Get ready to fall in love at first bite with this Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream—a show-stopping, crowd-pleasing dessert that brings together fresh bananas, sweet strawberries, creamy pudding, and those irresistible vanilla wafers. Every spoonful is a celebration of nostalgic flavors and vibrant freshness, with a creamy, dreamy texture that has everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or just treating yourself to something special, the Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream is destined to become your new go-to treat for making sweet memories.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is proof that a handful of simple, familiar ingredients can create something truly magical. Each component is chosen with purpose, from adding structure and sweetness to that bright pop of color that makes Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream so inviting.

Vanilla Wafers: These classic cookies create the perfect soft yet sturdy base and delicious layers that soak up all the creamy goodness.
Bananas (6 to 8, sliced): Choose ripe but firm bananas for the ideal silky texture and natural sweetness throughout each scoop.
Milk (2 cups): Regular or whole milk works best for a rich pudding, but feel free to use your favorite variety.
Strawberries (1 container): Fresh, juicy strawberries add a tangy brightness and beautiful red color to every layer.
French Vanilla Pudding (5 oz. box): This little box brings big flavor, thickening the cream filling with a silky custard taste.
Cream Cheese (8 oz. package): For a velvety base and subtle tang, use full-fat cream cheese, and make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz. can): This pantry staple gives luscious sweetness and the signature creamy texture to the pudding base.
Whipped Topping (12 oz. container): Light and fluffy, this crowns our dessert with a cloud-like finish—feel free to use homemade whipped cream if you love a personal touch.

How to Make Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream

Step 1: Make the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk. Beat them together until completely smooth, creamy, and lump-free—this step is the secret to a rich and decadent Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream!

Step 2: Add Pudding and Milk

To your creamy base, add the box of French Vanilla pudding mix and pour in the milk. Stir until the ingredients meld together into a thick, luxurious pudding. Patience is key here—mix until everything is thoroughly incorporated and silky.

Step 3: Layer the Goodness

Grab a large serving dish or trifle bowl and start layering! Begin with a generous layer of vanilla wafers to form the base, then top with a layer of fresh sliced bananas and strawberries. The color contrast will already start looking irresistible.

Step 4: Pour on the Pudding

Take half of your pudding mixture and gently pour it over the layered fruit and wafers. The creamy filling will seep down into all the little nooks, flavoring everything it touches.

Step 5: Repeat and Finish

Time for the encore! Repeat the layering process with more wafers, more bananas and strawberries, and the rest of the dreamy pudding mixture. Finish with pudding as the crowning layer—this ensures every bite is luxuriously creamy.

Step 6: Top and Chill

Spread the whipped topping generously over the entire surface, creating a fluffy cloud to seal in all the goodness. Let the Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better) to allow the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften.

How to Serve Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream

Garnishes

When it comes to serving, a handful of fresh strawberry and banana slices on top make this dish sing with color and freshness. You might even toss on a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a bit of elegance and crunch.

Side Dishes

This Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream is a star all on its own, but if you want to round out your dessert table, serve alongside a platter of mixed fresh fruit, delicate lemon bars, or a light sorbet. The pudding’s creamy richness pairs beautifully with bright, zesty flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special occasions, try assembling individual portions in mason jars or clear cups. Not only do these mini Strawberry Banana Pudding Dreams look adorable, but they’re also perfect for easy grab-and-go dessert fun! Layering in a trifle bowl gives a stunning visual appeal—you’ll hear plenty of “oohs” and “aahs” before anyone even takes the first bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (though don’t count on it!), cover your dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. It will keep happily in the refrigerator for up to three days. The layers might meld a little further over time, but the flavor remains just as delightful.

Freezing

While freezing the Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream isn’t recommended—bananas and cream cheese mixtures can change texture—you can freeze just the pudding mixture for up to a month. Thaw it slowly in the fridge, then assemble with fresh fruit and wafers when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

This dessert is best served cold and creamy straight from the fridge, so no reheating needed! In fact, the longer it chills, the better those flavors mingle and the softer the wafers get, making every spoonful irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream makes the Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream even more luscious and adds a personal touch. Just be sure it’s whipped to stiff peaks so it holds its shape during layering and storage.

How do I keep bananas from browning in the pudding?

You can lightly toss banana slices with a bit of lemon juice before adding them to the layers. This simple trick helps maintain their vibrant color and keeps your dessert looking as fresh as it tastes.

What size dish works best for this recipe?

A large trifle bowl, a 9×13-inch baking dish, or even a big glass salad bowl will work beautifully for the Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream. For a wow-worthy presentation, use a clear vessel to show off those pretty layers!

Can I prepare this dessert in advance?

Yes! In fact, making it ahead is encouraged. Letting it chill for several hours (even overnight) allows the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften, giving that perfect pudding-cake texture everyone adores.

Are there any easy substitutions if I don’t have French vanilla pudding?

Vanilla pudding is a great stand-in if French vanilla isn’t handy. The flavor will still be delicious, though French vanilla does offer a slightly richer, more custardy note to your Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that captures sunny afternoons, laughter, and pure comfort in every bite, this Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream is your answer. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if your friends and family start requesting it for every get-together—it’s bound to become a beloved tradition!

Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 26 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the deliciousness of this Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream that combines layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, strawberries, and a creamy pudding mixture topped with whipped cream. A perfect dessert for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pudding:

2 boxes Vanilla Wafers
6 to 8 bananas, sliced
2 cups milk
1 container strawberries
1 (5 oz.) box French Vanilla pudding
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 oz.) container whipped topping

Instructions

Combine Cream Cheese and Condensed Milk: In a mixing bowl, blend the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
Mix Pudding: Add French Vanilla pudding and milk to the mixture, stirring until well combined.
Layer Ingredients: In a large serving dish, create layers of vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and strawberries.
Add Pudding Mixture: Pour half of the pudding mixture over the fruit and wafers.
Repeat Layers: Continue layering with remaining ingredients, finishing with the pudding mixture on top.
Top with Whipped Cream: Spread whipped topping over the final layer. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Layering
Cuisine: American