Southern Strawberry Banana Pudding is a delightful twist on the classic dessert that has captured the hearts of many. Growing up in the South, I fondly remember family gatherings where this creamy, fruity treat graced the table, bringing smiles and sweet memories. The combination of ripe bananas and fresh strawberries layered with velvety pudding and crunchy vanilla wafers creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible.
What I love most about Southern Strawberry Banana Pudding is its versatility; its perfect for any occasion, whether its a summer picnic or a cozy holiday dinner. The sweetness of the strawberries complements the rich, smooth pudding, while the bananas add a delightful creaminess. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a favorite among both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices alike. Join me as we dive into this beloved Southern classic that is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire!
Ingredients:
- 1 box (5.1 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 box (11 oz) vanilla wafers
Preparing the Pudding Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk. Using a whisk, mix them together until the pudding is smooth and starts to thicken. This should take about 2 minutes.
- Next, add the sweetened condensed milk to the pudding mixture. Stir gently until fully incorporated. The sweetened condensed milk adds a rich creaminess that elevates the pudding.
- Now, add the vanilla extract to the mixture. This will enhance the flavor of the pudding. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Finally, fold in the thawed whipped topping. Use a spatula to gently mix it in, being careful not to deflate the whipped topping too much. This will give your pudding a light and airy texture.
Preparing the Fruit
- While the pudding mixture is setting, its time to prepare the fruit. Start by slicing the bananas into thin rounds. I usually aim for about ¼ inch thick slices to ensure they hold their shape in the pudding.
- Next, hull the strawberries and slice them into thin pieces as well. You can cut them into halves or quarters depending on your preference. I like to keep them a bit chunky for added texture.
Assembling the Pudding
- Now that we have our pudding and fruit ready, its time to assemble the layers. Grab a large trifle dish or a glass bowl to showcase the beautiful layers of this dessert.
- Start by placing a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom of the dish. You can break some of the wafers if needed to fit them snugly.
- Next, spoon a layer of the pudding mixture over the wafers, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Now, add a layer of sliced bananas on top of the pudding. Make sure to distribute them evenly for a balanced flavor in every bite.
- Follow the bananas with a layer of sliced strawberries. The vibrant color of the strawberries will make your pudding look even more inviting.
- Repeat the layering process: add another layer of vanilla wafers, followed by pudding, bananas, and strawberries. I usually do this for about 2-3 layers, depending on the size of my dish.
- For the final layer, I like to top it off with a generous dollop of whipped topping. You can spread it out evenly or create peaks for a more decorative look.
- To finish, I like to garnish the top with a few extra slices of bananas and strawberries. This not only looks beautiful but also gives a hint of whats inside.
Chilling the Pudding
- Once assembled, cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid. Its important to let the pudding chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. This allows the flavors to meld together and the wafers to soften, creating that classic pudding texture.
- While its chilling, I often find myself daydreaming about how delicious its going to be. The anticipation makes it all the more rewarding when its finally time to dig in!
Serving the Southern Strawberry Banana Pudding
- When youre ready to serve, remove the pudding from the refrigerator. If youve covered it tightly, be careful when removing the plastic wrap to avoid any condensation dripping onto the dessert.
- Using a large spoon or a ladle, scoop out portions of the pudding into individual serving bowls or plates. Make sure to get a bit of everything in each scoop: the creamy pudding, the soft bananas, the juicy strawberries, and the crunchy wafers.
- Total Time: 270 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- vanilla pudding
- fresh bananas
- juicy strawberries
- crunchy vanilla wafers
- Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful Southern Strawberry Banana Pudding with family and friends!
- For a twist, you can add other fruits like blueberries or peaches.
- Make sure to use ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of fruit based on your preference.
- This dessert can be made a day in advance, making it perfect for gatherings.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
Conclusion:
In summary, this Southern Strawberry Banana Pudding is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweetness and creaminess. The combination of fresh strawberries and ripe bananas layered with velvety pudding and crunchy vanilla wafers creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a summer barbecue, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this dessert is sure to impress. For serving suggestions, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra touch of decadence, or even a sprinkle of crushed nuts for added crunch. You can also experiment with variations by incorporating other fruits like peaches or blueberries, or by using chocolate pudding for a richer twist. The possibilities are endless! I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Southern Strawberry Banana Pudding recipe and share your experience with friends and family. I would love to hear how it turns out for you! Dont forget to snap a picture and tag me on social media so we can celebrate your delicious creation together. Trust me, once you taste this delightful dessert, youll be coming back for secondsand maybe even thirds! Enjoy every bite! Print
Southern Strawberry Banana Pudding: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dessert
Description
This Southern Strawberry Banana Pudding is a delightful no-bake dessert that layers creamy vanilla pudding with fresh bananas and juicy strawberries, all surrounded by crunchy vanilla wafers. It’s an impressive treat perfect for gatherings!
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