Strawberry Banana Pudding (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
2 pounds strawberries, sliced.
02 -
1/4 cup sugar.
03 -
Juice of 1 lemon.
04 -
1 - 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (cornstarch slurry).
05 -
1 1/2 - 2 cups heavy whipping cream, whipped until thickened.
06 -
12 oz whipped cream cheese.
07 -
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk.
08 -
2 tsp vanilla extract.
09 -
Optional: instant pudding or homemade pudding for added richness.
10 -
Chessmen cookies.
11 -
Vanilla wafers.
12 -
Angel food cake pieces (homemade or store-bought).
# Instructions:
01 -
In a medium saucepan, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries release their juices and the mixture begins to bubble. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.
02 -
In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until thickened. In another bowl, beat the whipped cream cheese until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and mix until well combined. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. If using instant pudding or homemade pudding, fold it in at this stage.
03 -
In a large trifle dish or individual serving dishes, start with a layer of angel food cake pieces. Add a layer of Chessmen cookies and vanilla wafers, followed by a layer of the pudding mixture. Add a layer of the cooled strawberry mixture. Repeat the layers as desired, finishing with the pudding mixture on top.
04 -
Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set. Garnish with additional strawberries or whipped cream if desired before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
This dessert is best prepared ahead of time to allow the layers to meld and the flavors to develop fully.
02 -
You can adjust the sweetness of the pudding mixture by adding more or less sweetened condensed milk according to your taste.
03 -
Freshly whipped cream adds a light texture, but store-bought whipped cream can also be used for convenience.