Amazing Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream Recipe

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Hey there, it’s Jessy from The Savory Script! I’m beyond excited to share one of my all-time favorite desserts with you: the Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream. This isn’t just any pudding; it’s a layered masterpiece of creamy vanilla pudding, sweet bananas, fresh strawberries, and crunchy Nilla wafers.

It’s incredibly easy to make; I’m talking about a prep time of just 30 minutes (plus chill time!). Trust me, this Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream will become your go-to dessert for potlucks, parties, or just a sweet treat on a sunny afternoon.

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Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream

This recipe isn’t just delicious, it’s also:

Bursting with Freshness: The combination of ripe bananas and juicy strawberries makes every bite feel like a taste of summer.
Effortlessly Elegant: With my detailed layering guide, you’ll create a dessert that looks as good as it tastes, every single time.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s the perfect dish for any gathering; everyone always asks for seconds.
Secret Ingredient: My strawberry sauce recipe kicks it up a notch, adding intense berry flavor throughout the entire dessert.

The Star Ingredients for Your Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream

Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing dessert:

4 organic bananas, sliced
2 (11 oz.) boxes Nilla wafer Cookies
3 (1 oz.) boxes vanilla instant pudding mix (I like to use the Jell-O brand; it’s my personal favorite for its consistent flavor)
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
2 cups VERY COLD filtered water or milk (You can use unsweetened Almond milk or whole milk)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 (8 oz.) container Whipped Cream, store-bought or homemade
3-4 cups fresh strawberries, stems removed + sliced thin
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup organic cane sugar
1/2 lemon, freshly-squeezed
3 Tbsps strawberry preserves/jam
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup Whipped cream
Sliced fresh strawberries or spoons of strawberry sauce as drizzle
Crushed Nilla Wafer cookies (See Post for substitutes)

How to Make the Perfect Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream: Step-by-Step

Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a stunning dessert ready in no time!

In a saucepan, add together all strawberry sauce ingredients over medium-high heat, stirring until combined. Once strawberries begin to soften, continue stirring until mixture begins to thicken a bit, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
In a bowl (using a hand-mixer), mix together the VERY COLD water (or milk), vanilla pudding mixes, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and the mixture begins to thicken, about 4-5 minutes on medium-high speed (increasing the speed as it thickens). The mixture should look like smooth pudding once mixed enough. Tip: Using VERY cold water is key to achieving the right pudding consistency!
Finally, fold in the whipped cream and vanilla extract and mix for another minute or so.
In a trifle bowl (or your favorite dish), layer vanilla wafer cookies, sliced bananas, and pudding mixture followed by a few spoonfuls of strawberry sauce; repeat layering until all ingredients have been used.
Garnish top with a few dollops of whipped cream, crushed vanilla wafers, and a drizzle of strawberry sauce (if desired) or fresh strawberry slices, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. It’s even better if chilled overnight. Bon Appetit!

Delicious Variations for Your Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream

Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations you might enjoy:

Southern Baked: Transform this no-bake treat into a warm, comforting baked pudding.
Cheesecake Fusion: Blend cream cheese into the pudding mixture for a tangy twist.
No-Bake Parfait: Layer the ingredients in individual glasses for a cute and easy dessert.
Red, White, and Blue: Use blueberries and raspberries in addition to strawberries for a festive 4th of July treat.

Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions for Dietary Needs

Here are some easy substitutions to accommodate different dietary needs:

Dietary Need	Substitution Options
Dairy-Free	Use almond milk (I recommend Silk brand), dairy-free whipped cream, and check Nilla wafer ingredients.
Gluten-Free	Substitute gluten-free vanilla wafers. Several brands offer great alternatives!
Low-Sugar	Use sugar-free pudding mix, a natural sweetener like stevia, and reduce the amount of sugar in the strawberry sauce.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream

Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out perfectly every time:

Control Banana Browning: Toss the sliced bananas in lemon juice to prevent them from browning too quickly.
Achieve the Right Pudding Consistency: Make sure to use very cold water and mix the pudding until it thickens properly.
Prevent Soggy Layers: Don’t assemble the dessert too far in advance to keep the wafers from getting soggy.
Make Ahead of Time: While it’s best after chilling overnight, you can assemble it a day ahead; just add the bananas right before serving.

Serving and Presentation Ideas for Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream

Make your Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream even more special with these serving and presentation ideas:

Trifle Bowl: A trifle bowl showcases the beautiful layers of this dessert.
Individual Cups: Layer the ingredients in individual cups for a grab-and-go treat.
Toppings: Add toasted nuts, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Storing Your Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream

To prevent sogginess and maintain its texture, store the assembled dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 2-3 days. You can make the strawberry sauce ahead of time and store it separately. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge, but be aware that the wafers will soften over time.

The Science Behind Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream

The chilling process is crucial for the Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream because it allows the pudding to fully set and the flavors to meld together. The instant pudding mix contains modified cornstarch, which thickens when mixed with cold liquid. As it chills, the starch molecules form a network that traps the liquid, creating a firm, creamy texture. The sweetened condensed milk adds richness and sweetness, while the vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile.

You could also try my recipe for Ultimate Candy Cookie Recipe: A Wonderful Treat! for another fantastic dessert.

Nutritional Information for Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:

Calories: 350
Fat: 15g
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 30g
Vitamins: A, C
Minerals: Potassium, Calcium
Potential Allergens: Dairy, Wheat

Please note that this is an estimate, and actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. The USDA FoodData Central produces thorough resources for navigating and understanding nutritional info to support dietary choices and nutritional analysis.

If you’re looking for another great recipe, check out my other desserts for more inspiration.

FAQs About Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream

Here are some common questions about this recipe:

What keeps the bananas from turning brown?

Tossing the sliced bananas in a little lemon juice helps prevent oxidation.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are best, but you can use thawed frozen strawberries in the sauce if needed.

What’s the best pudding mix to use?

I personally prefer Jell-O brand vanilla instant pudding mix.

Can I use cheesecake pudding for extra flavor?

Absolutely! Cheesecake pudding would add a delicious tangy twist.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Yes, homemade whipped cream will work beautifully and taste even better!

Can this be made dairy-free?

Yes, use almond milk, dairy-free whipped cream, and check the Nilla wafer ingredients.

Can I make this a day in advance?

Yes, but I recommend adding the bananas right before serving to prevent them from getting too soft.

Can you use other fruits besides strawberry and banana (e.g., blueberries, raspberries, peaches)?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite fruits.

How can you make this dessert healthier without sacrificing flavor (e.g., using natural sweeteners, whole-grain wafers)?

Use natural sweeteners like stevia, opt for whole-grain vanilla wafers, and load up on the fresh fruit.

Conclusion

So there you have it: my easy and delicious Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream recipe! With its layers of creamy pudding, sweet bananas, fresh strawberries, and crunchy Nilla wafers, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion.

Now, I’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite variations? Do you have any questions? Leave a comment below and let’s chat! And if you try this recipe, be sure to share your results with me; I can’t wait to see your amazing creations!

Jessica