Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream is a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert. It layers vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and strawberries with a creamy French vanilla pudding mix. People love it for the sweet fruit and soft cookie layers. Make it for family dinners, potlucks, or warm-weather gatherings. If you enjoy banana treats, you might also like a warm drink like a banana bread latte for a cozy pairing.
Why make this recipe
This recipe is easy. It uses just a few pantry items and fresh fruit. Beginners can make it with confidence. It comes together fast and needs no oven. You can make it ahead and relax. It feeds a crowd on a small budget. Kids and adults both enjoy the creamy layers.
What makes Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream special
The mix of soft vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, and bright strawberries gives a nice texture contrast. The cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk add richness without heavy work. The French vanilla pudding gives a smooth, stable filling. The result is light, sweet, and fresh. If you like fruit desserts, try pairing flavors like chocolate with fruit, such as in chocolate-covered strawberry cookies for a themed spread.
Is Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream healthy
This is a homemade dessert. You control the fruit and portions. It includes fresh strawberries and bananas, which add fiber and vitamins. It also has sweetened condensed milk and whipped topping, so enjoy it in moderation. For a lighter feel, use smaller servings. I do not give medical advice, but making treats at home usually helps you control ingredients.
How to make Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
The process is very simple. You make a creamy pudding mixture by blending cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and French vanilla pudding with milk. Then you layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and strawberries in a dish. Pour the pudding mixture over the layers. Repeat until the dish is full. Top with whipped topping and chill. It is low effort and perfect for beginners. Plan about 15 minutes to assemble and 4 hours to chill.
Ingredients
- 2 boxes vanilla wafers
- 6 to 8 bananas, sliced
- 1 container strawberries, washed and sliced
- 2 cups milk
- 1 (5 oz.) box French Vanilla pudding mix
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 oz.) container whipped topping

Directions
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
- Add the French vanilla pudding mix and 2 cups milk. Stir until fully combined.
- In a large serving dish, place a layer of vanilla wafers.
- Add a layer of sliced bananas and a layer of sliced strawberries over the wafers.
- Pour half of the pudding mixture over the fruit and wafers.
- Repeat the layers with more wafers, bananas, and strawberries. Pour the remaining pudding mixture on top.
- Spread the whipped topping over the final layer.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving to let the flavors blend and the wafers soften.
How to serve Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
Serve chilled, straight from the dish. Spoon into individual bowls or use a pie server for neat slices. Add extra fresh strawberries or banana slices on top for color. A sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers or a few chocolate shavings works well. This dessert fits many moments: after lunch, at dinner, or as an afternoon snack. For a brunch or pancake table, pair it with a light fruit stack or a pancake strawberry recipe to echo the berry flavors.

Best occasions to make Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
- Family dinners and potlucks.
- Summer cookouts and picnics.
- Birthday parties or baby showers.
- Weeknight dessert when you want something quick.
- Make-ahead for busy holiday meals.
- Pair it with other small treats like strawberry cake truffles for a festive table.
How to store Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
Store covered in the refrigerator. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent odors. Do not leave it at room temperature for long. Freezing is not recommended because the texture changes when thawed.
Can you make Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream ahead of time
Yes. Make it the day before serving. Chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. Keep it covered in the fridge until serving. If you need to prep even earlier, layer and store without whipped topping, then add the topping before serving.
Tips to make Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
- Use ripe but firm bananas to avoid too much browning.
- Slice fruit just before layering to keep it fresh.
- Let the cream cheese soften for easier mixing.
- Press the vanilla wafers lightly so they absorb some pudding.
- Chill long enough so the layers set and slice cleanly.
Variation
- Use chocolate pudding instead of French vanilla for a different flavor.
- Swap whipped topping for fresh whipped cream for a less processed option.
- Try graham crackers instead of vanilla wafers for a different crunch.
- Add a layer of sliced kiwi or blueberries to vary the fruit mix.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cream cheese.
Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream
- Total Time: 240 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple, crowd-pleasing dessert with layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, strawberries, and a creamy French vanilla pudding mix.
Ingredients
- 2 boxes vanilla wafers
- 6 to 8 bananas, sliced
- 1 container strawberries, washed and sliced
- 2 cups milk
- 1 (5 oz.) box French Vanilla pudding mix
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 oz.) container whipped topping
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
- Add the French vanilla pudding mix and 2 cups milk. Stir until fully combined.
- In a large serving dish, place a layer of vanilla wafers.
- Add a layer of sliced bananas and a layer of sliced strawberries over the wafers.
- Pour half of the pudding mixture over the fruit and wafers.
- Repeat the layers with more wafers, bananas, and strawberries. Pour the remaining pudding mixture on top.
- Spread the whipped topping over the final layer.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving to let the flavors blend and the wafers soften.
Notes
Serve chilled with extra fresh fruit or crushed vanilla wafers on top for garnish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
FAQs
Q: How long does Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream need to chill?
A: Chill for at least 4 hours. Overnight gives the best texture.
Q: Can I use instant pudding mix?
A: Yes. Use the French vanilla instant pudding mix called for in the ingredients.
Q: Can I replace the whipped topping?
A: Yes. You can use fresh whipped cream or a lighter whipped topping if you prefer. The recipe name works well with both options and keeps the same layering method.


