No-Bake Strawberry Banana Pudding

$- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced - 2 ripe bananas, sliced - 2 cups vanilla pudding mix (instant) - 3 cups cold milk - 1 cup whipped cream (lightly sweetened) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 package (12 oz) graham crackers - ½ cup chopped nuts (optional) - Fresh mint leaves for garnish To make this no-bake strawberry banana pudding, gather all the ingredients first. You need fresh strawberries and ripe bananas for the best flavor. The vanilla pudding mix gives the dessert a creamy texture. Cold milk helps mix the pudding perfectly. Using lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a nice touch. Graham crackers create a crunchy base, while chopped nuts can add extra texture if you like. Finally, fresh mint leaves make a beautiful garnish. This mix of flavors and textures will make your pudding a delight. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Whisk pudding mix and cold milk Start by pouring the vanilla pudding mix into a large bowl. Then, add the cold milk. Use a whisk to mix them well. This helps the pudding get thick. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. 2. Fold in whipped cream and vanilla extract After the pudding thickens, it's time to add some fluff. Gently fold in the whipped cream. Add the vanilla extract, too. Mix until everything is smooth and creamy. This step gives your pudding a light texture. 3. Layering the pudding and fruits Grab a rectangular or square dish. Begin by laying down a single layer of graham crackers at the bottom. Next, spread half of your pudding mixture over the crackers. Smooth it out evenly. Add a layer of sliced bananas on top, then some sliced strawberries. Repeat this process with another layer of graham crackers, the rest of the pudding, and more banana and strawberry slices. 4. Chilling the dessert Finish with one last layer of graham crackers. You can garnish with extra fruits and nuts if you like. Cover the dish with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or better, overnight. Chilling helps the flavors blend and the crackers soften. Enjoy this delicious treat when you’re ready! - Ensuring pudding is properly thickened: Mix the pudding and milk well. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This helps it get nice and thick. - Techniques for layering: Start with graham crackers at the bottom. Spread the pudding mix evenly. Follow with bananas and strawberries. Keep layers neat for the best look. - Perfecting the garnish: Use fresh mint leaves for color. Add any leftover fruits or nuts on top. This makes it look beautiful and inviting. - Not allowing adequate chilling time: Chill the dessert for at least 4 hours. This helps the flavors blend and the crackers soften. - Using overripe bananas: Choose bananas that are ripe but not too soft. This keeps them firm and tasty in your pudding. Pro Tips Use Ripe Bananas: Make sure your bananas are perfectly ripe for the best flavor and sweetness in the pudding. Chill Longer for Best Results: Allowing the pudding to chill overnight enhances the flavors and ensures the graham crackers are perfectly softened. Customize Your Fruits: Feel free to mix in other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for added flavor and color. Layer Wisely: For a visually appealing dessert, arrange your banana and strawberry slices in a decorative manner on top of the pudding. {{image_2}} You can switch things up in this pudding. Try adding chocolate for a rich twist. Simply mix chocolate pudding with the cold milk instead of vanilla. It adds a fun, deeper flavor. You can also add layers of other fruits. Blueberries or peaches work great. Just slice them and layer them with the bananas and strawberries. This keeps the dessert fresh and exciting. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free graham crackers. They still taste great! For a vegan version, swap the milk for almond or coconut milk. Use a plant-based whipped cream to keep it dairy-free. You can also look for vegan pudding mix. These changes make it easy for everyone to enjoy this dessert. To keep your no-bake strawberry banana pudding fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container or cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. This keeps the pudding from drying out and helps it stay tasty. If you want to freeze it, you can, but it may change the texture. Freeze it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Remember, it's best to enjoy this pudding fresh! In the fridge, your pudding will last about 3-4 days. After that, the fruits may start to spoil, and the texture can change. Look for signs like an off smell or discoloration. If you see liquid pooling on top, it’s time to toss it. Always trust your senses! Yes, you can make this pudding the night before. In fact, it tastes even better after sitting overnight. The graham crackers will soften and soak up all the flavors. Just cover the dish well with plastic wrap. This keeps it fresh and ready for you. If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use vanilla wafers or even crushed cookies. These options add a nice twist to the dessert. You could also try using a gluten-free cookie for a different texture. The key is to have a base that holds up well when layered. To make this dessert healthier, try using low-fat or fat-free pudding mix. You can also use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk. For added nutrition, include more fresh fruits and nuts. You could even swap some of the whipped cream for Greek yogurt. This adds creaminess without too many calories. This blog post covered how to make a delicious layered banana pudding. We outlined the key ingredients, provided step-by-step instructions, and shared expert tips. You learned about common mistakes and how to avoid them. We also explored tasty variations like chocolate and fruit swaps. Remember, chilling is vital for the best texture. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients. Enjoy creating this easy and fun dessert that will impress everyone!$

No-Bake Strawberry Banana Pudding

A delicious and easy dessert made with layers of vanilla pudding, fresh strawberries, and bananas, all without baking.

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Prep Time 20

Total Time 4

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
2 ripe bananas, sliced
2 cups vanilla pudding mix (instant)
3 cups cold milk
1 cup whipped cream (lightly sweetened)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 package (12 oz) graham crackers
½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
to taste fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk according to package instructions. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens.
Gently fold in the whipped cream and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
In a rectangular or square serving dish, start by layering the bottom with a single layer of graham crackers.
Spread half of the pudding mixture over the graham crackers, smoothing it out evenly.
Add a layer of sliced bananas followed by a layer of sliced strawberries on top of the pudding.
Repeat the layers: another layer of graham crackers, then the remaining pudding mixture, followed by more banana and strawberry slices on top.
Finish with a final layer of graham crackers and garnish with any remaining fruits and nuts.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. This allows the graham crackers to soften and absorb the flavors.
Before serving, garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and added freshness.

Notes

For best results, refrigerate overnight.

Keyword banana, dessert, no-bake, pudding, strawberry