Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream

$- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced - 2 ripe bananas, sliced - 1 cup vanilla pudding mix (instant) - 2 cups milk (for pudding) - 1 cup whipped cream (store-bought or homemade) - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup crushed graham crackers - 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional) - Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional) When measuring ingredients, use dry and liquid measuring cups. For flour and sugar, use a spoon to fill the cup, then level it off. For liquids like milk, pour until it reaches the line on the cup. This ensures accuracy and great results. Choose ripe strawberries that are bright red and firm. Look for shiny skin, which means they are fresh. For bananas, select ones that are yellow with a few brown spots. This indicates they are sweet and perfect for your pudding. Always wash your fruit before using it to remove dirt and pesticides. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a mixing bowl. Pour in 1 cup of instant vanilla pudding mix. Add 2 cups of cold milk and whisk well. Keep mixing until it blends smoothly. Let this sit for about 5 minutes. It will thicken up nicely. This creamy base sets the stage for our dessert. Now, find a serving dish or some cute parfait glasses. Start with a layer of crushed graham crackers at the bottom. Spread a layer of the vanilla pudding on top of the crackers. Next, add a layer of sliced strawberries, then sliced bananas. Repeat these layers: graham crackers, pudding, strawberries, and bananas. Keep going until you fill your dish. Finish with a fluffy layer of whipped cream on top. For a sweet touch, sprinkle some brown sugar over the whipped cream. Refrigerate your Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream for at least 1 hour. This cooling time helps all the flavors mix well. It also allows the dessert to set properly. If you can wait longer, that’s even better! The longer it chills, the more delicious it becomes. To make your Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream smooth, use fresh ingredients. Fresh strawberries and ripe bananas add great flavor and texture. When mixing the pudding, whisk it well with milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken properly. When you fold in the whipped cream, do it gently. This keeps the mixture light and fluffy. Always layer carefully to keep the texture intact. Making whipped cream is easy. Start with chilled heavy cream. Pour 1 cup into a bowl. Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat it. Stop when soft peaks form. Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor. If you want it sweeter, add sugar to taste. Homemade whipped cream tastes fresh and makes your dessert special. You can serve this dessert in many ways. Use large bowls for family style. Individual parfait glasses look nice for parties. Add some fresh mint leaves on top for color. You can also add extra fruit slices for a pretty touch. If you like crunch, sprinkle more crushed graham crackers on top. Enjoy it chilled for a refreshing treat! Pro Tips Use Ripe Fruits: Ensure your bananas and strawberries are perfectly ripe for the best flavor and sweetness. Chill Before Serving: Allow the dessert to chill for at least an hour for the flavors to meld and the pudding to set properly. Homemade Whipped Cream: For a richer taste, consider making your own whipped cream using heavy cream and sugar. Layering Technique: Pay attention to layering; start with graham crackers for a delightful crunch at the bottom and alternate fruits for visual appeal. {{image_2}} You can make this dessert gluten-free. Use gluten-free graham crackers instead of regular ones. Many brands offer tasty options. Check the label to ensure they are truly gluten-free. This simple swap keeps the crunchy texture while making it safe for those with gluten allergies. While strawberries and bananas are classic choices, feel free to mix it up! You might try peaches, blueberries, or raspberries. Each fruit brings its unique flavor and sweetness. Experiment with combinations to find your favorite mix. You could also add some citrus zest for a fresh twist. For a vegan version, use plant-based pudding mix. Almond or coconut milk works well in place of regular milk. Replace whipped cream with coconut cream or a store-bought vegan version. Use vegan graham crackers too. These easy swaps keep the dessert creamy and delicious without any animal products. To store leftovers of your Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the lid is sealed tight. This helps keep the dessert fresh. If you use individual glasses, cover each one with plastic wrap. This way, they stay moist and tasty. To keep your pudding fresh, avoid adding the whipped cream until you are ready to eat. If the whipped cream sits too long, it can lose its light texture. Store your pudding in the fridge. It tastes best when it's cold. Always check for any signs of spoilage before serving. You can freeze this dessert, but it’s better to freeze just the pudding layer. The fruit and whipped cream do not freeze well. To freeze, place the pudding in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Add fresh fruit and whipped cream right before serving for the best taste. Yes, you can use frozen fruit. Frozen strawberries and bananas work well. They may not be as firm as fresh fruit, but they still add great flavor. Just thaw them and drain excess liquid before using. This keeps your pudding dream from getting too soggy. You can keep this dessert in the fridge for about 3 days. Make sure to cover it tightly to avoid drying out. The layers may soften over time, but the taste remains delicious. Enjoy it within this time for the best flavor and texture. Yes, making it a day ahead is a great idea! It allows the flavors to blend well. Just be sure to chill it overnight. This way, you save time and can impress your guests with a beautiful dessert. You now know how to craft a wonderful Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream. We covered the right ingredients, tips for perfect texture, and how to store leftovers. You can use variations to suit your needs, including gluten-free or vegan options. Don't forget to check out the FAQs for your concerns. Enjoy making and sharing this tasty dessert with friends and family! Trust me, your efforts will be worth it.$

Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream

A delightful layered dessert featuring fresh strawberries, bananas, and creamy vanilla pudding.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Total Time 1 20

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
2 ripe bananas, sliced
1 cup vanilla pudding mix (instant)
2 cups milk (for pudding)
1 cup whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup crushed graham crackers
2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)
to taste fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the vanilla pudding mix and milk. Whisk until well blended and let it set for about 5 minutes.
Once the pudding has thickened, gently fold in half of the whipped cream and the vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
In a serving dish or individual parfait glasses, layer the crushed graham crackers as the base.
Add a layer of the vanilla pudding mixture over the graham crackers, followed by a layer of sliced strawberries and bananas.
Repeat the layers (graham crackers, pudding, strawberries, and bananas) until the dish is filled, ending with a layer of whipped cream on top.
Optionally, sprinkle brown sugar on top of the whipped cream for added sweetness and texture.
Chill the pudding dream in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Before serving, garnish with fresh mint leaves and a few slices of strawberry and banana on top for a fresh presentation.

Notes

Chill for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.

Keyword banana, dessert, pudding, strawberry