Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream

Preparation: 20 minutes | Chilling Time: 4+ hours | Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Intensity: Very Easy, No-Bake | Servings: 8

This Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream is a no-bake classic reimagined. It’s a stunning, layered dessert that combines sweet, juicy strawberries, ripe bananas, airy whipped cream, and rich vanilla pudding with a satisfying crunch from vanilla wafers. It’s the ultimate make-ahead treat, perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or when you simply need a little slice of dreamy comfort. The flavors meld and intensify as it chills, creating a harmonious and irresistible dessert.

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Ingredients

For the Pudding & Cream Layers:

• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix

• 2 cups cold whole milk

• 1 (8 oz) block full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed, divided

For Assembly:

• 1 (11 oz) box vanilla wafer cookies (like Nilla Wafers)

• 3-4 medium ripe but firm bananas

• 1 lb fresh strawberries, divided

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for macerating berries)

For Garnish (optional):

• Additional whipped topping

• Sliced strawberries

• Whole vanilla wafer cookies

• Fresh mint sprigs

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl (or stand mixer)

• Medium mixing bowl

• Hand mixer or whisk

• Rubber spatula

• 9×13 inch glass baking dish or trifle bowl

• Sharp knife and cutting board

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Components

1. Make the Pudding: In a medium bowl, vigorously whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with the 2 cups of cold milk for 2 minutes until thick and smooth. Set aside to set for 5 minutes.

2. Macerate Strawberries (Optional but Recommended): Hull and slice 2/3 of the strawberries. Place them in a bowl, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of sugar, stir, and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. This draws out their natural juices, creating a syrup that adds incredible flavor. Reserve the remaining 1/3 of the strawberries for the middle layer and garnish.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, and beat again until fully combined and creamy.

4. Combine: Gently fold the set vanilla pudding into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula until no streaks remain. Then, gently fold in half of the thawed whipped topping (about 4 oz) until the mixture is uniform and fluffy. This is your dreamy pudding-cream base.

Step 2: Assemble the Layers

1. First Cookie Layer: Cover the bottom of your 9×13 dish with a single, even layer of vanilla wafer cookies. You will use about 1/3 of the box.

2. First Banana & Strawberry Layer: Slice the bananas into 1/4-inch rounds. Arrange a single layer of banana slices over the cookies. Drain the macerated strawberries (reserving the juice!) and scatter half of them over the banana layer. Drizzle a little of the reserved strawberry juice over the fruit.

3. First Pudding Layer: Spoon and spread half of the pudding-cream mixture evenly over the fruit and cookies. Take care to cover completely and seal to the edges.

4. Repeat Layers: Create a second layer of vanilla wafers, followed by the remaining banana slices and the reserved fresh strawberry slices (sliced). Top with the remaining pudding-cream mixture, spreading it smoothly.

5. Final Topping: Carefully spread the remaining half of the whipped topping over the final pudding layer, creating a beautiful white top.

Step 3: Chill and Serve

1. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight (8-12 hours). This crucial step allows the cookies to soften into a cake-like layer and all the flavors to marry perfectly.

2. Just before serving, garnish with additional whipped topping, fresh strawberry slices, whole wafers, and mint if desired.

3. Use a spoon or spatula to serve, digging deep to get all the glorious layers in each portion.

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Chef’s Notes & Tips

• Banana Browning: To prevent excessive browning, you can toss the banana slices in a teaspoon of lemon or pineapple juice before assembling. However, in this enclosed, creamy environment, they brown much less than expected.

• Make it Your Own: Substitute the strawberries with raspberries or blueberries. Use homemade whipped cream instead of frozen topping for a richer flavor. A layer of peanut butter swirled into the cream cheese mixture is a decadent twist!

• Storage: This pudding dream keeps beautifully, covered in the refrigerator, for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to improve. It does not freeze well due to the dairy and banana texture.

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Nutrition Information

*Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (approx. 1 cup)*