Preparing a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer, such as Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream, can turn any gathering into a celebration. This luscious treat combines creamy vanilla pudding, fresh fruit, and a buttery crunch, making it an irresistible favorite. I first came across this recipe at a family picnic, and I was amazed at how it brought smiles to everyone’s faces. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser, perfect for warm-weather festivities, potluck gatherings, or even just a satisfying weeknight dessert.

Why you’ll love this dish

Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream isn’t just another pudding dessert; it marries the flavors of ripe strawberries and bananas with a rich, creamy filling, all nestled in a delightful vanilla wafer crust. This recipe is quick to prepare and budget-friendly, making it an excellent choice for both novice cooks and seasoned kitchen warriors. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, celebrating a birthday, or simply craving something sweet at home, this dish shines in every setting.

“This Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream left everyone asking for seconds! It’s rich, refreshing, and a perfect combo of flavors—definitely my new go-to dessert!” — A satisfied family member

How this recipe comes together

Assembling Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream is an enjoyable process that doesn’t require any baking. You’ll start by creating a simple crust from crushed vanilla wafers and melted butter. Next, you’ll whip up the creamy filling made with instant vanilla pudding, cream cheese, and sweetened condensed milk. Layering fresh banana and strawberry slices between the creamy custard is what makes this dessert truly exceptional. The final touch is a sprinkle of crushed wafers and fresh fruit on top before it sets in the fridge. Let’s dive deeper into what you’ll need!

Gather these items

To make this luscious dessert, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers (about 60 wafers)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1 (5.1 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk (whole milk or 2% preferred)
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
• 3 large ripe bananas, sliced
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• Extra whipped topping for finishing (optional)
• Crushed vanilla wafers (for garnish)
• Fresh strawberry slices (for garnish)
• Banana coins (for garnish)
• Mint leaves (for garnish)

You can also swap out the fresh fruit for other favorites like peaches or blueberries for a twist!