. Pour in the cold milk and use an electric mixer to blend everything together until fully combined and the pudding begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, add the softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sweetened condensed milk. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the cream cheese mixture into the thickened pudding base. Gently fold in one container of cool whip using a spatula, taking care not to overmix to keep the mixture light and fluffy.
- Start Layering: Spoon a small amount of the pudding mixture into your serving dish as the first layer.
- Add Cookies and Fruits: Layer chessman butter cookies, nilla wafers, sliced bananas, and sliced strawberries on top of the pudding. For a decorative touch, place some strawberry slices along the edge if using a clear dish.
- Drizzle Glaze and Repeat Layers: Drizzle strawberry glaze over the layers, then add another layer of pudding mixture. Continue layering cookies, bananas, strawberries, and strawberry glaze until the dish is filled or ingredients are used up.
- Top and Decorate: Finish with a final layer of pudding mixture, then spread the remaining cool whip evenly on top. Decorate with leftover strawberries, crushed nilla wafers, and drizzle with remaining strawberry glaze if desired.
- Chill: Lightly cover the assembled pudding with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to fully set before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is very cold to help the pudding mix thicken properly.
- Soften the cream cheese to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- Be gentle when folding in the cool whip to maintain the fluffy texture of the pudding mixture.
- Use a clear serving dish to showcase the beautiful layers of the dessert.
- The strawberry glaze is optional but adds a nice fruity sweetness and glossy finish.
- Refrigerate overnight for best flavor and texture, although 30 minutes is the minimum chilling time.
