A rich, creamy, layered dessert combining fresh strawberries, bananas, vanilla pudding, whipped cream, and cookies. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a make-ahead treat.
Yield
- 12–15 servings
Prep Time
- 30 minutes
Chill Time
- 4–6 hours (overnight is best)
Ingredients
For the Pudding Layer
- 2 boxes (3.4 oz / 96 g each) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups (720 ml) cold whole milk
- 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Layer
- 2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup (50 g) powdered sugar
OR
- 1 container (8 oz / 225 g) whipped topping, thawed
Fruit Layer
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 2 cups (300 g) fresh strawberries, sliced
Cookie Layer
- 1 box (11–12 oz / 312–340 g) vanilla wafers
Garnish (Optional)
- Additional strawberries
- Banana slices
- Crushed vanilla wafers
- White chocolate shavings
Equipment
- 9×13-inch glass baking dish or trifle bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding
- In a large bowl, combine:
- Instant vanilla pudding mix
- Cold milk
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Beat with a whisk or mixer for about 2 minutes until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Refrigerate for 5–10 minutes to thicken.
Step 2: Make the Whipped Cream
- Pour heavy cream into a chilled bowl.
- Add powdered sugar.
- Beat on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the pudding mixture.
This creates a lighter, mousse-like texture.
Reserve the remaining whipped cream for the topping.
Step 3: Prepare the Fruit
- Wash and dry strawberries.
- Remove stems and slice thinly.
- Slice bananas into ¼-inch rounds.
For best appearance, prepare the bananas just before assembling.
Step 4: Create the First Layer
In the bottom of your dish:
- Arrange a layer of vanilla wafers.
- Cover the bottom completely.
Some overlapping is fine.
Step 5: Add Fruit Layer
Spread:
- Half the banana slices
- Half the strawberry slices
Evenly over the cookies.
Step 6: Add Pudding Layer
Spread half of the pudding mixture over the fruit.
Use a spatula to create an even layer.
Step 7: Repeat Layers
Create a second set of layers:
- Vanilla wafers
- Remaining bananas
- Remaining strawberries
- Remaining pudding mixture
Smooth the top.
Step 8: Add Final Topping
Spread the reserved whipped cream over the pudding.
Create decorative swirls if desired.
Step 9: Garnish
Top with:
- Fresh strawberry slices
- Banana slices
- Crushed vanilla wafers
- White chocolate shavings (optional)
Step 10: Chill
Cover tightly.
Refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours, preferably overnight.
This allows:
- Cookies to soften
- Flavors to blend
- Pudding to set fully
Serving Tips
- Serve cold.
- Use a large spoon to scoop through all layers.
- Best enjoyed within 24–48 hours for the freshest bananas.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving, 15 servings)
- Calories: 280–350
- Carbohydrates: 35–45 g
- Protein: 4–6 g
- Fat: 12–18 g
- Sugar: 20–30 g
