Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding

Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding is a delightful dessert that layers creamy banana pudding, sweet strawberry sauce, and a crunchy topping for a perfectly balanced treat. This no-bake recipe is ideal for warm days, potlucks, or family gatherings, offering a fun twist on a classic favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Refreshing and Creamy: Combines the smoothness of banana pudding with the bright flavor of strawberries.
• Crunchy Layers: The topping of crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers adds a satisfying texture.
• Easy to Make: No baking required, and it comes together in just 30 minutes.
• Perfect for Sharing: Serves up to 8 people, making it a great choice for gatherings.
• Customizable: Easily tweak the flavors to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Produce

• 3 large bananas (sliced)
• 1 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)
• ½ cup strawberries (diced, for garnish)

Condiments

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Baking & Spices

• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup cornstarch
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Snacks

• 1 cup vanilla wafers or graham crackers (crushed)

Dairy

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup whipped topping

Directions

1. Make the Strawberry Sauce

• In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of strawberries, ¼ cup brown sugar, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes). Set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the Pudding

• In a medium saucepan, whisk together granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble (about 5–7 minutes).
• Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let the pudding cool slightly.

3. Layer the Dessert

• In a 9×9-inch dish or individual serving glasses, begin layering:
  1. Add a layer of vanilla wafers or graham crackers.
  2. Top with a layer of banana slices.
  3. Spread a layer of pudding over the bananas.
  4. Add a spoonful of strawberry sauce.
  5. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of pudding.

4. Add the Crunchy Topping

• Melt the unsalted butter and mix with the remaining crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers. Sprinkle the mixture over the top of the dessert.

5. Garnish and Chill

• Garnish with diced strawberries and whipped topping. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 servings
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Berry Medley: Add blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry twist.
• Chocolate Lovers: Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or layer with chocolate chips.
• Lighter Version: Use low-fat milk and whipped topping for a lighter dessert.
• Cookie Swap: Substitute the vanilla wafers with shortbread cookies or biscoff cookies.
• Nutty Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the top for added crunch.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended as the texture of the bananas and pudding may change when frozen.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant pudding mix?

Yes, you can use vanilla or banana-flavored instant pudding to save time.

2. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare it up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until serving.

3. What type of strawberries should I use?

Fresh strawberries are ideal, but frozen strawberries work well for the sauce.

4. Can I use plant-based milk?

Yes, almond or oat milk can be used, but the pudding may be slightly less creamy.

5. How do I prevent the bananas from browning?

Toss the banana slices with a little lemon juice before layering.

6. Can I skip the crunchy topping?

While the crunch adds texture, you can omit it or replace it with granola or crumbled cookies.

7. Is this dessert gluten-free?

Use gluten-free cookies or crackers to make it gluten-free.

8. Can I add whipped cream to the layers?

Yes, a layer of whipped cream adds extra creaminess.

9. What other fruits can I use?

Try peaches, mangoes, or pineapple for a tropical variation.

10. How do I make it more decadent?

Add a drizzle of caramel or white chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.

Conclusion

Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding is a delightful dessert that’s easy to prepare and bursting with layers of flavor and texture. Whether for a family gathering, a summer barbecue, or a weeknight treat, this no-bake dessert is sure to impress. Its creamy pudding, sweet strawberry sauce, and crunchy topping make it a memorable dish you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy!

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