Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream: Easy Summer Dessert Recipe

I fell in love with Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream the first time my grandmother set a chilled dish on the picnic table during a humid July family reunion. The scent of vanilla wafers and sweetened condensed milk, the soft banana slices and bright strawberries — it felt like sunshine in a bowl. Ever since, I make this dessert when I want something nostalgic, fuss-free, and crowd-pleasing. Though it’s often thought of as a Southern summer staple, layered fruit-and-pudding desserts have roots in many home-cooking traditions where simple pantry ingredients become celebratory treats.

Who is this recipe for?

• This recipe is perfect for busy parents, potluck hosts, dessert lovers who prefer no-bake treats, and beginners looking for an easy, make-ahead dessert.

Core ingredient overview:

• This dish layers crunchy vanilla wafers with sliced bananas and strawberries, then blankets them in a creamy mixture of French vanilla pudding, cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and whipped topping to create a rich, easy-to-build dessert.

Tools & Ingredients

Tools

• Large mixing bowl — for combining the creamy filling.
• Electric mixer or sturdy whisk — to smooth the cream cheese and blend ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons — to ensure correct pudding-to-milk ratio.
• Large serving dish (9×13" or similar) — for assembling layers.
• Spatula — to spread and smooth layers.
• Knife and cutting board — to slice bananas and strawberries.
• Refrigerator — to chill and set the pudding layers.

Ingredients (with benefits)

• 2 boxes Vanilla Wafers — add buttery crunch and a nostalgic base layer.
• 6 to 8 bananas, sliced — provide natural sweetness and creamy texture.
• 2 cups milk — hydrates the pudding mix to form a smooth custard.
• 1 container strawberries — add bright flavor, color, and freshness.
• 1 (5 oz.) box French Vanilla pudding — gives a sweet, vanilla custard flavor and stabilizes the layers.
• 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese — adds richness and a silky, slightly tangy balance.
• 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk — sweetens and lends a luxuriously creamy texture.
• 1 (12 oz.) container whipped topping — lightens the mixture for a fluffy finish.

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Please use an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk for the creamiest result.
2. Add the French Vanilla pudding mix and 2 cups of milk to the mixture and stir until well combined and smooth. Be sure there are no lumps.
3. In a large serving dish, arrange a single layer of vanilla wafers to cover the bottom.
4. Add a layer of sliced bananas and then a layer of sliced strawberries over the wafers.
5. Pour half of the pudding mixture evenly over the fruit and wafers, using a spatula to spread it gently.
6. Repeat the layers with the remaining vanilla wafers, bananas, strawberries, and then pour the remaining pudding mixture on top.
7. Spread the whipped topping evenly over the final pudding layer to create a light, airy finish.
8. Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours (overnight is best) to allow the wafers to soften and the flavors to meld.
9. When ready to serve, slice and enjoy chilled. Please keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.

FAQ

Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: Freezing is not recommended. The whipped topping and fresh fruit will change texture once frozen and thawed, becoming watery or mushy. For best results, refrigerate and consume within 3 days.

Q: What can I use instead of whipped topping?
A: You can use homemade stabilized whipped cream (whip heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar and a stabilizer like cream of tartar or powdered gelatin) for a fresher taste and firmer finish.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes — substitute dairy-free cream cheese, a non-dairy condensed milk alternative, dairy-free whipped topping, and a plant-based milk suitable for instant pudding. Note that texture and flavor will vary.

Q: How can I keep bananas from browning?
A: Toss banana slices in a little lemon juice before layering to slow browning and keep them looking fresh.

Tips & Tricks

• Chill the serving dish before assembly to help keep layers cool while you build the dessert.
• For evenly softened wafers, let the assembled dish sit in the fridge at least 4 hours; overnight yields the best melding of flavors.
• Slice fruit uniformly so each bite has a balanced mix of banana and strawberry.
• If serving to a crowd, assemble in individual cups for easy portion control and faster chilling.

Conclusion

If you love effortless crowd-pleasers, this layered Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream is a must-try — and you can find close variations and extra inspiration at these trusted recipe sources: Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream, My Favorite Southern Strawberry Banana Pudding | Orchids + Sweet …, and Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream.

Enjoy this sweet, simple dessert with friends and family — and remember: Always add

tag after Directions.