This delicious Quick and Easy Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream comes together in about 30 minutes and is no-bake, making it the perfect treat for busy weeknights when your family is craving something sweet! With layers of creamy goodness and fresh fruit, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. You can switch up the ingredients based on what you have at home or even use it as a clever way to clean out the fridge!
Essential Ingredients for Your Pudding Dream
Before diving into the recipe, let’s break down what you’ll need for this amazing dessert.
Vanilla Wafers
Vanilla Wafers are the perfect cookie base for this pudding dream, think of them as a little crunch that complements the soft pudding beautifully.
You can substitute with graham crackers or even ladyfingers for a twist!
Bananas
You’ll need 6 to 8 medium-sized bananas, sliced. Bananas provide a sweet, creamy texture that’s a natural fit. They ripen quickly, so use those that are slightly overripe for maximum sweetness and softness. If you’re not a fan of bananas, feel free to use other fruits like peaches or mangoes!
Milk
You’ll want 2 cups of milk to help bring everything together effortlessly. Whole milk will give you the creamiest results, but you can use low-fat or even almond milk if you’d like. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary a bit.
Fresh Strawberries
Grab 1 container of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced. Strawberries add a burst of color and a juicy texture that balances out the creamy layers. You can absolutely swap these with frozen strawberries if that’s what you have on hand, just let them thaw first!
French Vanilla Pudding Mix
This isn’t just any pudding mix! Using 1 (5 oz.) box of French vanilla pudding mix adds an incredible, rich flavor. I prefer French vanilla for its unique depth, but you could swap it for regular vanilla pudding if that’s what’s available.
Cream Cheese
The 8 oz. package of cream cheese, softened, is an absolute game changer! It gives a lovely creaminess that makes this dessert feel indulgent. You can use neufchâtel cheese as a lighter alternative if you’re looking to cut down on calories.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Grab a 14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk for that silky-smooth texture and sweetness. I always keep a couple cans in my pantry for desserts like this! You could use regular milk or evaporated milk if you need a substitute, but you’ll miss that extra sweetness.
Whipped Topping
Finally, you’ll need a 12 oz. container of whipped topping to finish this beauty off. It’s airy, light, and takes this treat to the next level! If you want to make it from scratch, go for it! Just whip some heavy cream with sugar until soft peaks form.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Now that we’ve got our ingredients, it’s time to whip it up! This is a super easy, no-fuss recipe that anyone can master.
How to Make This Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
Mix Together the Creamy Base (5 minutes)
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and the sweetened condensed milk until creamy. You can use a hand mixer for about 2 minutes for a fluffy texture, or just your trusty spatula, if you like a more rustic vibe!Blend the Pudding and Milk (5 minutes)
Stir in the French vanilla pudding mix and milk until fully blended, it should be slightly thick but still pourable. This is where the magic begins! If you find it a bit lumpy, don’t worry; just keep stirring!Layer the Goodness (10 minutes)
In a large serving dish (I use a 9×13 inch for this), layer half of the vanilla wafers on the bottom, they get wonderfully soft when mixed with the pudding. Then, add a layer of sliced bananas followed by a layer of strawberries. Pour half of that dreamy pudding mixture over the layered fruit and cookies.Repeat the Layers (10 minutes)
Now, repeat with the remaining fruit and pudding mixture, more bananas, more strawberries, more pudding! It’s like a deliciously colorful game of Jenga.Add Whipped Topping (5 minutes)
Spread whipped topping over the final layer. This is also the time to get creative. You can top it with additional fruits or crumbled cookies if you like!Chill and Serve (at least 4 hours)
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours until set, although overnight is even better! This step is key for the flavors to meld together beautifully.Slice and Enjoy
When you’re ready to serve, simply slice and enjoy the layers of deliciousness. Seriously, you’ll want to savor every bite!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I need something quick and easy yet incredibly satisfying. Honestly, I’m a real sucker for desserts that require minimal effort and maximum flavor, this brings all my favorite flavors together in a fun, laid-back way! Plus, it’s perfect for gatherings or just a cozy evening at home. The best part is that you can use whatever fruit you have on hand, making it so versatile! Be sure to check out my Easy Mississippi Mud Pie, my Magical Spiral Cookies, or my Easy Galaxy Candy Grapes! Each one is a hit in our household, and I’m sure they’ll be just as loved at your dinner table!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
With a very minimal prep time of around 30 minutes, this dessert comes together quickly, making it a perfect weeknight treat. You can whip it up while juggling dinner and the kids!
No-Bake Delight
Since this is a no-bake recipe, you won’t have to worry about heating up the oven or standing for long periods, ideal for those hot summer days or when you’re just not feeling it.
Customizable
You can switch up the ingredients in so many ways! Don’t like bananas? Try peaches, or add some chocolate chips if you’re feeling adventurous. This dessert can adapt to whatever flavor combination you’re craving.
Family-Friendly Fun
This is the kind of dessert everyone gets excited about! It’s creamy, colorful, and perfect for sharing. The kids will love helping you layer everything together, making it a fun family activity.
Make-Ahead Friendly
You can easily prep this dessert a day in advance. This means you can relax and enjoy your time with family and friends while your dessert is chilling in the refrigerator, waiting to impress!
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This Dessert
Serve it chilled, and feel free to add fresh mint or extra fruit on top for a little touch! It pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, too if you’re really feeling indulgent.
Storage
This Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cover it tightly to keep it fresh!
Reheating Instructions
No reheating here since it’s a dessert meant to be enjoyed cold!
Freezer-Friendliness
This pudding does not freeze well due to the creamy layers; it’s best enjoyed fresh!
With a burst of fruity flair and layers of creamy goodness, this Quick and Easy Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. It’s effortless, delicious, and fun to make with your family. Trust me, you’ll love every bite, enjoy! Follow us on Pinterest for daily baking inspiration!
Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until creamy using a hand mixer or spatula.
- Stir in the French vanilla pudding mix and milk until fully blended.
- In a large serving dish, layer half of the vanilla wafers on the bottom, add a layer of sliced bananas followed by a layer of strawberries, then pour half of the pudding mixture over the layered fruit and cookies.
- Repeat with the remaining fruit and pudding mixture.
- Spread whipped topping over the final layer, adding extra fruit or crumbled cookies if desired.
- Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours until set, or overnight for best results.
- When ready to serve, slice and enjoy the delicious layers.