Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding

This dessert is creamy, fruity, and layered with that perfect mix of banana pudding and sweet strawberry crunch. Each spoonful tastes like a blend of childhood comfort and strawberry shortcake. I made it once for a weekend cookout, and it was the first dish to disappear.

I love how the creamy banana pudding pairs with crushed cookies and bits of strawberry topping. The colors are bright, the texture is smooth, and the flavor is just right—not too heavy, not too sweet. It’s cool, refreshing, and so easy to make.

If you want a no-fuss dessert that looks beautiful and tastes even better, this Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding is perfect. Let’s make it together—it’s creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No-Bake Wonder: Perfect for warm days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
• Crowd Favorite: The combination of creamy pudding and crunchy topping wins everyone over.
• Easy Assembly: Simple layers make this dessert beginner-friendly.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare hours ahead so flavors can blend beautifully.
• Perfect Portions: Serves a crowd without breaking the bank.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 2-4 hours
• Total Time: About 2.5-4.5 hours

Servings: This recipe serves 10-12 people when made in a 9×13 inch dish. Need more? Double the recipe and use a larger dish or make two batches.

Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners and quick enough for busy cooks.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large mixing bowl
• 9×13 inch baking dish or trifle bowl
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Food processor or rolling pin (for crushing cookies)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Ingredients

This strawberry banana dessert combines simple pantry staples with fresh fruit for a treat that tastes like summer in every spoonful.

The creamy vanilla pudding base gets crowned with fresh bananas and strawberries, while crushed pink wafers and golden cookies create that signature crunch everyone craves. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this dessert together:

For the Pudding Layer:

• 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 3 cups whole milk (cold)
• 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, divided

For the Layers:

• 1 box (11 oz) Nilla wafers
• 4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

• 1 package (5 oz) pink strawberry sugar wafers
• 1 cup vanilla cookies or Golden Oreos
• 4 tablespoons melted butter

Variations for Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding

• Add Cream Cheese: Mix 8 oz softened cream cheese into the pudding for extra richness.
• Try Different Berries: Use raspberries or blueberries alongside or instead of strawberries.
• Make It Chocolate: Swap vanilla pudding for chocolate pudding for a different flavor profile.
• Add Coconut: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes between layers for tropical flair.
• Use Fresh Whipped Cream: Replace store-bought whipped topping with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pudding

Whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk in a large bowl. Beat for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Fold in half of the whipped topping until smooth and creamy.

2. Make the Strawberry Crunch

Place the pink strawberry wafers and vanilla cookies in a food processor. Pulse until you get fine crumbs. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs look like wet sand. Set aside.

3. Start Layering

Arrange a layer of Nilla wafers on the bottom of your 9×13 inch dish. Cover the wafers completely with half of the pudding mixture.

4. Add Fresh Fruit

Layer half of the sliced bananas over the pudding. Add half of the sliced strawberries on top of the bananas.

5. Repeat the Layers

Add another layer of Nilla wafers. Spread the remaining pudding mixture over the wafers. Top with the remaining banana slices and strawberry slices.

6. Add the Finishing Touch

Spread the remaining whipped topping over the fruit layer. Sprinkle the strawberry crunch mixture generously over the top, covering the entire surface.

7. Chill and Set

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours. This allows the wafers to soften and all the flavors to come together perfectly.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding

This beautiful dessert shines at any gathering:

• Family Dinners: Scoop into individual bowls for a comforting weeknight treat.
• Potlucks: Transport in the dish you made it in, keeping it chilled until serving time.
• Birthday Parties: Serve in clear cups so guests can see the pretty layers.
• Summer Cookouts: Keep it cold in a cooler until dessert time.
• Holiday Gatherings: Make it festive by adding extra fresh berries on top.

Decoration Ideas:

• Place whole strawberries around the edges
• Add fresh mint leaves for a pop of color
• Drizzle with strawberry syrup before serving
• Top individual servings with extra crunch topping

Storing Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding

• Refrigerator: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The crunch topping will soften over time, so add it just before serving if making more than a day ahead.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare everything except the crunch topping up to 24 hours in advance. Add the topping right before serving for maximum crunch.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as bananas and pudding don’t freeze well and the texture will suffer.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Choose Ripe Bananas: Use bananas that are yellow with just a few brown spots for the best flavor and texture.
• Keep Pudding Cold: Use cold milk and work quickly to keep everything chilled.
• Prevent Browning: Brush banana slices lightly with lemon juice to keep them from turning brown.
• Crush Evenly: Make sure your crunch topping has uniform crumbs for the best texture.
• Layer Carefully: Take your time with layers for a picture-perfect presentation.
• Let It Set: Don’t skip the chill time. The wafers need time to soften and blend with the pudding.
• Serve Cold: This dessert tastes best when served cold and fresh from the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Per Serving (1/12 of recipe)
Calories	320
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	6g
Cholesterol	15mg
Sodium	280mg
Total Carbohydrates	52g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	35g
Protein	4g

Note: Nutrition information is approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding FAQs

Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of whipped topping? Yes, you can use 2 cups of freshly whipped heavy cream sweetened with 2-3 tablespoons of sugar.

How far ahead can I make this dessert? Make it up to 24 hours ahead, but add the crunch topping just before serving to keep it crispy.

Can I make this in individual cups? Absolutely! Layer the ingredients in clear cups or mason jars for beautiful individual servings.

What if I can’t find pink strawberry wafers? You can use regular vanilla wafers and add a few drops of strawberry extract to the crunch mixture.

Will the bananas turn brown? A light brush of lemon juice on the banana slices will help prevent browning.

Can I use sugar-free pudding? Yes, sugar-free instant pudding works just as well in this recipe.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding brings together the best of classic banana pudding with a fun, fruity twist. The creamy layers of vanilla pudding and fresh fruit get topped with that addictive strawberry crunch that everyone reaches for seconds of. Whether you’re bringing it to a gathering or making it for your family, this no-bake dessert delivers big flavor with easy preparation.