If you are looking for a delightful twist on a classic treat, the Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe is sure to become your new favorite dessert. This luscious layered pudding blends the creamy sweetness of banana and vanilla puddings with the fresh brightness of ripe strawberries and perfectly ripe bananas. What truly sets this dessert apart is the irresistible strawberry-flavored crunch made from crushed Golden Oreos and strawberry gelatin, adding a playful texture and a burst of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re whipping this up for a family gathering or a casual get-together, this no-bake pudding is a charming, fuss-free way to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet each plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and crunchy in the Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe. From the smooth puddings to fresh fruit and that addictive cookie crunch, every component shines through.
- Instant banana pudding mix: Provides rich banana flavor and creamy texture with minimal effort.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Adds smoothness and enhances the overall sweetness.
- Cold milk: Essential for activating the pudding mix and achieving the perfect consistency.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Brings extra creaminess and natural sweetness to the pudding base.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavors with warm, aromatic notes.
- Whipped topping: Lightens the pudding mixture, making it airy and delightful.
- Bananas: Fresh and sliced, they provide natural sweetness and a soft bite.
- Fresh strawberries: Offers bright color and juicy tartness that balances the pudding.
- Golden Oreos (crushed): The base for the strawberry crunch topping, adding buttery sweetness and texture.
- Strawberry gelatin mix (dry): Gives the crunch a fruity kick and beautiful pink hue.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Helps bind the crumb topping for that perfect crunchiness.
- Extra crushed Oreos and strawberries (optional): For an eye-catching and flavorful garnish.
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Mixture
Start by whisking together the banana and vanilla pudding mixes with cold milk in a large bowl until everything is smooth and lump-free. Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, whisking again to create a luscious, creamy base. Finally, gently fold in the whipped topping to achieve that light, airy pudding texture that melts in your mouth.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Golden Oreos with the strawberry gelatin powder, then drizzle the melted butter over and stir thoroughly. This mixture creates the signature strawberry crunch topping, adding a delightful buttery crispness and a pop of strawberry flavor that complements the creamy pudding perfectly.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Grab a 9×13-inch dish or a pretty trifle bowl to start layering. Begin with half of the pudding mixture spread evenly over the bottom. Add a generous layer of sliced bananas and strawberries on top, followed by a sprinkle of the strawberry crunch topping. Repeat the process with the remaining pudding, fruit, and crunch for a beautifully stacked dessert that promises a little bit of everything in every bite.
Step 4: Finish and Chill
Top the assembled pudding with a final spread of whipped topping and a sprinkling of extra crushed Oreos and sliced strawberries if you like. This not only makes it look irresistible but adds extra texture and freshness. Pop the dessert in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours so the flavors meld and the crunch sets just right.
How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe by topping it with a few fresh strawberry slices and a handful of extra crushed Golden Oreos right before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprig of mint can also add a touch of elegance and freshness to your presentation.
Side Dishes
This dessert is pretty much a star on its own, but if you want to create a full delightful spread, consider pairing it with simple vanilla bean ice cream or a cup of freshly brewed coffee. These additions complement the creamy sweetness and add warmth or cold contrast for an unforgettable experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe in individual mason jars or clear glasses to highlight the beautiful layers. You can also turn it into parfait-style servings by alternating thinner layers in tall glasses, making each portion feel special and personalized.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind the bananas may start to brown and the cookies might soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh for peak flavor and texture.
Freezing
While this pudding is best enjoyed fresh and chilled, it is not ideal for freezing. The fresh fruit and cookie crunch lose their texture in the freezer, resulting in a less satisfying dessert once thawed. Stick to making it fresh when possible for the best results.
Reheating
This strawberry banana pudding is served cold, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, allow it to chill in the fridge before serving again if needed. The cool temperature enhances the creamy and fruity elements beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries all year round?
Absolutely! While fresh strawberries are best during their peak season for flavor and sweetness, you can use frozen strawberries as a substitute in the Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture.
What can I substitute for the Golden Oreos?
If Golden Oreos aren’t available, graham cracker crumbs or vanilla wafer crumbs work well as a substitute to create that buttery strawberry crunch layer.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap out the milk for a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, use dairy-free whipped topping, and check that any pudding mixes used are dairy-free. This will keep the Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe creamy while making it suitable for lactose intolerance.
How ripe should the bananas be?
Use bananas that are just ripe with a few brown speckles; they provide the perfect sweetness without becoming mushy or overpowering the dessert’s texture.
Can I prepare this the day before a party?
Definitely! This Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe is perfect for making ahead and chilling overnight. Just add any extra garnish right before serving to keep everything looking fresh and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say the Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe is a game-changer in no-bake desserts. Its combination of creamy pudding, fresh fruits, and that addictive strawberry crunch topping creates a balance that feels both indulgent and refreshing. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, this recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to bring smiles around the table. So go ahead, give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!
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Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding is a delightful no-bake dessert featuring layers of creamy banana and vanilla pudding, fresh bananas and strawberries, and a crunchy strawberry-flavored Oreo topping. Perfect for summer gatherings, this easy recipe combines smooth textures with fruity freshness and a sweet crunch.
Ingredients
Pudding Mixture
- 1 box (3.4 ounces) instant banana pudding mix
- 1 box (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping
Fruit
- 4 bananas, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
Strawberry Crunch Topping
- 1 box Golden Oreos, crushed
- 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin mix (dry)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Topping (optional)
- Extra crushed Oreos
- Sliced strawberries
Instructions
- Make the pudding mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the banana pudding mix, vanilla pudding mix, and cold milk until smooth and fully combined. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, whisking again until blended thoroughly.
- Fold in whipped topping: Gently fold the container of whipped topping into the pudding mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy, taking care not to deflate the whipped topping.
- Prepare the strawberry crunch topping: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Golden Oreos with the strawberry gelatin powder and melted butter, mixing until the Oreo crumbs are evenly coated with the gelatin and butter mixture to create the crunchy topping.
- Layer the dessert: In a 9×13-inch dish or trifle bowl, spread half of the pudding mixture evenly on the bottom. Add a layer of banana slices and an even layer of sliced strawberries on top. Then sprinkle a layer of the strawberry crunch mixture over the fruit.
- Repeat layers: Add the remaining pudding mixture on top of the first crunchy layer, followed by the remaining bananas and strawberries. Top with the rest of the strawberry crunch mixture for a final crunchy layer.
- Add finishing touches: Optionally, spread extra whipped topping over the surface and garnish with more crushed Oreos and sliced strawberries for decoration and added flavor.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours to allow it to set and flavors to meld. Serve chilled for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For a brighter, more vibrant strawberry color in the crunch topping, add a few drops of red food coloring to the mixture.
- Use fresh bananas that are just ripe to avoid browning and maintain the best flavor and appearance.
- This dessert is best enjoyed within 24 hours for peak freshness and optimal texture.
