Strawberry Banana Pudding Pan

Strawberry Banana Pudding Pan is a delightful dessert that mixes sweet, creamy flavors with fresh fruits. It’s a popular treat for picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings. This recipe is simple to follow and doesn’t require baking, making it perfect for anyone who loves a quick and easy dessert.

Why Make This Recipe

This Strawberry Banana Pudding Pan is not just a dessert; it brings joy and smiles to anyone who tries it. The combination of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and strawberries makes it a refreshing option for warm days. Plus, it’s visually appealing with its colorful layers, making it a great choice for celebrations. It’s also versatile, so you can customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

How to Make Strawberry Banana Pudding Pan

Making a Strawberry Banana Pudding Pan is straightforward. You will prepare the pudding, layer the ingredients, chill it, and then serve it. Here’s how to create this delicious dessert.

Ingredients:

1 box (5.1 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
2 1/2 cups cold milk
1 (8 oz) tub of whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
1 box (11 oz) Nilla wafers
2-3 ripe bananas, sliced
1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
1/2 cup crushed Nilla wafers (for topping)
Optional: Sweetened condensed milk or condensed coconut milk for extra sweetness

Directions:

Prepare the Pudding: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk. Whisk them together until the mixture thickens, which should take about 2 minutes. Then, carefully fold in the whipped topping until everything is well mixed.
Layer the Pudding: Take a large glass pan or a trifle dish and start layering your dessert. Place a layer of Nilla wafers at the bottom. Next, add a layer of banana slices over the wafers. Spoon half of the pudding mixture over the bananas. After that, add a layer of sliced strawberries. Repeat these layers, beginning with the Nilla wafers again and finishing with the pudding mixture on top.
Add Garnishes: For a nice finishing touch, add whole Nilla wafers, some more sliced strawberries, and crushed Nilla wafers on top for crunch. If you like, you can also add extra banana slices.
Chill: Cover your pudding pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours. For the best flavor and texture, it’s best to let it chill overnight.

How to Serve Strawberry Banana Pudding Pan

To serve your Strawberry Banana Pudding Pan, simply scoop out a portion and place it in a dessert bowl. The beautiful layers will show through, making it look even more inviting. You can garnish it with additional strawberries or a dollop of whipped topping if you wish.

How to Store Strawberry Banana Pudding Pan

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator. Make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap or a lid to keep it fresh. It will stay good for about 2-3 days, but it’s best enjoyed within the first day or two for optimal taste and texture.

Tips to Make Strawberry Banana Pudding Pan

Use ripe bananas for better sweetness and flavor.
If you like your dessert extra sweet, consider adding sweetened condensed milk or condensed coconut milk.
Feel free to mix in other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for an extra twist.

Variations

You can easily change this recipe by using different flavors of pudding, such as chocolate or banana pudding, or substituting other fruits depending on the season. For a chocolate twist, consider adding chocolate chips in the layers.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Strawberry Banana Pudding Pan a day or two in advance. The flavors will meld together wonderfully as it sits in the fridge.

2. Can I use different types of cookies instead of Nilla wafers?
Absolutely! Feel free to use graham crackers or chocolate cookies to add a new flavor to your dessert.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is not gluten-free because Nilla wafers contain gluten. However, you can find gluten-free cookies to use as a substitute.

Enjoy making your Strawberry Banana Pudding Pan and share it with friends and family for a sweet treat!