Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream

$- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced - 2 ripe bananas, sliced - 1 cup vanilla pudding mix - 2 cups whole milk - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup heavy whipping cream - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar - 1 cup crushed graham crackers - Fresh mint leaves for garnish To make the Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream, start with fresh ingredients. The strawberries and bananas add sweetness and a burst of flavor. You will need two cups of sliced strawberries. Next, grab two ripe bananas, also sliced. For the creamy base, use one cup of vanilla pudding mix. Combine it with two cups of whole milk and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. This mix creates a smooth, rich pudding. Next, you’ll need one cup of heavy whipping cream. This adds a light, fluffy texture. To sweeten it, use two tablespoons of powdered sugar. For a crunchy layer, use one cup of crushed graham crackers. This adds great texture and flavor. Finally, for a pop of color and freshness, add some fresh mint leaves for garnish. This simple list of ingredients makes a delightful dessert. You will impress everyone with your beautiful layers and fresh taste! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a medium bowl. In this bowl, add the vanilla pudding mix. Next, pour in the whole milk and the vanilla extract. Now, whisk these ingredients together. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and thick. This should take about two minutes. After that, set the bowl aside for five minutes. This step lets the pudding set up just right. Now, it's time to whip the cream. Take a separate bowl and add the heavy whipping cream. Sprinkle in the powdered sugar. Use a mixer and whip the cream until you see stiff peaks. This means the cream holds its shape well. Once you achieve this, gently fold half of the whipped cream into the pudding mixture. This step lightens the pudding and makes it fluffy. Now comes the fun part: layering! Start with a clear serving dish or individual cups. First, add a layer of crushed graham crackers to the bottom. Next, spoon in a layer of the pudding mixture. Then, add slices of strawberries and bananas on top. Repeat this layering process until the dish is full. Finish with a nice layer of whipped cream on top for a tasty look. Let the dessert chill in the fridge for at least two hours. This helps all the flavors blend together. Before serving, garnish it with fresh mint leaves and some extra fruit slices on top. Enjoy your beautiful, delicious creation! To make perfect whipped cream, start with cold tools. Chill your mixing bowl and beaters. Use heavy cream for the best results. Whip the cream on medium speed. Stop when you see stiff peaks. Be careful not to overwhip. Overwhipped cream becomes grainy and turns into butter. If that happens, don’t worry. You can fold in a bit of fresh cream to smooth it out. Creating beautiful layers is key for this dessert. Start with crushed graham crackers at the bottom. This adds texture and crunch. Next, spoon in the pudding mixture. Make sure it covers the crackers fully. Add a layer of sliced strawberries, followed by bananas. Repeat this process until your dish is full. Finish with a thick layer of whipped cream. This makes the dessert look stunning. Use a spatula to create swirls on top for added flair. Presentation matters! Chill the pudding for at least two hours. This helps the flavors blend well. Serve in clear glass dishes to show off the colorful layers. Add fresh mint leaves on top for a pop of green. You can also place extra fruit slices on the side. Drizzle some strawberry syrup for extra sweetness. These tips will impress your guests and make the dish really shine! Pro Tips Choose Ripe Fruits: Make sure to pick ripe, sweet strawberries and bananas for the best flavor. Overripe fruits can affect the texture and taste of your pudding. Chill the Cream: For a fluffier whipped cream, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream. This helps achieve stiff peaks more easily. Layering Technique: When layering, add a bit of pudding on the bottom before the graham cracker layer to help them stick together and create a more stable dessert. Let It Set: Allowing the dessert to chill for at least 2 hours is crucial for the flavors to meld together and for the texture to firm up nicely. {{image_2}} You can swap out strawberries and bananas for other fruits. Consider using: - Blueberries - Raspberries - Peaches - Pineapple - Kiwi Mix and match your favorites. Each fruit brings its own taste. This makes every dessert unique and fun. You can play with flavors in this dessert. Use different pudding mixes like: - Chocolate - Butterscotch - Cheesecake You can also add extracts. Try almond, coconut, or lemon for a twist. Each choice will add a new layer of taste. You can make this dessert fit many diets. For gluten-free, use crushed gluten-free cookies instead of graham crackers. To make it dairy-free, try: - Almond milk or coconut milk instead of whole milk - Dairy-free whipped cream These options keep the dish tasty while meeting your needs. Enjoy customizing your Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream! To keep your Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream fresh, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge. Try to eat it within a few days. This dessert tastes best when fresh. If you have leftovers, make sure to store them properly to avoid sogginess. This delightful dessert stays fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. After that, the fruit may lose its texture. The pudding can separate, which affects the taste. Enjoy it sooner rather than later for the best flavor and texture. You can freeze parts of this dessert, but I recommend freezing layers separately. Freeze the pudding mixture and whipped cream in airtight containers. Slice the fruits and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then store in a bag. When ready to serve, thaw everything in the fridge overnight. Then, layer it again for a fresh look! Yes, you can use instant pudding mix for this recipe. Instant pudding saves time and adds ease. It thickens quickly when mixed with milk. Just whisk it together with milk and vanilla extract. You won't need to cook it. Cook-and-serve pudding takes longer and needs heat. Instant pudding gives you a creamy texture faster. Chill the dessert for at least 2 hours. This time helps the flavors blend well. It also allows the pudding to set properly. If you can, chill it longer for even better taste. The cold dessert feels refreshing. It’s perfect for hot days and summer gatherings. Yes, you can make this recipe a day ahead. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just cover the dish with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. If you make it early, the layers will meld together nicely. This makes for a delicious treat when you are ready to serve. This dessert tutorial covers all you need to create a delicious treat. We explored the ingredients, from fresh strawberries to whipped cream, and laid out simple steps for preparation and serving. You learned tips on layering and whipping to achieve perfect texture. We even discussed fun variations and storage solutions. Keep these ideas in mind to make this dish your own. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful dessert that everyone will love!$

Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream

A delightful layered dessert featuring fresh strawberries, bananas, and creamy vanilla pudding.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
2 ripe bananas, sliced
1 cup vanilla pudding mix
2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 cup crushed graham crackers
for garnish fresh mint leaves

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and thickened. Set aside for about 5 minutes.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the pudding mixture to lighten it.
In a clear serving dish or individual cups, create layers: start with a layer of crushed graham crackers, followed by a layer of the pudding mixture, then layer with sliced strawberries and bananas.
Repeat the layers until the dish is filled, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to set.
Before serving, garnish with fresh mint leaves and a few extra slices of strawberries or bananas on top for decoration.

Notes

Serve chilled in clear glass dishes to showcase the beautiful layers, and drizzle a little extra strawberry syrup or arrange some fresh fruit slices on the side for added flair.

Keyword banana, dessert, pudding, strawberry