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Strawberry Banana Pudding

A creamy dessert that blends the sweetness of ripe strawberries and bananas with velvety pudding, perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pudding Base
  • 2 boxes Instant pudding mix (Vanilla or French Vanilla) Creamy and smooth.
  • 2 cups cold milk (whole, oat, or almond) Refreshing and rich.
  • 14 ounces sweet condensed milk Thick, sweet, and syrupy.
  • 8 ounces softened cream cheese Rich and decadent.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Aromatic and fragrant.
  • 8 ounces Cool Whip Light and fluffy.
  • 2 boxes vanilla wafers Crispy and buttery.
  • 2 ripe bananas Optional, for added flavor.
  • 1 box Chessman cookies Optional, for extra crunch.
  • 16 ounces strawberries Juicy and vibrant.
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar Sweet, to enhance the fruit's natural flavor.

Method
 

Preparing the Strawberry Mixture
  1. Slice the strawberries into small pieces, then sprinkle the sugar over them.
  2. Mix gently and allow them to sit for at least an hour.
Making the Pudding Base
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and creamy.
  2. Set the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to thicken.
Cream Cheese Mixture
  1. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
  2. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
  3. Slowly add two tablespoons of the strawberry syrup mixture.
  4. Fold in the Cool Whip gently until thoroughly incorporated.
  5. Add three more tablespoons of the syrup, followed by two tablespoons of the macerated strawberries.
Combining the Mixtures
  1. Gently fold the cream cheese mixture into the prepared pudding until uniform.
Layering the Pudding
  1. Pour a layer of pudding mixture over the bottom of the serving dish.
  2. Add a layer of crushed vanilla wafers, followed by macerated strawberries and sliced bananas.
  3. Repeat layering until you’ve created three layers, finishing with the vanilla pudding mixture.
Refrigeration
  1. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Decorating Before Serving
  1. Before serving, decorate the top with additional vanilla wafers, strawberries, and drizzle of strawberry syrup.

Notes

Use fresh, ripe strawberries and bananas for optimal flavor. Chill mixing bowls and utensils; it helps with texture. Consider adding nuts or toasting wafers for added crunch.