There’s just something about classic, creamy pudding that whisks you right back to childhood, right? But let’s be honest, sometimes we want that cozy, nostalgic flavor without spending hours standing over a stove. That’s where this Easy Strawberry Banana Pudding swoops in to save the day!
This isn’t just any layered dessert; it’s visual storytelling on a plate. As a chef and photographer, I obsess over colors and textures, and the bright red strawberries popping against the creamy yellow layers totally does it for me. It’s wonderfully appealing to the eye, yet it requires absolutely no baking. You just assemble, chill, and serve. Believe me, this incredibly simple, no-fuss treat proves that the best homemade desserts often come together the fastest.
If you’re looking for something that tastes like a dream but takes minimal effort, you absolutely have to try this simple banana pudding recipe as well!
Why This Easy Strawberry Banana Pudding is a Must-Make
Look, I get it. You want dessert magic without the fuss. This recipe is genuinely fantastic because it skips the oven entirely—it’s totally no-bake, which is a win in my book!
- It’s the definition of a make-ahead marvel; chilling overnight lets those flavors really meld together beautifully.
- The layers create such gorgeous contrast—think creamy white, bright red, and soft yellow. It just looks expensive!
- Seriously, this hits that sweet spot every time: totally crowd-pleasing flavor that everyone, kids and adults alike, just devours.
Gathering Ingredients for Your Easy Strawberry Banana Pudding
Okay, the best part about this recipe truly is that we’re using such simple components for quick dessert recipes. You don’t need a dozen obscure items, which is why this makes my list of favorite easy desserts with few ingredients.
When you look at the list, pay close attention to the fruit. We need firm bananas—this is crucial! If they get too soft, they turn to mush when we mix them in later. You’ll also see strawberries listed as ‘divided’; that’s our little trick for getting gorgeous color both mixed in and layered on top later. It’s all about simple touches making a big impact!
- 9 whole reduced-fat cinnamon graham crackers
- 1-3/4 cups cold fat-free milk
- 1 package (1 ounce) sugar-free instant cheesecake or vanilla pudding mix
- 1 large firm banana, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries, divided
- 2-1/2 cups reduced-fat whipped topping, divided
- Mint sprigs, optional
Essential Equipment for Perfect Easy Strawberry Banana Pudding
You don’t need fancy gadgets for this one, which keeps those prep times down! Since this is a truly no-bake situation, we’re keeping the required tools super simple.
First off, you absolutely need a standard 9-inch square pan. This pan shape is perfect for getting those beautiful, defined layers we talked about. If you don’t have one, a similar-sized glass dish is great because you can actually *see* the layers through the side—which is half the fun, let’s admit it!
You’ll also want just a couple of mixing bowls. Nothing too big, since we’re just whisking the pudding mix and tossing the fruit. Grab your trusty whisk for getting that pudding set up nice and fast. Honestly, that’s it! No stand mixer required here; your arm power is enough to whip up this simple dessert magic.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Strawberry Banana Pudding
This is where the fun starts! Because this is a no-bake recipe, speed is important when setting up the pudding itself, but precision matters when we layer. We definitely need to honor the timing here so the pudding sets up correctly before we chill it overnight. Remember what I said about firm bananas? Make sure those slices aren’t squishy before we start!
If you’re looking for more easy wins in the kitchen without turning on the oven, check out my guide on simple dessert recipes—they’re lifesavers!
First, whisk 1-3/4 cups of cold milk with your pudding mix for exactly 2 minutes. Don’t rush this! Then, let it sit undisturbed for 2 minutes while you get your fruit ready. This quick standing time helps it thicken up fast.
Building the Base Layer of Your Easy Strawberry Banana Pudding
Grab your 9-inch square pan. We need to lay down our structure. Line the entire bottom surface with those 9 cinnamon graham crackers—try to overlap them just a bit so you don’t have any big gaps in your Easy Strawberry Banana Pudding base. After that, sprinkle in half of your pudding mixture right over those crackers. Spread it gently with a spatula to cover everything evenly. That’s Layer One done!
Preparing the Fruit and Folding in the Creamy Elements
In a separate little bowl, toss those banana slices with just a tiny splash of lemon juice—that keeps them looking bright and yellow, not brown and sad! Now, stir your prepared banana slices and 1 cup of those strawberries right into the pudding base. The next step requires a gentle hand: fold in 1-3/4 cups of your whipped topping. I mean fold, not stir! We want to keep all those lovely air bubbles intact so that your Easy Strawberry Banana Pudding layer is light and airy, not deflated.
Once folded, spread the remaining pudding mixture right on top of the first layer. Remember, cover it all up, smooth it out, and then—and this is the toughest part—cover the pan and put it in the fridge overnight. Seriously, don’t try to sneak a taste now; the chilling is non-negotiable for the perfect set!
Tips for Success with Your Layered Easy Strawberry Banana Pudding
Making this Easy Strawberry Banana Pudding look as good as it tastes is all about strategy, not skill, I promise! Since we want those graham crackers to stay firm and not turn into total mush overnight, our layering technique is key.
Here’s a little trick I learned shooting desserts: when you spread that first layer of pudding over the crackers, be gentle and make sure it fully touches the edges of the pan lining everything up. This seals the crackers away from any extra moisture that might weep out overnight.
Also, don’t even think about topping it with the last of those fresh berries and whipped topping until just before you serve it. We want that vibrant red and fluffy white on top to look sharp and fresh for company—it makes all the difference in presentation!
Remember, preparing this the day before is my number one success secret. It builds structure and deepens that subtle cheesecake flavor. For more layered goodness, you should peek at my layered chocolate delight recipe next!
Storage and Serving Suggestions for Easy Strawberry Banana Pudding
So, you made your beautiful Easy Strawberry Banana Pudding, and now comes the waiting game! I know it’s hard, but you absolutely must refrigerate this overnight. It’s not really something you can reheat—it’s a cold, creamy dessert, remember? Chilling is what allows the pudding to fully set up around those crackers and fruit, giving you that clean slice later on.
When it’s finally time to serve, save the best for last! Keep that remaining whipped topping and all those beautiful fresh strawberries chilled separately until the minute you walk the dish to the table. Garnish right then for maximum visual pop. It pairs perfectly with a strong cup of coffee or maybe even those easy dessert ideas we talked about for lighter fare!
Variations on the Classic Strawberry Banana Pudding
While I absolutely adore following this recipe exactly—it’s perfect as is—I love seeing how you creative types mix things up! That’s the beauty of these simple dessert recipes; they are built on a fantastic framework you can tweak.
If cinnamon graham crackers aren’t your jam, don’t panic! You can easily swap those out for Nilla wafers. They offer a slightly sweeter, vanilla note that plays wonderfully with the bananas. Or, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous with your pudding base, try swapping the cheesecake mix for a straight vanilla or even a French vanilla pudding mix. It changes the tang factor slightly.
If you want something completely different but still easy, you should check out my recipe for apple pie egg rolls next! It’s fun, delicious, and still super simple.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Strawberry Banana Pudding
Since this is such a popular make-ahead treat, I get a lot of questions about how to manage it perfectly. Here are the most common things folks ask when they are planning their Easy Strawberry Banana Pudding!
Can I use fresh heavy cream instead of the pre-made whipped topping?
Oh, you totally can! If you do use heavy cream, make sure you whip it until stiff peaks form. It will taste richer, but you’ll need to adjust the sugar content if you’re using sweetened cream. Just remember that homemade whipped cream doesn’t stabilize quite as well overnight as the stabilized store-bought stuff, so be sure to keep it chilled really cold!
How long will this Easy Strawberry Banana Pudding last in the fridge?
Even though it needs to chill overnight for the best texture, it is still pretty fantastic for maybe three days total. Day one is the best, of course. Any longer than that, and those banana slices might start releasing too much moisture, which affects the crunch of the crackers. It’s one of those quick dessert recipes best made the day before or the same day you plan to serve it!
Is this truly considered one of the best dessert recipes for beginners?
Absolutely! If you’ve never made a layered dessert before, this is your starting line. There’s no baking, no tricky custards to cook, and the assembly is super straightforward. If you can layer crackers, pudding, fruit, and topping, you’ve basically mastered this incredibly simple dessert recipe. It’s foolproof, trust me!
For even more super simple ideas, check out all my go-to quick dessert recipes!
Do I have to use the lemon juice on the bananas?
I know, it feels like an extra step when you are trying to keep things simple, but yes, please use the lemon juice! It’s essential for keeping those banana slices looking cheerful and bright yellow. Without it, they oxidize quickly and turn a dull brown, which ruins the visual appeal we work so hard for in this layered dessert.
Estimated Nutrition for Your Easy Strawberry Banana Pudding Serving
I always get asked about the nutrition, especially since this Easy Strawberry Banana Pudding uses lighter ingredients like fat-free milk and is low in fat overall. It’s great knowing you can serve something delicious that feels lighter!
Now, I need to give you the standard disclaimer here: These numbers are based exactly on the reduced-fat and sugar-free ingredients listed in the recipe I provided. If you swap in full-fat sour cream or add heaps of store-bought caramel sauce, things change quickly!
But based on the recipe components, here’s what we are generally looking at per generous serving:
- Calories: About 180 kcal
- Fat: Roughly 4g total fat
- Carbohydrates: Around 33g
- Protein: About 4g
See? A respectable, lighter treat! It’s satisfying without weighing you down. Just keep in mind that using different brands of pudding mix or whipped topping—which is totally fine—can shift those numbers slightly. Enjoy knowing exactly what you’re serving up!
Share Your Experience Making This Easy Strawberry Banana Pudding
Now that you’ve assembled your masterpiece, I really want to see it! Remember, for me, food is storytelling. That vibrant red of the strawberries against the clean white topping—that’s your visual chapter!
Did you manage to get those perfect, clean layers? Did the smell of the cinnamon graham crackers fill your kitchen? Please snap a photo once you’ve topped it with that final garnish, and share it with me! Tag me on social media so I can see your beautiful creation.
When you get a chance, come back here and leave your rating—did this Easy Strawberry Banana Pudding live up to the hype? Your feedback helps other home cooks feel confident trying it out. You can see more of my recipe adventures or connect with me over on my author page right here: Check out Ethan’s kitchen favorites!
Print
Easy Strawberry Banana Pudding
- Total Time: 12 hours 15 min
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Create a visually appealing, layered dessert using fresh fruit, creamy pudding, and graham crackers. This recipe is simple to assemble and great for making ahead.
Ingredients
- 9 whole reduced-fat cinnamon graham crackers
- 1–3/4 cups cold fat-free milk
- 1 package (1 ounce) sugar-free instant cheesecake or vanilla pudding mix
- 1 large firm banana, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries, divided
- 2–1/2 cups reduced-fat whipped topping, divided
- Mint sprigs, optional
Instructions
- Line the bottom of a 9-in. square pan with 4-1/2 graham crackers.
- Whisk milk and pudding mix in a small bowl for 2 minutes. Let stand until soft-set, 2 minutes.
- Place banana slices in another small bowl; toss with lemon juice.
- Stir bananas and 1 cup strawberries into the pudding mixture.
- Fold in 1-3/4 cups whipped topping.
- Spread half of the pudding mixture over the graham crackers; repeat the layer.
- Cover the pan and refrigerate overnight. Keep the remaining berries and whipped topping refrigerated separately.
- Just before serving, top the pudding with the remaining berries and whipped topping. Garnish with mint if you wish.
Notes
- This dessert works well for serving a crowd and can be prepared the day before serving.
- Use firm bananas to prevent them from becoming too mushy when mixed with the pudding.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Easy Strawberry Banana Pudding, Quick Dessert Recipes, Easy Desserts With Few Ingredients, Simple Dessert Recipes, Layered Pudding, No Bake Dessert