My grandmother’s kitchen was always filled with the sweet aroma of vanilla and ripe fruit. One dessert, in particular, stands out in my memory: her incredible strawberry banana pudding. It wasn’t just a dessert; it was a symbol of her love, a comforting treat that always made everything feel a little bit better.
I can almost taste the creamy pudding, the soft vanilla wafers, and the bursts of fresh strawberry and banana. Each bite was a little piece of heaven, and I’ve been chasing that flavor ever since. It’s funny how a simple dish can evoke such strong feelings, isn’t it? Now I make my own version of the classic, and it takes me right back to those cherished moments. It’s a perfect dessert to serve after a hearty helping of Dolly Parton casserole recipe.
Why you’ll love this Strawberry Banana Pudding
- It’s incredibly easy to make! With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a delicious dessert that everyone will love.
- This strawberry banana pudding is a crowd-pleaser. The combination of creamy pudding, sweet fruit, and crunchy vanilla wafers makes it a hit at any gathering.
- It’s a refreshing and light dessert. Perfect for warm weather, this pudding is a delightful way to end a meal without feeling too heavy.
- You can customize it to your liking. Feel free to add other fruits, different types of cookies, or even a layer of whipped topping to create your own unique twist.
- It’s a budget-friendly dessert. Using simple ingredients that are readily available, this strawberry banana pudding is an affordable treat for any occasion.
- The homemade pudding is what sets this apart. It elevates the dessert, making it taste even better than the store-bought stuff.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (11 ounce) box vanilla wafers
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, sliced
Directions
Step 1
Strawberry banana pudding makes every moment feel uplifting. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
Step 2
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a simmer and thickens. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Reduce heat to low and cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
Step 3
Remove the saucepan from the heat. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs. Slowly drizzle a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the eggs, whisking constantly to temper them. This prevents the eggs from scrambling.
Step 4
Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and whisk to combine thoroughly. Return the saucepan to low heat and cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly until the pudding thickens slightly.
Step 5
Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until the butter is melted and everything is well combined. This adds richness and flavor to the pudding.
Step 6
In a trifle bowl or individual serving dishes, layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and sliced strawberries. Pour the warm pudding over the layers, ensuring everything is coated.
Step 7
Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of pudding. This creates a beautiful and delicious presentation.
Step 8
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it chills, the better it tastes! Garnish with additional sliced strawberries or bananas before serving, if desired.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
For a richer flavor, consider using half-and-half or heavy cream instead of whole milk in the pudding. This will give it an extra creamy texture and a more decadent taste. You could also experiment with different extracts, such as almond or banana, for a unique twist.
Another fun variation is to add a layer of whipped cream on top just before serving. This will create a light and airy contrast to the creamy pudding and add a touch of elegance. You can even sprinkle some crushed vanilla wafers or toasted nuts on top for added texture and flavor.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating other fruits into the mix. Blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches would be delicious additions. Just be sure to choose fruits that complement the banana and strawberry flavors.
Pairings
Strawberry banana pudding is a fantastic dessert on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of other dishes. Consider serving it after a light lunch or dinner, such as a grilled chicken salad or a simple vegetable pasta. The sweetness of the pudding will provide a satisfying contrast to the savory flavors of the main course.
For a truly decadent experience, pair it with a glass of chilled milk. The cold beverage will enhance the creamy texture of the pudding and provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the fruit. You could also try pairing it with a cup of coffee or tea, depending on your preference.
If you’re serving strawberry banana pudding at a party or gathering, consider offering a variety of other desserts as well. A selection of cookies, brownies, or even a simple fruit platter would complement the pudding nicely and provide something for everyone to enjoy.
Serving ideas
For an elegant presentation, serve your strawberry banana pudding in individual trifle bowls or parfait glasses. This will showcase the beautiful layers of pudding, fruit, and wafers. You can also garnish each serving with a sprig of mint or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of sophistication.
If you’re serving a large crowd, consider using a large trifle bowl to create a stunning centerpiece. Layer the pudding, fruit, and wafers in a visually appealing way, and then garnish the top with a generous amount of sliced strawberries and bananas. This will be sure to impress your guests.
For a more casual presentation, simply serve the pudding in bowls or cups. You can still garnish each serving with a few sliced strawberries or bananas, or even a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers. The most important thing is to make sure it tastes delicious!
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Leftover strawberry banana pudding should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days, although the bananas may start to brown slightly after a day or two. To prevent this, you can toss the sliced bananas with a little lemon juice before adding them to the pudding.
Freezing strawberry banana pudding is not recommended, as the texture of the pudding may change and become grainy when thawed. The fruit may also become mushy. It’s best to enjoy this dessert fresh.
If you have leftover vanilla wafers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help them stay crisp and prevent them from becoming stale.
Make-ahead
Strawberry banana pudding is a great dessert to make ahead of time, as the flavors meld together and improve over time. You can prepare the pudding up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.
If you’re making it ahead of time, wait to add the sliced bananas until just before serving. This will prevent them from browning and ensure that the pudding looks its best. The strawberries can be sliced and stored in the refrigerator as well, but they may release some liquid, so drain them before adding them to the pudding.
For a quick and easy dessert, you can even assemble the entire pudding ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out. Garnish with fresh fruit just before serving for the best presentation.
Common mistakes when making Strawberry Banana Pudding
- Not stirring the pudding constantly while cooking: This can cause the pudding to scorch or develop lumps. Be sure to stir continuously, especially as the mixture thickens.
- Not tempering the eggs properly: Adding the eggs directly to the hot pudding can cause them to scramble. Temper the eggs by slowly drizzling in some of the hot mixture while whisking constantly before adding them back to the saucepan.
- Using unripe or overripe bananas: Unripe bananas will be too firm and lack sweetness, while overripe bananas will be mushy and may overpower the flavor of the pudding. Choose bananas that are ripe but still firm.
- Not refrigerating the pudding long enough: The pudding needs time to chill and for the flavors to meld together. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, for the best results.
- Adding the bananas too early: If you’re making the pudding ahead of time, wait to add the bananas until just before serving to prevent them from browning.
Final notes
Strawberry banana pudding is a classic for a reason. It’s simple, comforting, and absolutely delicious. The combination of creamy pudding, sweet fruit, and crunchy vanilla wafers is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and flavors to create your own unique twist on this classic dessert. Whether you’re serving it at a party, enjoying it as a family treat, or simply craving a sweet snack, strawberry banana pudding is sure to hit the spot.
So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to whip up a batch of this irresistible dessert. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Strawberry Banana Pudding
A classic Southern treat with a delightful twist! This creamy, comforting strawberry banana pudding is layered with fresh fruit, vanilla wafers, and a luscious homemade pudding for a dessert that’s both nostalgic and irresistible.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (11 ounce) box vanilla wafers
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a simmer and thickens, about 8-10 minutes. Reduce heat to low and cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs. Slowly drizzle a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the eggs, whisking constantly to temper them. Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and whisk to combine.
- Return the saucepan to low heat and cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract.
- In a trifle bowl or individual serving dishes, layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and sliced strawberries. Pour the warm pudding over the layers. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of pudding.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with additional sliced strawberries or bananas before serving, if desired.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk. You can also add a layer of whipped cream on top before serving. Store leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg