Description
Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding is a delightful no-bake dessert featuring layers of creamy banana pudding, fresh banana slices, and a crunchy strawberry-infused cookie topping. This American classic combines smooth pudding made from instant banana mix and cream cheese with a sweet and tangy strawberry crunch, creating a refreshing treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pudding Mixture
- 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant banana pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups whipped topping or whipped cream
Fruit and Topping
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups vanilla wafer cookies, crushed
- 1 1/2 cups freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare Pudding Mix: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant banana pudding mix and cold milk until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken slightly.
- Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, then mix well until fully combined and creamy.
- Combine Layers: Fold the whipped topping gently into the cream cheese mixture, then carefully fold in the prepared banana pudding to create a light, fluffy pudding mixture.
- Prepare Strawberry Crunch Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and slightly clumpy for a crunchy texture.
- Layer Dessert: In a trifle dish or 9×13-inch pan, spread half of the pudding mixture evenly. Add a layer of sliced bananas on top, then sprinkle a generous layer of the strawberry crunch topping.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining pudding mixture over the topping, followed by another layer of banana slices, and finish with the remaining strawberry crunch topping on top.
- Chill: Cover the dessert with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and pudding to set.
- Serve: Once chilled, cut into squares or scoop into serving dishes and enjoy this creamy, crunchy, and fruity treat.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh strawberries along with or instead of the banana slices for added fruit flavor and texture.
- For a homemade variation, bake your own vanilla wafers or use shortbread cookies in place of the store-bought vanilla wafers.
- If desired, adjust the sweetness by reducing the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
