Looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s as delicious as it is visually appealing?
Look no further than this Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding.
Combining the creamy sweetness of banana pudding with the tangy crunch of a strawberry crumble topping, this dessert is sure to become a family favorite.
Let’s dive into the easy-to-follow recipe!
Ingredients
For the Pudding:
- 3 oz box banana cream instant pudding
- 2 cups whole milk
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 14 oz can condensed milk
- 3-4 bananas, sliced
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 box Nilla wafers (mini size)
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, divided
- 1/2 cup room temperature butter, divided
- 3 oz box vanilla instant pudding
- 3 oz box strawberry Jell-O mix
Instructions
Making the Pudding
- Cream Cheese Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to combine the 8 oz of room temperature cream cheese with the 14 oz can of condensed milk. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated. Set this bowl aside.
- Banana Cream Pudding:
- In a separate bowl, combine the 3 oz box of banana cream instant pudding mix with 2 cups of whole milk. Whisk until the pudding mix is dissolved and the mixture begins to thicken. Set this bowl aside as well.
- Whipped Cream:
- In another bowl, use a hand mixer to whip 1 1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. This means the cream will hold a peak but will still be slightly floppy.
- Combining Mixtures:
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- Then, fold the banana cream pudding mixture into the cream cheese and whipped cream mixture. Ensure everything is mixed thoroughly but gently to maintain the light and fluffy texture.
- Layering the Dessert:
- In a 9×9 inch pan, start by creating a layer of Nilla wafers. Follow with a layer of sliced bananas and sliced strawberries.
- Pour the pudding mixture over the layers of wafers and fruit, spreading it evenly.
- To make sure the pudding seeps through all the layers, gently bang the pan on a hard surface a few times.
- Chilling:
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the pudding to set properly.
Making the Topping
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Vanilla Crumble:
- In a bowl, combine 3 oz of vanilla instant pudding mix, 1/4 cup of flour, and 1/4 cup of room temperature butter. Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly. You can use your hands to ensure it’s well combined.
- Strawberry Crumble:
- In another bowl, combine 3 oz of strawberry Jell-O mix, 1/4 cup of flour, and 1/4 cup of room temperature butter. Mix until crumbly as well.
- Baking the Crumble:
- Spread both the vanilla and strawberry crumble mixtures onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press them down slightly to flatten.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-11 minutes. Keep an eye on it as baking times may vary. The crumbles should be slightly golden and set.
- Cooling and Crumbling:
- Allow the baked crumbles to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, use your hands to break them up into a crumble texture, mixing the vanilla and strawberry pieces together.
Assembling and Serving
- Topping the Pudding:
- Once the pudding has set, evenly sprinkle the prepared strawberry and vanilla crumble on top.
- Enjoy:
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. This dessert is best enjoyed chilled.
Tips and Variations
- Fruit Variations: Feel free to experiment with other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or even kiwi for a unique twist.
- Cookie Base: If you prefer a different cookie base, graham crackers or shortbread cookies can be used in place of Nilla wafers.
- Extra Flavor: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
This Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a treat to enjoy at home.
The combination of creamy banana pudding, fresh fruits, and the delightful crunch of the strawberry crumble makes it a dessert to remember. Enjoy!