Description
A luscious, creamy pudding layered with ripe bananas, macerated strawberries, and crunchy vanilla wafers, topped with sweet whipped cream. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups whole milk (or 2 cups milk + 1 cup heavy cream)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch (or 2 packets instant vanilla pudding mix)
- 4 large egg yolks (optional)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1–2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for macerating strawberries)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (for macerating strawberries)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, cold
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 – 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers (or graham crackers)
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans or almonds (optional)
- 1/2 cup toffee bits or crushed cornflakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the strawberries (macerate) by tossing the sliced strawberries with 1–2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Let sit for 20–30 minutes.
- Make the pudding base by whisking together 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/3 cup cornstarch in a saucepan. Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk, cook until thickened, about 6–8 minutes.
- Temper the egg yolks if using. Slowly ladle hot milk into the yolks while whisking, then pour back into the saucepan and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
- Chill the pudding in a shallow bowl with plastic wrap directly on the surface until fully chilled, at least 2 hours.
- Whip the cream by beating 1 1/2 cups cold heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Crush the wafers and toast the nuts in a skillet.
- Assemble in a glass dish by layering crushed wafers, pudding, banana slices, strawberry syrup, macerated strawberries, whipped cream, and toppings. Repeat until full.
- Chill the assembled pudding in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Store leftover pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, add crunchy toppings right before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: banana pudding, strawberry dessert, spring dessert, summer dessert, potluck dessert