If you love classic banana pudding, this Strawberry Banana Pudding Dessert takes that nostalgic favorite and gives it a fresh, fruity twist.
It’s creamy.
It’s sweet.
And it’s layered with flavor.
Smooth vanilla pudding blends with fluffy whipped topping to create a light, creamy filling. Layers of Nilla wafers soften as the dessert chills, while fresh banana slices and sweet strawberry filling add bright fruity flavor in every bite.
As it sits in the refrigerator, the flavors come together and the wafers become soft and cake-like, creating a dessert that’s rich, comforting, and incredibly satisfying.
The result is a chilled layered dessert that feels like a mix between banana pudding and strawberry shortcake.
Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, potlucks, or anytime you want an easy dessert that looks impressive but takes very little effort.
🛒 What You’ll Need
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1 box vanilla instant pudding mix
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2 cups cold milk
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1 (8 oz) container whipped topping
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1 box Nilla wafers
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2 bananas, sliced
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1 cup strawberry pie filling or chopped strawberries
These simple ingredients come together to create a creamy, fruity layered dessert.
👩🍳 How to Make It
⭐ Step 1: Make the Pudding
In a large bowl, whisk the vanilla pudding mix with the cold milk until it thickens.
⭐ Step 2: Add the Whipped Topping
Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
⭐ Step 3: Start the Layers
In a serving dish, add a layer of Nilla wafers across the bottom.
⭐ Step 4: Add the Fruit
Place banana slices and a spoonful of strawberry pie filling over the wafers.
⭐ Step 5: Add the Creamy Layer
Spread a layer of the pudding mixture over the fruit.
⭐ Step 6: Repeat the Layers
Continue layering wafers, bananas, strawberries, and pudding until the dish is filled.
⭐ Step 7: Finish the Top
Add extra Nilla wafers on top for decoration.
⭐ Step 8: Chill Before Serving
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours so the dessert sets and the wafers soften.
Serve chilled and enjoy.
✨ Make It Even Better
Want to take it to the next level?
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Add fresh sliced strawberries instead of pie filling
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Drizzle white chocolate over the top
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Add crushed graham crackers for extra texture
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Mix cream cheese into the pudding for a cheesecake flavor
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Add blueberries for a berry mix version
❤️ Why You’ll Love It
This Strawberry Banana Pudding Dessert is creamy, fruity, and incredibly easy to make. The layers of soft wafers, sweet bananas, strawberries, and fluffy pudding make every bite comforting and delicious.
It’s the kind of dessert that looks beautiful on the table and always disappears quickly.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding?
Yes. Homemade vanilla pudding works well, but make sure it is fully cooled before layering so it doesn’t melt the whipped topping.
2. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of strawberry pie filling?
Absolutely. Fresh chopped strawberries are a great option and give the dessert a lighter, fresher flavor.
3. How do I keep the bananas from turning brown?
Lightly toss the banana slices with a little lemon juice before layering them in the dessert. This helps keep them looking fresh.
4. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes. This dessert is actually better when made a few hours ahead or even the night before, because the wafers soften and the flavors blend together.
5. How long will this dessert last in the refrigerator?
It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days if stored in an airtight container.
6. Can I freeze strawberry banana pudding?
Freezing is not recommended because the bananas and pudding can become watery once thawed.
7. Can I add other fruits to this dessert?
Yes. Blueberries, raspberries, pineapple, or peaches work well and add extra flavor and color.
8. What type of dish should I use for layering?
A 9×13 dish, trifle bowl, or glass serving dish works best so you can easily see the beautiful layers.
9. Can I use whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Yes. Homemade whipped cream can be used instead of whipped topping for a fresher taste.
10. Why do the Nilla wafers soften in the dessert?
As the dessert chills, the wafers absorb moisture from the pudding and fruit, giving them a soft cake-like texture that makes the dessert extra delicious.
💡 Helpful Tips for the Best Strawberry Banana Pudding Dessert
⭐ Use very cold milk
Cold milk helps the instant pudding thicken quickly and smoothly.
⭐ Layer evenly
Spreading each layer evenly ensures every serving has the perfect balance of cookies, fruit, and cream.
⭐ Slice bananas right before assembling
This keeps them fresh and prevents browning.
⭐ Chill long enough
Let the dessert chill for at least 2 hours so the flavors blend and the wafers soften.
⭐ Use ripe but firm bananas
This gives the dessert natural sweetness while keeping the slices intact.
⭐ Add wafers on top right before serving
If you want them crunchy, add a few fresh wafers on top just before serving.
⭐ Serve cold
This dessert tastes best when fully chilled.
⭐ Use a clear dish
A glass dish or trifle bowl makes the layered dessert look beautiful when serving.
⭐ Don’t overmix the pudding and whipped topping
Gently fold them together so the mixture stays light and fluffy.
⭐ Decorate the top
Extra strawberries, banana slices, and cookie crumbs make the dessert look even more inviting.
