Strawberry Banana Pudding

5 from 1 vote

This Strawberry Banana Pudding is the no-bake dessert of your dreams! Creamy vanilla pudding, Cool Whip, macerated strawberries, and buttery cookies layered to sweet perfection. Perfect for holidays, cookouts, and Sunday suppers.

Prep Time25

Chill Time (Overnight Preferred)4

Total Time4 25

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Author: Matt Price

Equipment

Mixing Bowls
Whisk
9x13 Casserole Dish or Trifle Bowl
Blender optional
Squirt Bottle or Pourer (for syrup)

Ingredients

For the Pudding Mixture:

2 boxes instant vanilla pudding mix 3.4 oz boxes
4 cups cold milk
1 tub Cool Whip, thawed 16 oz tub
1 can sweetened condensed milk

For the Fruit:

2-3 whole ripe bananas sliced
2 cups fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
2 tablespoons sugar for macerating strawberries

For the Layers:

Vanilla wafer cookies
Chessman cookies
Strawberry syrup for drizzling

Instructions

Step 1 – Macerate the Strawberries

In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar.
Stir well and let them sit for 15–20 minutes. The sugar will draw out their natural juices, making them extra glossy and sweet.

Step 2 – Make Strawberry Syrup

Add the macerated strawberries to a skillet with 1 cup of sugar and ½ cup water.
Simmer for 10 minutes, then blend until smooth.
Strain to remove seeds and pour into a squeeze bottle or gravy pourer for drizzling.

Step 3 – Prepare the Pudding

In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk.
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until thickened.
Then, fold in the thawed Cool Whip and the can of sweetened condensed milk until smooth and fluffy.

Step 4 – Slice the Bananas

Peel and slice your bananas into rounds. Use ripe but firm bananas for the best flavor and texture.

Step 5 – Layer the Dessert

In a casserole dish or trifle bowl, begin layering: Start with a layer of vanilla wafer cookies
Add a layer of pudding mixture
Follow with sliced bananas
Add a layer of macerated strawberries
Place a layer of Chessman cookies
Drizzle with strawberry syrup
Repeat until the dish is full
Top it all off with extra strawberries, bananas, and crushed cookies for a pretty and tasty finish.

Step 6 – Chill

Cover and refrigerate the pudding for at least 4 hours.
Overnight chilling is best for the cookies to soften slightly and the flavors to fully meld together.

Notes

Storage Tips

Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For best texture, serve within the first 24–36 hours.

Leftovers disappear fast — plan on making a double batch for parties!

Tips & Variations

Add a touch of vanilla or almond extract to the pudding for more depth.

Short on time? Skip macerating and use fresh berries plus strawberry syrup.

Feeling fancy? Swirl in a spoonful of strawberry jam into the pudding layer.

Nutrition