Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding 🍓
Ingredients:
3 oz. box banana cream instant pudding
2 cups whole milk
8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
14 oz. can condensed milk
3 to 4 bananas, sliced
1 cup strawberries, sliced
10 oz. heavy whipping cream
1/2 box Nilla wafers
Topping:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour, divided
1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided
3 oz. vanilla instant pudding
3 oz. strawberry Jello mix
Detailed Steps:
In a large bowl, using a hand mixer combine the cream cheese and condensed milk.
In a separate bowl combine the banana cream pudding mix with the milk. Set both bowls aside.
Using a hand mixer whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
Fold the now whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
Now fold the pudding mixture into the whipped cream cheese mixture.
In a 9-x-9-inch pan, layered the wafers, sliced bananas and sliced strawberries then pour the pudding mixture on top.
Bang the pan on a hard surface a few times to ensure the pudding reaches the bottom of the pan.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Topping:
Preheat oven to 350F.
In a bowl combine the vanilla pudding mix, 1/4 cup butter and 1/4 cup flour. Combine until crumbly.
In another bowl, repeat with the strawberry Jello, remaining flour and butter.
Pour both mixtures onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press down to flatten. Bake for 8 to 11 minutes.
Allow it to come to room temp then use your hands to crumble combining the two. Top your banana pudding.
Prep Time: 15 mins. Refrigerate: 2 hrs.
Total Time: 2 hrs. 15 mins.
Banana pudding is a classic Southern dessert beloved for its rich, creamy texture and sweet fruit flavors. This Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding puts a fresh twist on the traditional recipe by incorporating ripe strawberries and a crunchy baked topping made from vanilla pudding mix and strawberry Jello, combined with butter and flour to create a delightful contrast in texture. The recipe uses banana cream instant pudding as the base, blended with cream cheese and condensed milk to enhance creaminess and add a tangy depth. Folding in whipped heavy cream lightens the pudding, making it airy and luscious on the palate. Layering vanilla wafers with fresh sliced bananas and strawberries adds natural sweetness and a satisfying crunch. The topping preparation is especially unique: two crumbly mixtures—one with vanilla pudding mix and the other with strawberry Jello—are baked until golden and then crumbled over the chilled pudding. This creates an irresistible fresh crunch highlighting both vanilla and strawberry flavors. For best results, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth consistency without lumps. Whip the heavy cream to soft peaks to retain airiness but avoid over-whipping, which can cause graininess. This dessert requires minimum hands-on prep time (about 15 minutes) but benefits from at least two hours of refrigeration for flavors to meld and for the pudding to set properly. Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding is an ideal summer dessert thanks to its fresh fruit components and cool, creamy texture. It pairs wonderfully with iced tea or a light white wine for a refreshing treat at family gatherings or potlucks. For healthier variations, consider substituting condensed milk with evaporated milk and using low-fat cream cheese. Additionally, homemade vanilla wafers can enhance the flavor and reduce added preservatives. In summary, this recipe combines classic banana pudding elements with creative strawberry and crunchy topping additions, resulting in a dessert that is both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. It’s guaranteed to impress guests with its combination of creamy textures, fruity sweetness, and irresistible crunch.
