Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream is a no-bake, layered dessert that tastes like a cross between banana pudding and strawberry shortcake. Vanilla wafers soften into a cake-like layer, fresh bananas and juicy strawberries add bright fruit flavor, and a rich, creamy pudding-cheesecake filling ties everything together. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, and make-ahead entertaining.
Ingredients
- 2 boxes vanilla wafers
- 6 to 8 bananas, sliced
- 1 container fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 boxes instant vanilla pudding (3.4 oz each)
- 4 cups cold milk
- 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (8-oz) block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 (8-oz) container Cool Whip, thawed (reserve some for topping)
Instructions
- Make the creamy pudding mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mixes and cold milk for about 2 minutes, until thick and smooth.
- Beat the cream cheese: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until completely smooth and lump-free.
- Combine with condensed milk: Add the sweetened condensed milk to the cream cheese and beat until fully combined, silky, and creamy.
- Fold into pudding: Gently fold the cream cheese mixture into the pudding until no streaks remain.
- Add Cool Whip: Fold in about 3/4 of the Cool Whip, reserving the remaining Cool Whip for the topping. Mix gently to keep it light and fluffy.
- Start the layers: In a large trifle dish, clear glass bowl, or 9×13-inch pan, add a layer of vanilla wafers to cover the bottom.
- Add fruit layers: Top the wafers with a layer of banana slices, then a layer of sliced strawberries.
- Add pudding layer: Spread a generous layer of the pudding cream mixture over the fruit, smoothing it to the edges.
- Repeat layers: Repeat the layers wafers, bananas, strawberries, pudding until you run out of ingredients, finishing with pudding on top.
- Top with Cool Whip: Spread the remaining Cool Whip over the final layer in an even, fluffy layer.
- Decorate: Garnish the top with extra sliced strawberries and vanilla wafers around the edges or in a pretty pattern, if desired.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the wafers soften and the layers are set and sliceable. Serve chilled.
Variation
- Strawberry-Only Dream: Skip the bananas and double the strawberries for a strawberry-shortcake-style pudding dessert. Great if you’re serving banana skeptics.
- Chocolate Strawberry Banana Dream: Swap one box of vanilla pudding for chocolate pudding, or drizzle melted chocolate or chocolate sauce between the layers for a banana-split vibe.
- Lighter Dream: Use reduced-fat cream cheese, light Cool Whip, and low-fat milk. The texture will be slightly softer but still delicious and creamy.
Cooking Notes
- Instant pudding is key cook-and-serve pudding will not thicken properly in this no-bake dessert without additional cooking and cooling steps.
- Slice bananas just before layering to minimize browning, and try to keep them fully covered by pudding and Cool Whip.
- If the pudding mixture seems too loose, chill it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before layering to help it firm up slightly.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this dessert straight from a trifle dish for a show-stopping centerpiece at holiday dinners, barbecues, or potlucks.
- Scoop into small mason jars or clear cups for individual servings perfect for parties or grab-and-go treats.
- Top each serving with a fresh strawberry slice and a mini wafer just before serving for an extra-pretty presentation.
Tips
- Arrange the first layer of wafers in a neat pattern against the sides of a trifle dish so you can see the pretty layers from the outside.
- For very clean layers, let the pudding mixture chill for 15–20 minutes before you start assembling.
- If transporting, assemble in a 9×13 pan with a tight-fitting lid, and add decorative toppings just before serving.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approx. 380
- Protein: Approx. 6g
- Sodium: Approx. 280mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
|-answer Yes. This recipe is perfect for making ahead. Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator. The wafers will soften and the flavors will meld beautifully. - How long does Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream last in the fridge?
|-answer For best texture and color, enjoy within 2–3 days. After that, the bananas may brown more and the wafers can become very soft, though it’s still safe if kept chilled. - Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
|-answer Yes. Whip about 2 cups of heavy cream with 1/3–1/2 cup powdered sugar until medium-stiff peaks form, then fold it into the pudding mixture as directed and use extra for topping. The dessert may be a bit softer and best within 1–2 days. - Can I substitute different cookies or fruit?
|-answer Absolutely. Shortbread cookies, graham crackers, or ladyfingers all work in place of vanilla wafers. You can also add or swap in fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches just keep the layering method the same.
Conclusion
Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream is everything its name promises: creamy, fruity, and effortlessly crowd-pleasing. With soft vanilla wafers, layers of fresh bananas and strawberries, and a luscious pudding-cheesecake filling, it’s a make-ahead dessert that feels special but requires no baking. Serve it in a trifle dish to show off the layers and watch it disappear at your next gathering.
Print
Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 1 large trifle or 9×13 pan (about 12–16 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream is a no-bake, layered dessert that tastes like a cross between banana pudding and strawberry shortcake. Vanilla wafers soften into a cake-like layer, fresh bananas and juicy strawberries add bright fruit flavor, and a rich, creamy pudding-cheesecake filling ties everything together. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, and make-ahead entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boxes vanilla wafers
- 6 to 8 bananas, sliced
- 1 container fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 boxes instant vanilla pudding (3.4 oz each)
- 4 cups cold milk
- 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (8-oz) block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 (8-oz) container Cool Whip, thawed (reserve some for topping)
Instructions
- Make the creamy pudding mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mixes and cold milk for about 2 minutes, until thick and smooth.
- Beat the cream cheese: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until completely smooth and lump-free.
- Combine with condensed milk: Add the sweetened condensed milk to the cream cheese and beat until fully combined, silky, and creamy.
- Fold into pudding: Gently fold the cream cheese mixture into the pudding until no streaks remain.
- Add Cool Whip: Fold in about 3/4 of the Cool Whip, reserving the remaining Cool Whip for the topping. Mix gently to keep it light and fluffy.
- Start the layers: In a large trifle dish, clear glass bowl, or 9×13-inch pan, add a layer of vanilla wafers to cover the bottom.
- Add fruit layers: Top the wafers with a layer of banana slices, then a layer of sliced strawberries.
- Add pudding layer: Spread a generous layer of the pudding cream mixture over the fruit, smoothing it to the edges.
- Repeat layers: Repeat the layers—wafers, bananas, strawberries, pudding—until you run out of ingredients, finishing with pudding on top.
- Top with Cool Whip: Spread the remaining Cool Whip over the final layer in an even, fluffy layer.
- Decorate: Garnish the top with extra sliced strawberries and vanilla wafers around the edges or in a pretty pattern, if desired.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the wafers soften and the layers are set and sliceable. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Use very cold milk so the instant pudding sets up thick and quickly.
- Soften the cream cheese completely to avoid lumps in your pudding mixture.
- Bananas can brown over time; fully covering them with pudding layers helps slow this down.
- Overnight chilling gives the vanilla wafers a soft, cake-like texture that many people love.
- This dessert is rich—small portions go a long way, especially after a big meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/12 of recipe
- Calories: Approx. 380
- Sugar: Approx. 40g
- Sodium: Approx. 280mg
- Fat: Approx. 14g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 5g
- Trans Fat: Approx. 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 58g
- Fiber: Approx. 2g
- Protein: Approx. 6g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 35mg
Keywords: strawberry banana pudding, banana pudding trifle, no-bake dessert, layered pudding dessert, potluck dessert
