Strawberry Banana Pudding

Who doesn't love a good banana pudding? It's the ultimate comfort dessert! This recipe takes that classic, creamy goodness and kicks it up a notch with fresh strawberries, making it a perfect treat for any time of year.

Strawberry Banana Pudding

This recipe is pretty flexible, so feel free to adjust the sweetness or the amount of fruit to your liking.

Ingredients

• 1 (5.1 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix (don't get the cook-and-serve kind, we want instant!)

• 3 cups cold milk (whole milk makes it extra creamy)

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip)

• 1 box vanilla wafers (about 12 ounces)

• 3-4 ripe bananas, sliced (not too green, not too brown!)

• 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

Instructions

1. Get the pudding going: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and the cold milk for about 2 minutes, or until it starts to thicken. Pop it in the fridge for 5 minutes to set up a bit more.

2. Make it creamy: In another large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it's light and fluffy. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, beating until everything is smooth and well combined.

3. Combine the creamy layers: Gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Now, carefully fold this cream cheese mixture into your prepared vanilla pudding. Be gentle so you don't deflate the whipped topping!

4. Layer it up! Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Start with a single layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom.

5. Add the fruit: Arrange a layer of sliced bananas over the wafers, then add a layer of sliced strawberries.

6. Spoon on the good stuff: Spoon about half of your pudding mixture over the fruit.

7. Repeat! Add another layer of vanilla wafers, then more bananas and strawberries, and finally, the rest of the pudding mixture.

8. Chill out: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. This gives the wafers time to soften and all those delicious flavors to meld together.

---

Tips for Success:

• Don't rush the chill time! Seriously, the longer it chills, the better it tastes and the softer those wafers get.

• Ripe bananas are key. You want them yellow with a few brown spots, but not completely mushy.

• Fresh is best for strawberries. While frozen can work in a pinch, fresh strawberries really make this dish sing.

• Get creative! You could try adding a sprinkle of shredded coconut, or even a different type of berry if you're feeling adventurous.

Enjoy this delightful twist on a classic! What other dessert favorites do you love to make?