If you loved my classic Banana Pudding, then you’re in for a treat with this delightful Strawberry Banana Pudding! It’s light, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, making it the ideal no-bake dessert to enjoy as the temperatures rise. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or simply indulging at home, this dessert combines the sweet goodness of strawberries with the rich creaminess of pudding.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make 🍓🍌 Pudding

• Strawberries: The star ingredient that adds a fresh, fruity twist to your traditional banana pudding.
• Vanilla Jell-O: I recommend vanilla for a balanced flavor; it complements the strawberries beautifully!
• Vanilla Wafers: These cookies offer that irresistible crunch and depth to your layers.
• Chessman Cookies: Great for adding a decorative touch!
• Bananas: Sliced bananas add texture. However, feel free to skip them if you prefer.
• Cream Cheese: This ingredient is the secret behind a rich, creamy texture in your pudding.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This brings a delightful sweetness to the dish!
• Cool Whip: For an airy, fluffy consistency.
• Red Food Coloring: Optional but can enhance the visual appeal of your dish!

Instructions

1. Prepare the Strawberry Mixture

   Start by slicing the strawberries into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in a bowl with a bit of sugar and allow them to sit for at least an hour. The longer they rest, the more syrup will form—trust me, it’s worth the wait!

2. Mix the Pudding

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla pudding mix with cold milk. Whisk until everything is smooth and blended, then pop it into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

   In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and a splash of vanilla extract until creamy. Drizzle in two tablespoons of the strawberry syrup, and gently fold in the Cool Whip until everything is well combined. Add three more tablespoons of the strawberry syrup along with a couple of spoonfuls of the macerated strawberries.

4. Combine the Mixtures

   Carefully blend the cream cheese mixture into the chilled pudding, ensuring everything is smooth and uniform in texture.

5. Layer the Pudding

   Begin by pouring a layer of your creamy pudding mixture directly over the vanilla wafers, making sure to spread it out evenly.

6. Add the Layers

   Next, sprinkle on a layer of crushed vanilla wafers, followed by your macerated strawberries and optional banana slices. Repeat this layering process until you have three delicious layers, finishing off with a final layer of pudding on top.

7. Chill and Set

   Once assembled, cover your pudding with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator overnight. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.

8. Final Touches

   When you’re ready to serve, it’s time to make it pretty! Garnish your pudding with additional cookies, a drizzle of strawberry syrup, and fresh strawberries to create a stunning presentation.