Creamy Strawberry Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers

So you’re craving something sweet, creamy, fruity, and nostalgic, but the idea of turning on the oven feels like a personal attack? Same.

That’s exactly why this Creamy Strawberry Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers exists. It’s cool, comforting, and tastes like a dessert hug you didn’t know you needed.

This is the kind of dessert that makes people ask, “Who made this?” while already going back for seconds. And the best part? You barely had to do anything. Love that journey for us.

Why This Recipe Is Awesome

First of all, it’s no-bake, which automatically earns bonus points. No oven, no stress, no sweating while dessert mocks you from the counter.

Second, the flavor combo is undefeated. Sweet strawberries, ripe bananas, creamy pudding, and vanilla wafers that soften into cake-like perfection? Absolute comfort food energy. It’s nostalgic but upgraded—like your childhood favorite wearing a glow-up outfit.

And finally, it’s ridiculously easy. Minimal steps, basic ingredients, and zero technical skills required. It’s idiot-proof, even I didn’t mess it up, and that’s honestly the highest praise I can give.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients doing delicious things.

• Instant vanilla pudding mix (1 large box) – The shortcut we proudly accept.
• Cold milk (3 cups) – Whole milk = extra creamy goodness.
• Sweetened condensed milk (½ cup) – Rich, sweet, and absolutely necessary.
• Whipped topping (8 oz, thawed) – Lightens everything up beautifully.
• Fresh strawberries (2 cups, sliced) – Juicy, sweet, and colorful.
• Bananas (2–3, sliced) – Ripe but not mushy. Choose wisely.
• Vanilla wafers (1 box) – Crunchy at first, dreamy later.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp) – Optional, but highly encouraged.
• Lemon juice (1 tsp) – Toss with bananas to slow browning. Trust me.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the pudding base.
   In a large bowl, whisk together pudding mix and cold milk until thickened. This takes about 2 minutes and zero patience.
2. Add the condensed milk and vanilla.
   Stir in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. The mixture should look smooth and very inviting.
3. Fold in the whipped topping.
   Gently fold it in until everything looks fluffy and creamy. Don’t overmix—this isn’t arm day.
4. Prep the fruit.
   Slice strawberries and bananas. Toss banana slices with a little lemon juice to keep them from turning brown and dramatic.
5. Start layering.
   Add vanilla wafers to the bottom of your dish, followed by pudding, fruit, then repeat. Layers = visual credibility.
6. Finish and chill.
   End with pudding on top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better).
7. Serve and enjoy.
   Scoop, serve, and prepare for compliments. Optional garnish: crushed wafers or extra fruit.

Nutritional Facts

Approximate values per serving:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	290 kcal
Protein	5 g
Carbohydrates	42 g
Sugars	26 g
Fat	11 g
Saturated Fat	6 g
Fiber	2 g
Sodium	280 mg

This dessert delivers a nice balance of indulgence and fruit-based freshness, thanks to the strawberries and bananas. While it’s definitely a treat, it feels lighter than heavy baked desserts. Plus, fruit adds fiber and natural sweetness, which I choose to count as a win. IMO, desserts should be joyful first—and this one absolutely is.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using underripe bananas. Crunchy bananas ruin the vibe.
• Skipping chill time. Warm pudding is just… wrong.
• Overmixing the whipped topping. You want fluffy, not soupy.
• Too many fruit layers. Balance matters—this isn’t a fruit salad.
• Serving immediately. Patience = better texture. Rookie mistake.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• Chocolate wafers instead of vanilla: Fun twist, zero regrets.
• Fresh whipped cream instead of whipped topping: Extra effort, great payoff.
• Greek yogurt (½ cup) folded in: Slight tang, added protein.
• Blueberries or raspberries: Swap or mix with strawberries for variety.
• Banana pudding mix: Banana lovers, this one’s for you.

Personally, I stick to classic vanilla—but experimentation is half the fun.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after sitting overnight.

How long does it last in the fridge?
About 2–3 days. After that, the bananas get questionable.

Can I use homemade pudding?
Absolutely. Just let it cool completely before layering.

Do the wafers get soggy?
They soften into cake-like perfection. Trust the process.

Can I freeze this dessert?
Not recommended. The texture won’t survive the thaw.

Can I make it in individual cups?
Yes! Perfect for parties and portion control (in theory).

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Strawberry Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers is cool, comforting, and ridiculously easy to make. It’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or nights when you want dessert without commitment.

Now go impress someone—or just yourself—with your no-bake dessert skills. You’ve earned it 🍓🍌🍰