Name: My Favorite Southern Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 4 organic bananas, sliced; 2 (11 oz.) boxes Nilla wafer cookies (use about 1 ½ boxes; mix original size with mini size if desired); 3 (1 oz.) boxes vanilla instant pudding mix (Jell-O brand recommended); 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk; 2 cups VERY COLD filtered water or milk (unsweetened almond milk or whole milk can be used); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 (8 oz.) container whipped cream (store-bought or homemade); 3-4 cups fresh strawberries, stems removed and sliced thin; ½ cup water; ¼ cup organic cane sugar; ½ lemon, freshly squeezed; 3 tablespoons strawberry preserves or jam; ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup whipped cream; Sliced fresh strawberries or spoonfuls of strawberry sauce for drizzling; Crushed Nilla wafer cookies

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If you’re craving a dessert that captures the warmth of Southern hospitality with a deliciously fresh twist, you’ve got to try My Favorite Southern Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe. This dish is a luscious blend of creamy vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, and tangy strawberry sauce that melds into one unforgettable bite after another. Every spoonful brings a comforting balance of silky texture and vibrant fruity notes, making it an instant classic for family gatherings or just a cozy treat at home. It’s easy to prepare yet impressive in flavor, ensuring this pudding will be your new go-to dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A wooden cutting board sits on a white marbled surface, filled with two layers of fruit on top. The top layer has many thin, round slices of banana, pale yellow with soft texture, stacked loosely toward the upper part of the board. Below the banana slices, fresh strawberries cut into small pieces form the second layer, showing bright red color with a juicy and slightly shiny look. A knife with a green wood-patterned handle lies on the right side of the board, its blade partially covered by the banana slices and strawberries. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of My Favorite Southern Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe lies in its simple, carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the crisp vanilla wafers that add lovely crunch to the fresh strawberries that brighten the whole dish with their natural sweetness. Gather these essentials to create a dessert that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly new.

4 organic bananas: Choose ripe but firm bananas for the perfect tender fruit texture.
2 (11 oz.) boxes Nilla wafer cookies: Using a mix of original and mini wafers adds delightful variation in crunch.
3 (1 oz.) boxes vanilla instant pudding mix: Instant pudding brings that creamy vanilla base with effortless ease.
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk: Adds rich sweetness and silky texture.
2 cups VERY COLD filtered water or milk: Using cold liquid helps the pudding set smoothly; almond milk works beautifully too.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavor to something truly special.
1 (8 oz.) container whipped cream: Light and airy, it makes the pudding delightfully creamy; homemade whipped cream is a nice touch!
3-4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced: For the vibrant strawberry sauce that infuses the pudding with bright, fruity notes.
½ cup water: Needed to gently cook the strawberries for sauce.
¼ cup organic cane sugar: Balances the natural tartness of the berries with gentle sweetness.
½ lemon, freshly-squeezed: Adds a zing that sharpens the strawberry sauce flavor.
3 tablespoons strawberry preserves or jam: Enhances the strawberry intensity with a luscious finish.
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon: A whisper of warmth that rounds out the sauce beautifully.
Optional toppings: Extra whipped cream, sliced fresh strawberries, and crushed Nilla wafers to jazz up the presentation.

How to Make My Favorite Southern Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Make the Strawberry Sauce

Start by combining fresh sliced strawberries, water, cane sugar, lemon juice, strawberry preserves, and cinnamon in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir continuously as the strawberries soften and the mixture thickens, about 5 to 6 minutes. Once it reaches a sauce-like consistency, remove it from heat and allow it to cool completely. This sauce will add a bright, fruity punch that complements the creamy pudding perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the Vanilla Pudding Base

Using a hand mixer, combine the very cold water or milk, vanilla instant pudding mix, and sweetened condensed milk. Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture thickens and resembles smooth pudding, usually 4 to 5 minutes. When thickened, gently fold in the whipped cream and vanilla extract for a silky and airy finish that makes this pudding incredibly luscious.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Grab your favorite trifle bowl or dessert dish to layer the magic. Begin with a layer of vanilla wafer cookies, followed by sliced bananas, then a generous layer of pudding mixture. Spoon a few dollops of strawberry sauce over the pudding before repeating these layers until all ingredients are used up. The layering ensures each serving delivers a balanced bite of textures and flavors.

Step 4: Chill and Garnish

Top your creation with whipped cream, crushed vanilla wafers, and a drizzle of strawberry sauce or fresh strawberry slices. Refrigerate the assembled pudding for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the cookies to soften slightly, creating that melt-in-your-mouth classic texture that makes My Favorite Southern Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe so irresistible.

How to Serve My Favorite Southern Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe

The image shows a tall clear glass filled with a layered dessert. At the bottom, there is a layer of small round golden cookies, followed by a thick layer of creamy white filling with smooth texture. On top of this filling, there is a bright red strawberry sauce that drips down the sides. Another layer of cookies sits above the sauce, partially covered by more creamy white filling. The dessert is topped with more cookies, dollops of cream, and extra strawberry sauce, creating a rich and inviting look. The glass is on a wooden surface with scattered cookie crumbs and fresh strawberries nearby, all set against a white marbled textured background. A gold spoon is placed inside the glass and the focus is on the front dessert with a blurred similar dessert in the background photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding whipped cream dollops, a sprinkle of crushed Nilla wafers, and fresh strawberry slices right before serving adds inviting color and texture. The garnishes not only make the pudding look stunning but also enhance the flavor layers, giving each spoonful a delightful crunch or creamy burst.

Side Dishes

This luscious pudding pairs wonderfully with light and refreshing sides like a crisp green salad or simple lemon sorbet, helping balance the richness while keeping the meal feeling fresh. For Southern-inspired gatherings, classic sweet tea never goes wrong alongside this dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your presentation by serving individual portions in mason jars, parfait glasses, or small trifle cups. Layer the pudding, cookies, fruit, and sauce beautifully to show off the colors and textures. You can even top each jar with a sprig of mint for a fresh, elegant touch that delights your guests visually and taste-wise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pudding covered tightly with plastic wrap or a lid in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to deepen further. Just be mindful that the cookies soften over time, which makes for a creamier texture, perfect for those who love pudding more than crunch.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s best avoided as the texture of the pudding and fruit can change after thawing, becoming a bit watery. If you must freeze, store in airtight containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then stir gently before serving.

Reheating

Since this pudding is best served chilled, reheating is generally not recommended. Instead, enjoy it straight from the fridge for that refreshingly cool and creamy experience.

FAQs

Can I make this pudding without instant pudding mix?

You can make a homemade vanilla pudding using scratch ingredients like cornstarch, sugar, milk, and vanilla, but the instant pudding mix helps speed up the process and ensures a silky texture. For authentic flavor, instant pudding is a great shortcut in My Favorite Southern Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe.

What can I substitute for Nilla wafers?

If Nilla wafers aren’t available, ladyfingers or graham crackers are excellent alternatives that provide similar texture and mild sweetness. Make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold up in the pudding layers.

Can I use frozen strawberries for the sauce?

Fresh strawberries yield the best texture and flavor, but frozen berries can work if thawed and drained well. Cooking down frozen berries may take a couple more minutes to achieve the right sauce consistency.

Is it okay to skip the whipped cream?

Whipped cream lightens the pudding and adds a luscious creaminess, so it’s highly recommended. If you prefer, you can skip it, but expect a denser texture and richer taste.

How far ahead can I prepare this dessert?

You can assemble the pudding a day ahead and refrigerate it overnight. This resting time allows the cookies to soften and flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious the next day.

Final Thoughts

My Favorite Southern Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe truly captures the heart of Southern comfort food with its fresh ingredients and smooth textures. It’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself coming back to time and time again, whether to impress guests or simply to treat yourself on a cozy evening. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation—you deserve that sweet indulgence!

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