Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Pan

Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Pan
Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Pan is a delightful dessert that combines layers of creamy pudding, sweet bananas, and crunchy strawberry goodness. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or any celebration where you want to impress your family and friends. This dessert is not only tasty but also visually appealing, making it a fantastic centerpiece for any table.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe stands out because it brings together some of your favorite flavors: strawberries, bananas, and vanilla cake. The creamy layers of pudding and cake create a perfect balance of texture and taste. Furthermore, it’s not overly complicated, making it accessible for beginner cooks. Plus, it can be prepared in advance, leaving you more time to enjoy the occasion rather than being stuck in the kitchen.
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Pan
Making Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Pan is simple and fun. Follow these steps to create this delightful dessert that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 box (5.1 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold whole milk
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1⁄2 cups heavy whipping cream (or 1 tub whipped topping)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (or homemade yellow cake)
- Ingredients listed on cake mix box (e.g., eggs, oil, water)
- 1 1⁄2 cups Golden Oreos, crushed
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 1 1⁄2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/2 cup strawberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Directions:
-
Make the Cake Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch pan. Prepare the vanilla cake batter according to the package instructions. Bake for 25-30 minutes, then allow to cool completely.
-
Prepare the Pudding: In a bowl, whisk together the pudding mix, cold milk, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
-
Make the Crunch Topping: Combine the crushed Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries in a bowl. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is crumbly. Set aside.
-
Assemble the Dessert: Spread half of the pudding mixture over the cooled cake. Add sliced bananas and strawberries evenly over the pudding layer. Pour the remaining pudding over the fruit.
-
Top & Serve: Drizzle with strawberry sauce and sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping over the top. Garnish with extra strawberries and banana slices.
How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Pan
To serve this delicious dessert, cut it into squares and place them on plates. Drizzle extra strawberry sauce on top for added sweetness. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream if desired. Enjoy it chilled!
How to Store Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Pan
You can store leftover Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Pan in the refrigerator. Cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It is best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
Tips to Make Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Pan
- For a richer flavor, use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought.
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled to avoid a soggy texture.
- Feel free to customize the topping with other types of fruit, like blueberries or raspberries.
Variation
You can switch things up by using chocolate pudding instead of vanilla. Chocolate banana pudding with strawberry crunch topping creates a delicious twist. You might also consider using a flavored cake mix, such as strawberry or lemon, to match the fruit flavors.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes! This dessert can be made a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
2. What if I can’t find freeze-dried strawberries?
If you can’t find freeze-dried strawberries, you can use crushed graham crackers or simply omit them from the topping.
3. Is there a way to make this dessert lighter?
Yes! You can use low-fat alternatives for the whipped cream and pudding mix for a lighter version of this dessert.
Enjoy making and sharing this Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Pan! It’s sure to become a favorite treat for everyone.