Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream

Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream is a no-bake, layered dessert that tastes like a cross between banana pudding and strawberry shortcake. Vanilla wafers soften into a cake-like layer, fresh bananas and juicy strawberries add bright fruit flavor, and a rich, creamy pudding-cheesecake filling ties everything together. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, and make-ahead entertaining.

Ingredients

• 2 boxes vanilla wafers
• 6 to 8 bananas, sliced
• 1 container fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 boxes instant vanilla pudding (3.4 oz each)
• 4 cups cold milk
• 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (8-oz) block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 (8-oz) container Cool Whip, thawed (reserve some for topping)

Instructions

1. Make the creamy pudding mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mixes and cold milk for about 2 minutes, until thick and smooth.
2. Beat the cream cheese: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until completely smooth and lump-free.
3. Combine with condensed milk: Add the sweetened condensed milk to the cream cheese and beat until fully combined, silky, and creamy.
4. Fold into pudding: Gently fold the cream cheese mixture into the pudding until no streaks remain.
5. Add Cool Whip: Fold in about 3/4 of the Cool Whip, reserving the remaining Cool Whip for the topping. Mix gently to keep it light and fluffy.
6. Start the layers: In a large trifle dish, clear glass bowl, or 9×13-inch pan, add a layer of vanilla wafers to cover the bottom.
7. Add fruit layers: Top the wafers with a layer of banana slices, then a layer of sliced strawberries.
8. Add pudding layer: Spread a generous layer of the pudding cream mixture over the fruit, smoothing it to the edges.
9. Repeat layers: Repeat the layers wafers, bananas, strawberries, pudding until you run out of ingredients, finishing with pudding on top.
10. Top with Cool Whip: Spread the remaining Cool Whip over the final layer in an even, fluffy layer.
11. Decorate: Garnish the top with extra sliced strawberries and vanilla wafers around the edges or in a pretty pattern, if desired.
12. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the wafers soften and the layers are set and sliceable. Serve chilled.

Variation

1. Strawberry-Only Dream: Skip the bananas and double the strawberries for a strawberry-shortcake-style pudding dessert. Great if you’re serving banana skeptics.
2. Chocolate Strawberry Banana Dream: Swap one box of vanilla pudding for chocolate pudding, or drizzle melted chocolate or chocolate sauce between the layers for a banana-split vibe.
3. Lighter Dream: Use reduced-fat cream cheese, light Cool Whip, and low-fat milk. The texture will be slightly softer but still delicious and creamy.

Cooking Notes

1. Instant pudding is key cook-and-serve pudding will not thicken properly in this no-bake dessert without additional cooking and cooling steps.
2. Slice bananas just before layering to minimize browning, and try to keep them fully covered by pudding and Cool Whip.
3. If the pudding mixture seems too loose, chill it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before layering to help it firm up slightly.

Serving Suggestions

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