Introduction & Inspiration

Strawberry Banana Pudding is a delightful no-bake dessert that’s perfect for warm weather or any time you crave a light and creamy treat. The combination of fresh strawberries, bananas, creamy pudding, and graham crackers is both comforting and refreshing.

My inspiration for this recipe comes from a love of classic pudding desserts and a desire to create a lighter, healthier version. This recipe uses reduced-fat ingredients and fresh fruit to create a dessert that’s both satisfying and guilt-free (or at least, less guilty!).

This pudding is perfect for a quick weeknight dessert, a potluck, or a summer gathering. It’s easy to make, requires no baking, and is always a crowd-pleaser. It is a perfect dessert, for hot summer days.

Refreshing, and easy to make, this recipe will please everyone.

Nostalgic Appeal

Banana pudding, and layered desserts in general, often evoke feelings of nostalgia and childhood memories. They’re classic comfort food, often associated with family gatherings and potlucks.

The addition of fresh strawberries adds a bright, summery twist to the traditional banana pudding flavor profile. It’s a dessert that’s both familiar and exciting, a perfect blend of old and new.

This recipe captures that nostalgic appeal while offering a lighter, healthier take on a classic dessert. It’s a way to enjoy those comforting flavors without feeling overly indulgent.

Easy and refreshing, it is a great dessert.

Homemade Focus

This Strawberry Banana Pudding utilizes a smart shortcut: instant pudding mix. While making pudding from scratch is certainly rewarding, using instant pudding saves time and effort without sacrificing flavor, especially in a layered dessert like this.

Even with the instant pudding, we’re still focusing on fresh, high-quality ingredients. We’re using fresh bananas and strawberries, and we’re layering the pudding with graham crackers for a satisfying textural contrast.

It’s a semi-homemade approach that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a quick and easy dessert. It’s about finding a balance between convenience and that satisfying feeling of creating something delicious.

The perfect dessert, for busy people.

Flavor Goal

The primary flavor goal for this Strawberry Banana Pudding is a harmonious blend of creamy, sweet, and fruity flavors. The pudding should be light and creamy, with a delicate cheesecake or vanilla flavor (depending on the pudding mix used).

The fresh bananas add sweetness and a soft texture, while the strawberries provide a bright, slightly tart counterpoint. The graham crackers add a subtle cinnamon-y flavor and a satisfying crunch.

The overall effect is a dessert that’s both refreshing and comforting, a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s a light and airy treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

A refreshing dessert, with a delicious taste.

Ingredient Insights

Reduced-Fat Cinnamon Graham Crackers: Provide the base layers for the pudding, adding a subtle cinnamon flavor and a satisfying crunch. Using reduced-fat graham crackers helps to lighten up the dessert.
Cold Fat-Free Milk: Used to make the pudding. Using fat-free milk reduces the overall fat content without sacrificing creaminess.
Sugar-Free Instant Cheesecake or Vanilla Pudding Mix: Provides the creamy base for the pudding. Using sugar-free pudding mix reduces the sugar content. You can choose either cheesecake or vanilla flavor, depending on your preference.
Large Firm Banana (Sliced): Adds sweetness and a soft texture to the pudding. Make sure to use a firm banana that’s not overly ripe.
Lemon Juice: Tossed with the banana slices to prevent browning and add a touch of brightness.
Sliced Fresh Strawberries: Add a bright, refreshing sweetness and a beautiful pop of color.
Reduced-Fat Whipped Topping: Adds a light and airy topping to the pudding.
Mint Sprigs (Optional): For garnish, adding a touch of freshness and visual appeal.

Essential Equipment

9-Inch Square Pan: For assembling the pudding.
Small Bowls (Two): One for whisking the milk and pudding mix, and one for tossing the banana slices with lemon juice.
Whisk: For combining the milk and pudding mix.
Spatula: For folding in the whipped topping and spreading the pudding layers.

Ingredients

9 whole reduced-fat cinnamon graham crackers
1-3/4 cups cold fat-free milk
1 package (1 ounce) sugar-free instant cheesecake or vanilla pudding mix
1 large firm banana, sliced
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries, divided
2-1/2 cups reduced-fat whipped topping, divided
Mint sprigs, optional

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan:

Line the bottom of a 9-inch square pan with 4 1/2 graham crackers.

2. Make the Pudding:

In a small bowl, whisk the cold fat-free milk and the instant pudding mix for 2 minutes.
Let stand until soft-set, about 2 minutes.

3. Prepare the Bananas:

Place the sliced banana in another small bowl.
Toss with the lemon juice to prevent browning.

4. Combine Pudding and Fruit:

Stir the banana slices and 1 cup of the sliced strawberries into the pudding.
Fold in 1 3/4 cups of the reduced-fat whipped topping.

5. Assemble the Pudding:

Spread half of the pudding mixture over the graham crackers in the pan.
Repeat the layers (graham crackers and remaining pudding mixture).

6. Chill:

Cover the pan and refrigerate overnight. This allows the pudding to set completely and the flavors to meld.

7. Top and Serve:

Just before serving, top with the remaining sliced strawberries and the remaining whipped topping.
If desired, garnish with mint sprigs.

Troubleshooting

Pudding is Too Runny: Make sure to use cold milk and let the pudding mixture stand for the specified time to allow it to set.
Graham Crackers are Soggy: This can happen if the pudding is too watery or if the dessert sits for too long. Make sure the pudding is properly set before assembling, and serve the dessert within a day or two.
Pudding is too sweet: Use less topping.

Tips and Variations

Use Different Fruits: Try using other berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, instead of strawberries. Sliced peaches or mangoes would also be delicious.
Add a Layer of Crushed Pineapple: For a tropical twist, add a layer of drained, crushed pineapple to the pudding.
Make Individual Servings: Layer the ingredients in individual glasses or jars for a pretty presentation.
Add Chocolate Shavings:

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve Chilled: This pudding is best served chilled.
With a Glass of Milk or Iced Tea: A refreshing pairing for a summer dessert.
As a Light Dessert After a Heavy Meal: The lightness of the pudding makes it a perfect ending to a rich meal.
Brunch option:

Nutritional Information

(Note: This is an estimated nutritional breakdown, using reduced-fat and sugar-free ingredients) Per Serving (assuming 9 servings):

Calories: Approximately 150-180
Fat: 5-7g
Saturated Fat: 3-4g
Cholesterol: 10-15mg
Sodium: 200-250mg
Total Carbohydrates: 25-30g
Dietary Fiber: 1-2g
Sugars: 15-20g (can be significantly lower with sugar-free pudding)
Protein: 3-4g

Strawberry Banana Pudding: A Light and Creamy No-Bake Treat

Learn how to make a refreshing and easy Strawberry Banana Pudding! This no-bake dessert features layers of graham crackers, a creamy pudding mixture, and fresh fruit.

Author: Grace

Ingredients

Scale

9 whole reduced-fat cinnamon graham crackers
1–3/4 cups cold fat-free milk
1 package (1 ounce) sugar-free instant cheesecake or vanilla pudding mix
1 large firm banana, sliced
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries, divided
2–1/2 cups reduced-fat whipped topping, divided

Mint sprigs, optional

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions