Introduction
This holiday twist on classic banana pudding layers fresh strawberries, ripe bananas, vanilla custard, and whipped cream for a colorful and delicious dessert. It’s easy to make ahead and a crowd favorite for holiday gatherings.
⏱️ Prep Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 2–3 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
🧰 Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish or trifle bowl
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Knife and cutting board
- Spatula
📝 Ingredients (Serves 8–10)
- 1 box (12 oz) vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies
- 4–5 medium ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Optional: crushed candy canes or red and green sprinkles for garnish
📌 Ingredient Notes
- Cookies: Vanilla wafers are traditional; shortbread adds richness.
- Fruit: Use ripe bananas and fresh strawberries for sweetness and color.
- Whipped Cream: Homemade tastes best, but store-bought works too.
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare Pudding
- In a mixing bowl, whisk instant pudding mix, milk, and vanilla extract until thickened.
- Whip Cream
- In another bowl, beat heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Layer Dessert
- In a 9×13-inch dish, start with a layer of cookies.
- Add a layer of banana slices, then a layer of strawberries.
- Spread a layer of vanilla pudding over the fruit.
- Repeat layers until ingredients are used, ending with pudding on top.
- Top with Whipped Cream & Garnish
- Spread whipped cream over the top layer of pudding.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes or holiday sprinkles for a festive look.
- Chill
- Refrigerate at least 2–3 hours before serving to allow cookies to soften and flavors to meld.
🧾 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sugar: 30 g
💡 Tips
- Assemble a few hours ahead for best texture.
- For extra flavor, brush cookies lightly with a splash of milk or liqueur.
- Layer fruits evenly to ensure every bite has strawberries and bananas.
🔄 Variations
- Chocolate Strawberry Banana Pudding: Add a layer of chocolate pudding or chocolate chips.
- Caramel Banana Pudding: Drizzle caramel sauce between layers.
- Mini Trifles: Make individual servings in jars for parties.
- Tropical Twist: Add kiwi or mango for more color and flavor.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled as a festive dessert
- Pair with hot cocoa or coffee for holiday gatherings
- Garnish with fresh mint for extra color
