Description
A luscious and creamy Strawberry Banana Pudding combining the flavors of vanilla and banana cream pudding, layered with fresh bananas, strawberries, and crunchy cookies, all topped with a fluffy Cool Whip topping and optionally glazed with strawberry sauce. This no-bake dessert is perfect for gatherings and can be prepared ahead of time.
Ingredients
Pudding Mixture
- 1 3.4 ounce box Vanilla pudding mix
- 1 3.4 ounce box Banana cream pudding mix
- 4 cups very cold 2% or Whole milk
- 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 14 ounce can Sweetened condensed milk
- 2 containers Cool Whip (one for pudding mixture, one for topping)
Layers
- 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, add the vanilla pudding mix and banana cream pudding mix. Pour in the cold milk and use an electric mixer to blend together until the mixture thickens, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Make the cream cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sweetened condensed milk. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Combine mixtures and fold in Cool Whip: Pour the cream cheese mixture into the thickened pudding mix. Using a spatula, gently fold them together. Then fold in one container of Cool Whip carefully to maintain a fluffy texture.
- Start layering: In your serving dish, add a layer of the pudding mixture at the bottom. Follow with a layer of Chessman butter cookies, then a layer of Nilla wafers, thinly sliced bananas, and sliced strawberries. For an attractive presentation, place some sliced strawberries against the edge if using a clear dish.
- Add glaze and repeat layers: Drizzle some strawberry glaze over the layered ingredients, then add another layer of pudding mixture. Continue layering cookies, bananas, strawberries, and strawberry glaze until all ingredients are used or the dish is filled.
- Finish with topping: Spread the remaining Cool Whip evenly on the top layer. Decorate with any leftover strawberries, crushed Nilla wafers, and drizzle leftover strawberry glaze for a beautiful finishing touch.
- Chill and serve: Cover the pudding lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and pudding to set before serving. Enjoy this delightful dessert chilled.
Notes
- Use very cold milk for best pudding thickening results.
- Softening cream cheese to room temperature ensures a smooth blend with no lumps.
- Be gentle when folding in Cool Whip to keep the pudding light and fluffy.
- Strawberry glaze is optional but adds a beautiful shine and enhanced flavor.
- For best flavor and texture, refrigerate overnight before serving.
- This dessert serves well for 10 people and can be made ahead for convenience.
