Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream

introduction

This dish feels light and sweet. It uses ripe fruit, soft wafers, and a creamy mix. It makes a pretty dish for a small crowd or for a week night. You can serve it after a simple meal or at a small party. Try it with a slice of angular banana bread on the side for a full banana treat.

why make this recipe

You make this to use ripe bananas and fresh berries. You make it when you want a fast cool dessert that looks nice. It needs no bake time and it rests in the fridge. Kids like the fruit and the soft wafers. Adults like the creamy layers. If you enjoy basic baked goods, see a simple basic banana bread to serve with it.

how to make Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream

You make it in a bowl and a big dish. You mix the soft cheese and milk mixture first. Then you add the pudding mix and milk and stir. You press a layer of vanilla wafers in the dish. You add sliced bananas and berries over the wafers. You pour some of the pudding mix over the fruit and wafers. You repeat until you use all the mix. You top the dish with whipped topping and cool it in the fridge. For a fun twist, you can add a small layer of chocolate banana bread crumbs in the layers.

Ingredients :

• 2 boxes Vanilla Wafers
• 6 to 8 bananas, sliced
• 2 cups milk
• 1 container strawberries, sliced
• 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
• A large serving dish

You can swap the wafers for a softer cookie if you want. For a side idea, try Ina’s simple loaf as a small dessert bread: Ina’s banana bread.

Directions :

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
2. Add the French Vanilla pudding and milk to the mixture and stir until well combined.
3. In a large serving dish, layer the vanilla wafers, followed by a layer of sliced bananas and strawberries.
4. Pour half of the pudding mixture over the fruit and wafers.
5. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, finishing with the pudding mixture on top.
6. Spread the whipped topping over the final layer and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

how to serve Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream

Cut the dish with a wide spoon. Serve in small bowls or on plates. Add a fresh berry on top for color. You can add a small wafer as a lid on each bowl. Keep the plates cool before you serve if you like a cold bite.

how to store Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream

Cover the dish with plastic wrap. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Do not leave it out at room temp for more than two hours. If fruit gets soft, you can freshen the top with a few new slices before you serve.

tips to make Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream

Use ripe but firm bananas. Slice them right before you layer to stop browning. Chill the bowl and tools for a firmer mix. Let it sit at least four hours so the wafers soften. For a fall twist, try a bread pudding side like pumpkin bread pudding for a warm match.

variation (if any)

• Use raspberries or blueberries instead of strawberries.
• Swap cream cheese for mascarpone for a richer taste.
• Add a thin layer of crushed chocolate wafers for a chocolate note.
• Use low sugar pudding for a lighter dish.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this the day before?
A: Yes. Make it the day before and chill it. It will taste better after it sits.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: No. Freezing will change the texture of the fruit and the whipped topping. Keep it in the fridge.

Q: Can I use other fruit?
A: Yes. Peaches, raspberries, or blueberries work well. Keep the slices small.

Q: Do I need fresh strawberries?
A: Fresh fruit gives the best look and taste. You can use frozen if you thaw and drain them well.

Q: Can I make this with sugar free pudding?
A: Yes. Use sugar free pudding and a low sugar whipped topping if you want less sugar.

Conclusion

This easy and sweet dish is a good pick for warm days and for family meals. For another take on a southern style version, see My Favorite Southern Strawberry Banana Pudding. For a similar layered pudding idea and more notes, try this Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream.