A classic, no-bake layered dessert featuring fresh strawberries, ripe bananas, vanilla pudding, and vanilla wafers.
About This Recipe
This recipe is a variation on traditional Southern banana pudding, incorporating strawberries for a fruity twist. It is a chilled dessert assembled in layers, requiring no baking. Preparation is straightforward, focusing on the assembly of readily available ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Requires no baking or cooking.
- Combines familiar, crowd-pleasing flavors.
- Can be prepared ahead of time, making it suitable for gatherings.
- Utilizes simple, easy-to-find ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold whole milk
- 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided
- 1 (11 oz) box vanilla wafer cookies
- 3-4 medium ripe bananas
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- Optional garnish: whole strawberries or additional wafer cookies
Step by Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and 2 cups of cold milk for 2 minutes until it thickens. Gently fold in half of the thawed whipped topping until fully combined. Set aside.
- Prepare the Fruit: Slice the bananas and strawberries. To prevent browning, you can toss banana slices lightly in lemon juice, though this is optional.
- Assemble the First Layer: In a large trifle dish or a 9×13 inch baking dish, create a single layer of vanilla wafer cookies, covering the bottom.
- Add Fruit Layer: Arrange a layer of banana slices and strawberry slices over the wafer cookies.
- Add Pudding Layer: Spoon half of the pudding mixture over the fruit layer and spread it evenly.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers: vanilla wafers, remaining banana and strawberry slices, and the remaining pudding mixture.
- Final Topping: Spread the remaining half of the whipped topping over the final pudding layer to cover it completely.
- Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the cookies to soften into a cake-like texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with additional strawberry slices or whole wafer cookies if desired.
FAQ
see you next post
