How long does strawberry banana pudding take to make?

About 20 minutes of hands-on prep time, but you'll need at least 4 hours for it to chill in the fridge. Honestly, I always make it the night before because the leftovers actually taste better — the flavors develop overnight!

Can I use different fruit in this banana pudding?

Absolutely! I've tried this with blueberries and raspberries, and they're both amazing. Just make sure whatever fruit you use is fresh and chopped small enough to layer nicely. My neighbor asked for this recipe after I used mixed berries!

How do I store leftover strawberry banana pudding?

Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and pop it back in the fridge. It'll stay good for up to 3 days, though I'll be honest — it never lasts that long in my house! It's my comfort food on a bad day.

Why is my banana pudding not setting up?

Oh, I've been there! The first time I made this, I didn't whisk the pudding mix and milk long enough. You really need to get it thick before you add the cream cheese mixture. Also, make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature so it beats smooth, no lumps!

What do you serve with strawberry banana pudding?

Honestly, it's perfect on its own! But if I'm feeling fancy, sometimes I'll add a little extra dollop of fresh whipped cream on top, or a sprinkle of toasted pecans for a nutty crunch. My family requests this at least once a week, so it's usually just served as is!

Best Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe

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By Chef Clara

Last Updated: May 27, 2026

Creamy layers of banana pudding, fresh strawberries, sliced bananas, and vanilla wafers come together for a luscious, fruity twist on a classic dessert!

What makes this version different

No baking required: Easy and quick to prepare without heating up the kitchen.
Flavor-packed: Combines fruity freshness with creamy and sweet layers.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, parties, or family desserts.
Make-ahead dessert: Tastes even better when prepared in advance.

The ingredient lineup

2 boxes vanilla wafers
6-8 bananas, sliced
1 container strawberries, chopped
2 cups milk
1 (5 oz) box French vanilla pudding mix
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

Directions

In a large bowl, whisk together milk and pudding mix until thickened. Set aside.
In another bowl, beat cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping, then gently mix with the prepared pudding.
In a 9×13-inch dish, layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and chopped strawberries. Spread half of the pudding mixture over the top.
Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of pudding on top.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor and texture.

Time and servings

Servings: 10
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Variations I love

Chocolate Lovers: Replace French vanilla pudding mix with chocolate pudding for a rich twist.
Berry Mix: Add blueberries or raspberries for additional fruity layers.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free vanilla wafers or cookies.
Homemade Whipped Cream: Swap frozen whipped topping with freshly whipped cream for a homemade touch.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle crushed nuts between layers for added texture and flavor.

What to do with leftovers

Storage: Store in the refrigerator covered tightly for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Avoid freezing as the fresh fruits may release moisture and affect the texture.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, it’s even better when made a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld together.

What can I use instead of vanilla wafers?

You can use graham crackers, ladyfingers, or shortbread cookies as substitutes.

Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of frozen topping?

Absolutely! Fresh whipped cream adds a lovely homemade touch to the dessert.

Can I use different fruits?

Yes, you can add or replace fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or kiwi for variety.

How long should I chill the dessert?

Chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal for the best texture and flavor.

Can I use low-fat or sugar-free options?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, sugar-free pudding mix, and whipped topping for a lighter version.

What’s the best way to layer the ingredients?

Start with wafers, followed by bananas and strawberries, and then the pudding mixture. Repeat for even layers.

How do I prevent the bananas from browning?

Toss the banana slices in a bit of lemon juice to help slow down oxidation.

Can I add alcohol for an adult version?

A splash of rum or banana liqueur can be mixed into the pudding mixture for a boozy twist.

What dish size is ideal for this recipe?

A 9×13-inch dish works perfectly for even layering and serving.

Before you go

This Strawberry Banana Pudding is a creamy, fruity, and refreshing dessert that’s easy to prepare and impossible to resist. With its vibrant layers and delightful textures, it’s sure to become a favorite for family meals and special occasions alike. Try it today and enjoy a sweet, no-bake masterpiece!

Pro Tips From My Kitchen

For the creamiest texture, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before beating it with the sweetened condensed milk. This prevents lumps and creates a silky-smooth base for your pudding.
To prevent bananas from browning too quickly, lightly toss the sliced bananas in a tablespoon of lemon juice before layering. This culinary trick helps preserve their fresh appearance and taste for longer.
Achieve perfectly softened wafers without them becoming mushy by ensuring adequate chill time. Four hours is good, but chilling overnight allows the wafers to absorb just enough moisture for that ideal tender-crisp texture.
When folding in the whipped topping, use a gentle hand to maintain its airy volume. Overmixing can deflate the topping, leading to a denser pudding texture. My experience shows light folding yields the best results.

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Strawberry Banana Pudding

Author: Chef Clara
Total Time: PT4H20M
Yield: 10 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy layers of banana pudding, fresh strawberries, sliced bananas, and vanilla wafers come together for a luscious, fruity twist on a classic dessert!

Ingredients

Scale

2 boxes vanilla wafers
6–8 bananas, sliced
1 container strawberries, chopped
2 cups milk
1 (5 oz) box French vanilla pudding mix
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together milk and pudding mix until thickened. Set aside.
In another bowl, beat cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping, then gently mix with the prepared pudding.
In a 9×13-inch dish, layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and chopped strawberries. Spread half of the pudding mixture over the top.
Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of pudding on top.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor and texture.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT4H
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American