A Layered Dessert That Screams Summer
Strawberry Banana Pudding Dessert is one of those nostalgic sweets that instantly transports me to backyard picnics, summer potlucks, and warm evenings with family. Creamy vanilla pudding, juicy strawberries, sweet bananas, and fluffy whipped topping—all layered between vanilla wafers—create a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is irresistible.
It’s easy, it’s no-bake, and it’s guaranteed to disappear from the table in minutes. This American classic is a playful twist on the traditional banana pudding we all know and love, but with the added freshness of strawberries for a fruity pop.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Banana Pudding Dessert
- No baking required – Perfect for hot summer days
- Make-ahead friendly – Even better the next day
- Great for crowds – Feeds a group and can be served in one dish
- Layered beauty – Looks stunning in a trifle bowl or glass dish
- Fresh + creamy – A delicious blend of fruit and pudding

🍌 Ingredients (Serves 7)
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 2–3 bananas, sliced
- 1 pint strawberries, sliced
- 1 box vanilla wafers
- Optional: 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, lemon juice for bananas, fresh mint for garnish
⏱ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 2–4 hours
- Total Time: 15 minutes active, 2–4 hours chill
🥄 How to Make Strawberry Banana Pudding Dessert
Step 1: Make the Pudding
In a large bowl, whisk the instant pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened. Fold in half of the whipped topping until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Prep the Fruit
Slice bananas and strawberries. If you want to prevent bananas from browning, toss them in a little lemon juice.
Step 3: Layer the Dessert
In a trifle bowl or 9×13-inch dish, start layering:
- A base of vanilla wafers
- A layer of pudding mixture
- Sliced bananas and strawberries
- Repeat layers, ending with fruit and a dollop of whipped topping
Step 4: Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This gives the wafers time to soften into cake-like layers.
Step 5: Serve
Top with extra fruit, whipped topping, and fresh mint if desired. Serve chilled with a big spoon!

💡 Pro Tips for the Best Strawberry Banana Pudding Dessert
- Use ripe bananas but not too soft—they hold their shape better.
- Choose firm strawberries so they slice cleanly and don’t get mushy.
- Make ahead – this dessert is perfect the next day after the flavors meld.
- Prevent browning – lightly coat bananas in lemon juice or orange juice.
- Chill time matters – at least 2 hours, overnight is even better.
❄️ Storage Notes
- Fridge: Store tightly covered for up to 3 days.
- Not freezer-friendly: The pudding and whipped topping won’t thaw well.
- Best eaten within 48 hours for maximum texture and flavor.
🍽 Variations & Fun Twists
1. Mini Cups
Layer into individual cups or mason jars for party-ready presentation.
2. Strawberry Cheesecake Style
Add a cream cheese layer between the pudding and fruit for richness.
3. Tropical Twist
Add mango or pineapple chunks for an island-style upgrade.
4. Chocolate Lovers
Drizzle chocolate syrup between layers or use chocolate wafers.

Strawberry Banana Pudding Dessert – Creamy, Fruity, and Made for Summer
- Total Time: 15 minutes active + chill
- Yield: 1 trifle or 9x13 dish 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Description (Excerpt):
This no-bake Strawberry Banana Pudding Dessert is layered with vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, strawberries, and whipped topping for the ultimate summer treat!
Ingredients
🍌 Ingredients:
-
1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
-
2 cups cold milk
-
1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
-
2–3 bananas, sliced
-
1 pint strawberries, sliced
-
1 box vanilla wafers
-
Optional: 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, lemon juice for bananas, fresh mint for garnish
Instructions
🥄 Instructions:
-
In a large bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and milk for 2 minutes until thickened.
-
Fold in half the whipped topping until smooth.
-
Slice strawberries and bananas; toss bananas with lemon juice if desired to prevent browning.
-
In a trifle bowl or 9×13-inch dish, layer vanilla wafers, pudding mixture, banana slices, and strawberry slices. Repeat layers as desired.
-
Finish with remaining whipped topping and garnish with more strawberries or mint.
-
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
💡 Notes:
-
Best made 4–24 hours in advance to allow wafers to soften.
-
Use firm, ripe bananas for clean slices.
-
Customize with cream cheese or crushed graham crackers if desired.
-
This dessert is not ideal for freezing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert, No-Bake, Summer Recipes
- Method: Sarah
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice or scoop (~1/7 of recipe)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
🧁 What to Serve With Strawberry Banana Pudding Dessert
Drinks:
- Iced tea with lemon
- Strawberry lemonade
- Sparkling white sangria
Meals:
- Grilled chicken or pulled pork
- Summer BBQ spread
- Light sandwiches and salads
Other Desserts:
- Lemon bars
- Coconut cream pie
- Strawberry shortcake