Description
Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding is a no-bake, layered dessert featuring creamy banana pudding, sweet and tangy strawberry sauce, and a buttery vanilla wafer crunch topping. Perfect for summer parties or make-ahead treats, this fruity dessert is both nostalgic and refreshing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups whole milk: base for the pudding
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: sweetens the pudding
- 1/3 cup cornstarch: thickens the pudding
- 1/4 tsp salt: enhances flavor
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: adds aroma and depth
- 3 large bananas, sliced: provides soft fruit texture and flavor
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip): adds creaminess and lightness
- 1 cup strawberries, chopped (fresh or frozen): base for the strawberry sauce
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for sauce): sweetens the strawberries
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: balances the sweetness in the sauce
- 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers: forms the crunchy topping
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: binds the crunch topping
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: adds a caramel note to the topping
- 1/2 cup crushed strawberries (optional): boosts flavor in crunch topping
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Allow the pudding to cool for 10–15 minutes, then gently fold in the sliced bananas.
- Fold in the whipped topping until smooth and combined. Set aside.
- In another saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, 1/4 cup sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Let it cool.
- In a bowl, mix crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers with melted butter and brown sugar. Add crushed strawberries (optional) and stir until crumbly.
- In a trifle dish or dessert cups, layer half of the banana pudding mixture.
- Spoon a layer of the strawberry sauce on top of the pudding layer.
- Repeat with the remaining banana pudding and strawberry sauce.
- Top with the prepared crunch mixture evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas that are firm for best texture.
- Chill the dessert long enough to allow it to set and enhance the flavor.
- Reserve some of the crunch topping and add just before serving if storing overnight.
- Frozen strawberries work well for the sauce if fresh aren’t available.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Stove-Top
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg