Strawberry Banana Pudding is a refreshing and sweet layered dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This dessert combines a rich pudding mixture made with whipped cream, cream cheese, and sweetened condensed milk, layered with fresh strawberries cooked into a delicious sauce. The base includes a delightful mix of angel food cake, Chessmen cookies, and vanilla wafers, adding texture and flavor to every bite. The pudding is light yet creamy, and the sweet strawberry topping brings a fresh, fruity contrast. This dessert can be prepared in a large trifle dish or as individual servings, making it a versatile and show-stopping treat. Be sure to chill it for several hours or overnight for the best results. Add fresh strawberries or extra whipped cream on top before serving for a beautiful finishing touch.
Strawberry Banana Pudding is a show-stopping dessert that combines layers of fruity strawberry goodness, creamy pudding, and a mix of textures from Chessmen cookies, vanilla wafers, and angel food cake. It’s the perfect sweet treat for any special occasion or gathering, and the best part is that you can prepare it ahead of time.
INGREDIENTS
- Strawberries: 2 pounds of fresh, sliced strawberries make up the fruity base for the dessert. Combined with sugar and lemon juice, the strawberries form a sweet and tangy mixture that perfectly complements the creamy pudding layers.
- Sugar: 1/4 cup of sugar adds sweetness to the strawberries as they cook down into a delicious sauce.
- Lemon Juice: The juice of 1 lemon brings a hint of tartness to balance the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Cornstarch Slurry: A mixture of 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water thickens the strawberry mixture for a perfect consistency.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: 1 1/2 to 2 cups of heavy whipping cream, whipped to perfection, forms the base of the creamy pudding layer, offering a light and fluffy texture.
- Whipped Cream Cheese: 12 ounces of whipped cream cheese add a rich, tangy flavor to the pudding layer, balancing out the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: A 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk adds creamy sweetness to the pudding mixture.
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract enhance the overall flavor of the dessert, giving the pudding a warm, sweet aroma.
- Chessmen Cookies, Vanilla Wafers, and Angel Food Cake: These elements add texture and layers to the dessert, creating a balance between the creamy pudding and fruity strawberry mixture.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Mixture
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, 1/4 cup of sugar, and the juice of 1 lemon. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries release their juices and the mixture starts to bubble. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 2: Thicken the Strawberry Mixture
- In a small bowl, mix 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry. Slowly stir this slurry into the bubbling strawberry mixture. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 more minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the strawberry mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Step 3: Prepare the Pudding Mixture
- In a large bowl, whip 1 1/2 to 2 cups of heavy whipping cream until thickened and soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, beat 12 ounces of whipped cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the cream cheese, mixing until fully combined.
- Step 4: Combine the Pudding Mixture
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, creating a light and fluffy pudding. If you’re using instant pudding or homemade pudding for added richness, fold it in at this stage as well.
- Step 5: Assemble the Dessert
- In a large trifle dish or individual serving dishes, start by adding a layer of angel food cake pieces at the bottom. Next, add a layer of Chessmen cookies and vanilla wafers. Spoon a layer of the pudding mixture over the cookies and cake, followed by a layer of the cooled strawberry mixture. Repeat the layers until you reach the top, finishing with a layer of the pudding mixture.
- Step 6: Chill and Serve
- Once assembled, cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set. Before serving, you can garnish the top with additional sliced strawberries or whipped cream for a decorative finish.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Strawberry Banana Pudding is best served chilled, after allowing the dessert to set for several hours or overnight. This helps the flavors blend beautifully and makes each bite even more delicious.
- For an extra decorative touch, top the pudding with freshly sliced strawberries, banana slices, or a dollop of whipped cream just before serving.
- If you’re serving this dessert at a party or gathering, individual trifle dishes can make the presentation even more elegant and convenient for guests.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, though the cookies and cake may soften over time. It’s best to enjoy this dessert within a day or two for the best texture.
Helpful Notes
- You can customize this dessert by adding layers of banana slices or other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for additional flavors.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the whipped cream with a lower-fat version or use store-bought whipped topping for convenience.
- For a more indulgent dessert, you can use instant pudding or homemade vanilla pudding for added richness and depth of flavor.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Ina Garten recommends adding a splash of Grand Marnier or orange liqueur to the strawberry mixture for a sophisticated twist on this classic dessert.
- Chef Nigella Lawson suggests using homemade custard instead of pudding for a more luxurious and silky texture in the layers.
- Chef Bobby Flay advises topping the final layer with crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs for an extra layer of crunch and texture.