Why You’ll Like This Recipe

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both delectable and visually appealing, look no further than this Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding. This delightful dish layers creamy banana pudding with a vibrant strawberry crunch topping, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in every bite. The tangy-sweet strawberry topping perfectly complements the rich and smooth banana pudding, making it a standout dessert for gatherings, celebrations, or simply a treat for yourself. With straightforward ingredients and easy preparation, this dessert is as fun to assemble as it is to devour!

Recipe: Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding

Ingredients

For the Pudding Layer:

• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant banana pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
• 4 bananas, sliced
• 1 (11 oz) box vanilla wafers

For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

• 1 cup Golden Oreos, crushed
• 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Banana Pudding Layer

Start by whisking together the instant banana pudding mix and cold milk in a mixing bowl. Continue whisking for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Once thickened, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until everything is well blended.

Step 2: Layer the Banana Pudding

Grab a 9×13-inch dish and lay down the vanilla wafers evenly on the bottom. Next, add your sliced bananas on top of the wafers, ensuring a lovely layer. Then, spread half of the pudding mixture over this banana layer. Follow by adding another layer of vanilla wafers, more banana slices, and finish with the remaining pudding mixture.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Crunch Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the crushed Golden Oreos, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are well-coated and have a delightful crunch to them.

Step 4: Top and Chill

Evenly sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping over the banana pudding layer. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the pudding has set.

Step 5: Serve

When you’re ready to serve, dish out the chilled Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding! Enjoy each satisfying layer of creamy banana goodness topped with a delicious crunch of strawberries and cookies.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving:
This dessert shines best when served cold. It’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or family dinners. Feel free to add extra whipped topping or fresh strawberry slices on top for a touch of elegance.

Storage:
Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Although the vanilla wafers may soften over time, the flavors of the pudding will remain rich and delightful.

Helpful Notes

• Crunch Topping Variation: Consider adding a few chopped fresh strawberries to the topping for an added burst of freshness and color.
• Banana Substitute: If bananas aren’t your favorite, feel free to swap them out for strawberries or any other berry to change things up.
• Golden Oreo Substitute: If you’d like a hint of chocolate, using regular Oreos as a substitute is a delicious choice.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, you can! Just whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of sugar until stiff peaks form, and it works beautifully in this recipe.

Q2: Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dessert a day in advance. Just remember to add the strawberry crunch topping just before serving to keep it nice and crisp.

Q3: Can I use other types of cookies?
Yes, indeed! You can switch the vanilla wafers for shortbread or graham crackers, which will give a different yet delightful base flavor.

Q4: How do I prevent the bananas from browning?
To keep your banana slices looking fresh, toss them in a little bit of lemon juice before layering them in the dish. This small step helps preserve their beautiful color.

Q5: Can I add other fruit to this dessert?
Certainly! You can incorporate other fruits like sliced strawberries, blueberries, or even pineapple for a fun and fruity twist.