Strawberry Banana Pudding

Strawberry banana pudding isn’t just a dessert. It’s a hug in a bowl. Sweet, creamy, cool, and loaded with fresh fruit—this Southern staple got a fruity twist in my kitchen one summer afternoon after I botched a banana cream pie (long story involving a toddler, a dog, and gravity). I had strawberries on hand, ripe bananas, and a box of pudding. What started as damage control became one of my favorite no-fuss desserts.

In this post, you’ll learn how to make strawberry banana pudding from scratch (or semi-scratch)—whether you’re layering it for a crowd, spooning it into jars as parfaits, or dreaming of turning it into a cake or cheesecake.

We’ll cover every delicious angle: the Southern roots, how to make it no-bake, and the difference between pudding and parfait. Plus, I’ll share tested tips, layering secrets, and a mistake or two so you don’t have to learn the hard way.

By the end, you’ll have a recipe that’s both showstopper-worthy and easy enough for a Tuesday night treat.

Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know

• Strawberry banana pudding is a creamy, fruity, no-bake dessert layered with pudding, fruit, and wafers.
• You can serve it as a trifle, in jars, or in cake form.
• Best when chilled overnight—hello, flavor marriage!
• Perfect for potlucks, summer barbecues, or a cozy night in.
• Flexible recipe: use instant pudding, homemade custard, or even whipped cream cheese layers.
• Strawberries add a fresh, sweet-tart twist to classic banana pudding.

Why Strawberry Banana Pudding Is the Dessert Your Summer Needs

What is Southern Strawberry Banana Pudding?

Southern strawberry banana pudding is a fruit-forward twist on the traditional banana pudding served across the American South. It’s made with layers of vanilla pudding, fresh banana slices, juicy strawberries, and vanilla wafers or butter cookies. Traditionally chilled in a large dish or trifle bowl, it’s served cold and scooped like a cobbler.

Unlike the purely banana version, the strawberry brings a sweet-tart brightness that cuts through the richness. In the South, it’s not uncommon to find it at Sunday suppers or tucked into dessert tables beside things like peach cobbler and red velvet treats.

The secret to a great Southern-style version? Generous layers, real fruit, and chilled time. If your spoon stands up straight, you’ve done it right.

Where Did the Idea Come From? (And Why I Keep Making It)

Honestly? This recipe was born out of kitchen chaos. I had leftover pudding, half a loaf of banana bread, and a tub of whipped topping. I tossed in strawberries on a whim—and that’s when everything clicked. The balance of tart and creamy was a wow moment. My neighbor called it “banana split meets grandma’s trifle.”

What I love most is how forgiving and flexible it is. You can use boxed pudding or make it from scratch. Top it with whipped cream or a strawberry glaze. Layer it in a dish or make mini dessert jars-style.

No matter how you make it, it’s always bright, nostalgic, and comforting.

How to Make Strawberry Banana Pudding (Step-by-Step)

What Ingredients Do You Need for Easy Strawberry Banana Pudding?

You don’t need fancy ingredients—just fresh fruit, creamy pudding, and something to soak up all that goodness. This strawberry banana pudding dessert can be as simple or dressed-up as you like.

Here’s what I usually grab from my pantry and fridge:

Base Ingredients:

Optional twist: Add a spoonful of strawberry jam between layers or drizzle a quick hard tack-style glaze for a glossy finish.

If you’d rather make the pudding from scratch, I’ll include that below, too.

How Do You Assemble the Best Strawberry Banana Pudding?

Start with pudding, end with pretty. That’s the golden rule.

Here’s how I layer mine for maximum flavor, texture, and those “wow” spoonfuls:

Step-by-Step Assembly:

1. Make the pudding.
   Whisk the instant pudding mix with cold milk for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Chill for 5 minutes. (If using homemade pudding, let it cool to room temp.)
2. Prep the fruit.
   Slice bananas and strawberries right before layering to avoid browning. You can toss banana slices in a little lemon juice for extra protection, but don’t overdo it or it’ll taste citrusy.
3. Layer 1 – Cookies.
   Spread a single layer of vanilla wafers or cookies in the bottom of a trifle bowl or 9×13 dish.
4. Layer 2 – Bananas + Strawberries.
   Arrange slices of banana and strawberry evenly over the cookies.
5. Layer 3 – Pudding.
   Pour a layer of pudding over the fruit. Smooth it out with a spatula.
6. Repeat layers.
   Keep going—cookies, fruit, pudding—until your dish is full or ingredients are gone.
7. Top it off.
   Finish with whipped topping, crushed cookies, or fresh sliced fruit. Chill for at least 4 hours (overnight is better).

Pro Tip: Want a more decadent version? Fold softened cream cheese into the pudding or banana bread chunks into the base for a cheesecake vibe.

Can You Make It Ahead or Store It?

Yes—and it actually tastes better after a chill. This recipe is a dream for party prep or Sunday meal plans. I like to make mine the night before and let it sit in the fridge for at least 6–8 hours. The cookies soften, the flavors marry, and it scoops like a dream.

To store leftovers, cover tightly and refrigerate. It keeps for up to 3 days, though the bananas might darken slightly after day two.

Strawberry Banana Pudding Variations You’ll Crave

How Do You Turn It Into Strawberry Banana Pudding Cake?

A strawberry banana pudding cake is just a dreamy mash-up of pudding, fruit, and soft cake layers—think trifle meets shortcake. And it’s easier than it sounds.

Here’s how I make mine:

Ingredients:

• 1 prepared vanilla or yellow cake (from scratch or boxed)
• 1 batch of strawberry banana pudding (use the recipe from Part 2)
• Sliced strawberries and bananas
• Whipped topping or cream cheese frosting

Instructions:

1. Bake your cake in a 9×13 pan or two round pans. Let it cool completely.
2. Slice the cake into cubes (or layers if you’re fancy).
3. In a trifle bowl or glass dish, alternate cake cubes, pudding, and fruit.
4. Finish with whipped topping and crushed wafers or braided brioche crumbs for flair.
5. Chill before serving—just like pudding, this gets better over time.

Want a bakery-style showstopper? Pipe a cream cheese layer and garnish with fresh strawberries dipped in sugar.

This variation is a hit for birthdays, church potlucks, and honestly… casual Tuesdays.

What About Strawberry Banana Pudding Cheesecake?

Now, strawberry banana pudding cheesecake is a richer take that adds a cream cheese base layer—like banana pudding in its Sunday best.

Here’s how I shortcut it without turning on the oven:

No-Bake Cheesecake Base:

• 1 package cream cheese (8 oz), softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whipped topping or heavy cream, whipped stiff

Whip the ingredients until smooth. Spread this as your bottom layer in a dish or jar, then add your pudding, strawberries, and bananas on top. Repeat the layers and finish with cookies or crumbs.

Serve it in jars for a parfait-style presentation or in a springform pan for a sliceable cheesecake version.

Bonus: Add mashed bananas into the cream cheese layer for a flavor bomb.

Can You Make a No-Bake Strawberry Banana Dessert?

Oh, absolutely. In fact, that’s the best part of this whole recipe—it’s already mostly no-bake.

But if you want a version that’s totally oven-free and even easier:

• Use store-bought pound cake, ladyfingers, or graham crackers instead of homemade cake or wafers.
• Swap in Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.
• Want dairy-free? Use coconut whipped cream and plant-based pudding mix.

Top with a little swirl of strawberry jam or a sprinkle of freeze-dried strawberries for texture and color.

If you’re prepping in summer or during the holidays, this no-bake version is your go-to creamy banana pudding remix.

Strawberry Banana Pudding

A creamy, fruity twist on classic Southern banana pudding with layers of vanilla wafers, fresh strawberries, bananas, and luscious pudding, perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.

Print Pin

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, southern

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Resting Time: 2 hours hours

Total Time: 2 hours hours 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 Servings

Calories: 360kcal

Author: Lucy

Cost: $8

Equipment

• mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Trifle dish
• Knife
• Measuring cup

Ingredients

• 1 box Instant vanilla pudding Or banana cream flavor
• 2 cups Whole milk Or half-and-half for richer flavor
• 3 Bananas Ripe sliced just before layering
• 2 cups Strawberries Fresh sliced
• 2 cups Whipped topping Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream
• 1 box Vanilla wafers Or Golden Oreos/shortbread for variation
• 1 tsp Lemon juice Optional to prevent banana browning

Instructions

• In a mixing bowl, whisk pudding mix with cold milk for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Let sit for 5 minutes.
• Fold in whipped topping to create a mousse-like texture.
• Slice bananas and strawberries.
• In a trifle dish or glass container, begin layering: wafers, bananas, strawberries, and pudding.
• Repeat the layers until the dish is full. Finish with a top layer of whipped cream, strawberries, and crushed wafers.
• Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

• For extra texture, try a strawberry crunch topping using crushed Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries.
• For a healthier version, use almond milk, sugar-free pudding, and light whipped topping.

Nutrition

Calories: 360kcal

What Is a Banana Pudding, Really? (+ Real-Life Feedback)

What Is Banana Pudding, and Why Do We Love It So Much?

At its heart, banana pudding is a classic Southern dessert made by layering vanilla pudding, sliced bananas, and vanilla wafers (or butter cookies). It’s traditionally topped with whipped cream or meringue and served chilled.

So why is it so loved?

Because it hits every texture craving in one spoonful:

• Creamy pudding
• Soft, ripe bananas
• A hint of crunch from softened cookies
• And that nostalgic flavor that reminds you of church potlucks and grandma’s kitchen

It’s a humble, no-fuss dish that’s deliciously flexible. You can layer it in a big trifle bowl, scoop it into jars, or even serve it in a baked crust. And when you add strawberries? You get a bright, fruity twist that takes it from cozy to crave-worthy.

If you’re wondering about the difference between a pudding and a parfait—it all comes down to layering and texture. A parfait is often served in tall glasses with distinct layers and crunchier add-ins (like granola). Banana pudding, on the other hand, is softer, scoopable, and almost messy in the best way.

Real-Life Testimonial: “This Was the Only Thing My Daughter Ate at Her Party”

I got this message from a reader named Rachel in Atlanta:

“Lucy, I made your strawberry banana pudding for my daughter’s 7th birthday party last weekend. We had cupcakes, cookies, and candy—this was the only thing she asked for seconds of. It was gone in 15 minutes. My mom said it reminded her of the banana pudding her mother used to make, but better. I think the strawberries sold it!”

Rachel also shared that she made individual pudding cups in mason jars for each kid (smart!), and that adding extra whipped topping made it easier to prep ahead.

What’s the Secret to the Creamiest Banana Pudding?

If I had to boil it down to 3 tips for ultra-smooth, creamy banana pudding:

1. Use cold milk when whisking instant pudding—it thickens better.
2. Fold in whipped topping gently to keep it airy (don’t overmix).
3. Let it chill overnight to give the layers time to meld and soften.

Want to push it even further? Blend some of the banana with the pudding before assembling. It adds a subtle depth of flavor that banana lovers go wild for.

And if you’re after a more decadent version, add a layer of whipped cream cheese or mascarpone (total game-changer!).

How to Serve Strawberry Banana Pudding Like a Pro

What’s the Best Way to Serve Strawberry Banana Pudding?

You can serve strawberry banana pudding a dozen different ways—but I always say: presentation matters when it comes to creamy desserts.

Here are my favorite ways to plate and present this sweet southern treat:

1. In a trifle bowl

A glass trifle dish is classic. It shows off those gorgeous layers of pudding, fruit, and cookies. Perfect for family gatherings or holidays. Plus, it makes even boxed pudding look elegant.

2. In mini mason jars

These are portable, portion-controlled, and Pinterest-perfect. I like to do three small layers: crushed cookies, pudding, fruit—then repeat. Finish with a piped swirl of whipped cream and a strawberry slice on top.

3. As a dessert shooter

Layer the pudding into shot glasses for party appetizers or bridal showers. One-bite creamy heaven!

4. Scoop-style in a baking dish

There’s no shame in the messy, delicious scoop! Use a 9×13 dish and let guests serve themselves. This is the go-to for potlucks and casual cookouts.

Hosting a themed party? Match your pudding layers to red velvet brownies or style them alongside bagels with cream cheese for a sweet-salty brunch bar.

Can You Make Strawberry Banana Pudding Ahead for a Party?

Absolutely. In fact, you should. It gets so much better after a few hours—or overnight.

Here’s your make-ahead timeline:

If using bananas, wait until the last few hours to slice them or coat them in lemon juice (just a splash!) to prevent browning.

Traveling with it? I pack the layers in a tight container and transport the toppings separately to add just before serving.

Styling Tip for the ‘Gram: How to Make It Pop on Camera

Want that scroll-stopping dessert photo?

1. Use fresh, vibrant strawberries with green tops attached.
2. Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers or graham cracker crumbs on top for contrast.
3. Add a whipped topping swirl using a piping bag.
4. Use a clear glass container—jars or tall tumblers—to show those pretty layers.
5. Natural light + a spoon casually resting on the side = instant food blog vibes.

Strawberry Banana Pudding FAQs (Quick Answers)