Description
A delightful Southern-style strawberry banana pudding combining layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas and strawberries, crunchy Nilla wafer cookies, and a homemade strawberry sauce. This no-bake dessert is refreshingly fruity and perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat any time.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 4 organic bananas, sliced
- 3-4 cups fresh strawberries, stems removed and sliced thin
- 1/2 lemon, freshly squeezed
- Sliced fresh strawberries or spoons of strawberry sauce for drizzle
Cookies
- 2 (11 oz.) boxes Nilla wafer cookies
- Crushed Nilla wafer cookies for garnish
Vanilla Pudding
- 3 (1 oz.) boxes vanilla instant pudding mix (preferably Jell-O brand)
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups VERY COLD filtered water or milk (unsweetened almond milk or whole milk also acceptable)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 (8 oz.) container whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
Strawberry Sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup organic cane sugar
- 3 Tbsp strawberry preserves or jam
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Garnish
- 1 cup whipped cream (for topping)
Instructions
- Make the Strawberry Sauce: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine sliced fresh strawberries, 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup organic cane sugar, 3 tablespoons strawberry preserves, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Stir continuously until the strawberries soften and the mixture thickens slightly, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool completely.
- Prepare the Vanilla Pudding: Using a hand mixer, whisk together the very cold filtered water or milk, vanilla instant pudding mixes, and sweetened condensed milk in a bowl. Mix on medium-high speed for 4-5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken like pudding. Then, gently fold in the whipped cream and vanilla extract, mixing for another minute until evenly combined.
- Assemble the Pudding: In a large trifle bowl or your preferred serving dish, start by layering Nilla wafer cookies at the bottom. Next, add a layer of sliced bananas, followed by a layer of the prepared vanilla pudding. Spoon a few dollops of cooled strawberry sauce over the pudding layer. Repeat these layers—cookies, bananas, pudding, and strawberry sauce—until all ingredients are used.
- Garnish and Chill: Finish by topping the assembled pudding with dollops of whipped cream, a sprinkle of crushed Nilla wafer cookies, and decorative strawberry slices or extra strawberry sauce. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and the pudding to set.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled sufficiently, serve the strawberry banana pudding chilled for a refreshing and delightful dessert experience.
Notes
- Use the Jell-O brand vanilla instant pudding for best texture.
- Very cold water or milk is essential for the pudding to thicken properly.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute almond milk for regular milk and use a non-dairy whipped topping.
- Best served chilled after refrigerating overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- If Nilla wafers are unavailable, ladyfingers or vanilla-flavored cookies can be a substitute.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
