Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and no baking required, it’s a hassle-free dessert.
- Flavorful Layers: The combination of creamy banana pudding, crunchy vanilla wafers, and the sweet, tangy strawberry topping is irresistible.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or family dinners.
- Customizable: You can adjust the topping or add garnishes for a personalized touch.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the pudding layer:
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant banana pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 4 bananas, sliced
- 1 (11 oz) box vanilla wafers
For the strawberry crunch topping:
- 1 cup Golden Oreos, crushed
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Directions
- Prepare the pudding layer:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the banana pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until it thickens.
- Gently fold in half of the whipped topping.
- Assemble the dessert:
- In a 9×13-inch dish, layer half of the vanilla wafers across the bottom.
- Add half of the banana slices on top, followed by half of the banana pudding mixture.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining wafers, bananas, and pudding.
- Spread the remaining whipped topping over the final pudding layer.
- Prepare the strawberry crunch topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed Golden Oreos, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter until well combined.
- Evenly sprinkle the mixture over the top of the pudding.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld together.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Twist: Swap vanilla wafers with chocolate wafers or add a layer of chocolate pudding.
- Fresh Fruit Addition: Add sliced fresh strawberries or blueberries for a fruitier bite.
- Nutty Crunch: Mix crushed nuts like pecans or almonds into the strawberry crunch topping for extra texture.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free pudding mix, milk, and whipped topping for a vegan version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: This dessert is best served chilled and does not require reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, it’s perfect for prepping a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
2. Can I substitute the banana pudding mix?
You can use vanilla pudding mix if banana pudding is unavailable, but it will alter the flavor slightly.
3. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried ones?
Fresh strawberries won’t provide the same crunch, but you can add them as a garnish for extra freshness.
4. What can I use instead of Golden Oreos?
Vanilla wafers or graham crackers work well as alternatives.
5. How do I prevent bananas from browning?
Toss the banana slices in lemon juice before layering to slow down browning.
6. Can I freeze this dessert?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture may change after thawing.
7. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free vanilla wafers and cookies to make it gluten-free.
8. Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream adds a fresh touch.
9. How do I crush the Oreos and strawberries?
Use a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.
10. Can I add extra layers?
Yes, feel free to create more layers depending on the size of your dish.
Conclusion
Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding is a deliciously easy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy banana pudding layers and sweet, crunchy topping, it’s sure to impress family and friends. Whether you enjoy it as-is or customize it to your liking, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. Enjoy every bite of this classic Southern-inspired treat!