Description
This Southern Strawberry Banana Pudding combines creamy vanilla pudding with fresh sliced bananas and a vibrant strawberry sauce, layered with classic Nilla wafer cookies for a nostalgic, fruity twist on a beloved dessert. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat any time, it’s easy to assemble and best served chilled, offering a refreshing balance of rich, creamy, and fruity flavors.
Ingredients
Banana Pudding:
- 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)
Strawberry Sauce:
- 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
Optional Toppings/Garnish:
- 1 cup whipped cream
- Sliced fresh strawberries or spoonfuls of strawberry sauce for drizzling
- Crushed Nilla wafer cookies
Instructions
- Make the Strawberry Sauce: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine fresh sliced strawberries, water, organic cane sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, strawberry preserves, and ground cinnamon. Stir continuously as the mixture heats. Once the strawberries begin to soften, continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool completely.
- Prepare the Vanilla Pudding: Using a hand mixer, blend very cold water or milk with vanilla instant pudding mixes and sweetened condensed milk in a bowl. Mix on medium-high speed until smooth and thickened, approximately 4-5 minutes, increasing speed as it thickens. The mixture should resemble smooth pudding. Fold in the whipped cream and vanilla extract gently, then mix for an additional minute to combine.
- Assemble the Pudding: In a trifle bowl or preferred serving dish, begin layering by placing a layer of Nilla wafer cookies, followed by sliced bananas, then a layer of the prepared vanilla pudding mixture, and spoonfuls of the cooled strawberry sauce. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of pudding and strawberry sauce.
- Garnish and Chill: Top the assembled pudding with dollops of whipped cream, crushed Nilla wafer cookies, and fresh sliced strawberries or a drizzle of the strawberry sauce to taste. Cover the dessert and refrigerate for at least 4 hours; chilling overnight is recommended for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute mini Nilla wafers for some of the original-sized cookies to add texture contrast.
- Use very cold water or milk when preparing the pudding mix to ensure proper thickening and texture.
- Homemade whipped cream can enhance the creaminess and freshness of the dessert.
- Make the strawberry sauce ahead of time to allow it to cool completely before assembly.
- Chilling the assembled pudding overnight improves the melding of flavors and the firmness of the pudding layers.
- For a dairy-free option, use almond milk and a suitable non-dairy whipped topping.
- If strawberry preserves are unavailable, use strawberry jam or remove for a pure fresh strawberry sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
