Chef Louise Thompson - Southern Dessert Expert
👨‍🍳 Southern Dessert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 Culinary Arts Graduate ⏰ 20+ Years Experience 🍽️ Southern Cuisine Specialist

❤️ My Recipe Story

"This strawberry banana pudding is my twist on the classic Southern dessert that graced every family gathering of my childhood. Adding fresh strawberries to the traditional banana pudding creates a beautiful, colorful dessert that tastes like summer in every bite."

Louise specializes in traditional Southern desserts with modern twists. Her expertise in layered desserts and fresh fruit combinations has made her puddings legendary at family gatherings and church socials throughout the South.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Beautiful layered strawberry banana pudding in a glass trifle bowl showing distinct layers of vanilla wafers, creamy pudding, fresh strawberries and bananas, topped with whipped cream

The Art of Perfect Pudding Layers

The secret to exceptional strawberry banana pudding lies in creating distinct, beautiful layers that complement each other in both flavor and texture. The vanilla wafers provide crunch and absorb just enough moisture to become tender without losing their structure, while the homemade pudding creates a rich, creamy base that binds everything together.

Timing is crucial when preparing this dessert. The pudding must be completely cooled before assembly to prevent melting the whipped cream, and the bananas should be sliced just before layering to maintain their color and texture. The overnight chilling time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.

💡 Professional Tip

Make the pudding a day ahead and let it chill completely. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to develop fully, resulting in a richer, more cohesive dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Slice bananas just before assembling, or toss sliced bananas with a little lemon juice. The pudding and other ingredients also help protect them from air exposure.

Yes, you can use 2 packages of instant vanilla pudding prepared according to package directions, but homemade has superior flavor and texture.

This dessert is best made 4-24 hours ahead. Beyond that, the wafers become too soft and the bananas may brown slightly.

Start with wafers around the sides for presentation, then layer in the center. Use a clear bowl to show off the beautiful layers.

Fresh strawberries work best for texture and appearance. If using frozen, thaw and drain thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.

Whisk constantly while cooking and make sure cornstarch is fully dissolved in the milk before heating. Strain the pudding if lumps form.

Absolutely! Layer in individual glasses or mason jars for perfect portion control and beautiful presentation at parties.

The pudding should coat the back of a spoon and hold its shape briefly when dropped from the whisk. It will thicken more as it cools.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Runny Pudding

Problem: Pudding doesn't thicken properly

Solution: Cook longer while whisking constantly, ensure cornstarch was fully dissolved, or whisk in 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold milk.

✅

Lumpy Texture

Problem: Pudding has lumps despite whisking

Solution: Strain pudding while still warm through fine-mesh sieve. Prevention: whisk cornstarch mixture until completely smooth before heating.

✅

Soggy Wafers

Problem: Vanilla wafers become too soft

Prevention: Don't assemble more than 24 hours ahead, ensure pudding is completely cool before assembly, and use fresh, crisp wafers.

✅

Brown Bananas

Problem: Bananas turn brown in the dessert

Recovery: Use just-ripe (not overripe) bananas, slice just before assembly, and consider adding a light lemon juice coating.

✅

Deflated Whipped Cream

Problem: Whipped cream loses volume and becomes flat

Prevention: Don't overwhip cream, ensure cream is very cold, and add whipped cream just before final chilling.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: Add a pinch of salt to pudding or reduce powdered sugar in whipped cream

Too Salty: Increase vanilla in pudding or add extra powdered sugar to whipped cream

Bland: Increase vanilla extract in both pudding and whipped cream, ensure fruit is ripe and flavorful

Ingredients for strawberry banana pudding including fresh strawberries, ripe bananas, vanilla wafers, milk, eggs, and cream arranged on a wooden surface

Selecting Perfect Fruit

The quality of your fruit makes or breaks this dessert. Choose strawberries that are bright red, fragrant, and firm to the touch. Avoid berries with white or green shoulders, as they won't be as sweet. The best strawberries should smell sweet and fruity even before you slice them.

For bananas, look for fruit that's ripe but still firm - they should be yellow with minimal brown spots. Overly ripe bananas will become mushy in the pudding, while underripe ones lack sweetness and flavor. The perfect banana will give slightly when gently pressed but maintain its shape when sliced.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Fresh Strawberries: Choose berries that are uniform in size for consistent layers. Hull and slice them uniformly for the most attractive presentation.
  • Ripe Bananas: Select bananas that are yellow with just a few brown freckles - perfectly ripe but still firm enough to slice cleanly.
  • Vanilla Wafers: Use fresh, crisp wafers for the best texture. Stale wafers will become mushy too quickly in the dessert.
Homemade vanilla pudding being stirred in a saucepan, showing thick, creamy consistency and golden color

Mastering the Assembly Technique

Proper layering technique ensures each bite contains the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Start with a layer of wafers to create a stable base, then add pudding, making sure it reaches the edges to seal in the fruit. Distribute fruit evenly for consistent flavor throughout.

The final whipped cream layer should be applied with care to create a smooth, professional appearance. Use an offset spatula to spread evenly, or pipe decoratively for special occasions. The chilling time is essential - it allows the wafers to soften slightly while the flavors meld together perfectly.

Perfect Layer Distribution

Use about 1/3 of each component per layer, ensuring even distribution. Press wafers gently into pudding to eliminate air pockets and create stable layers.

Strawberry Banana Pudding

Prep 30 min
Cook 15 min
Serves 10 servings
Level Intermediate

📋 Ingredients

For the Pudding

  • 1 package vanilla wafers
    Fresh, crisp wafers work best
  • 4-5 large ripe bananas
    Yellow with minimal brown spots
  • 500g fresh strawberries
    Hull and slice uniformly
  • 480ml heavy cream
    Very cold for best whipping
  • 60g powdered sugar
    For sweetening whipped cream
  • Fresh mint leaves
    Optional beautiful garnish

For Assembly

  • 750ml whole milk
    Creates rich, creamy pudding base
  • 100g granulated sugar
    Sweetens and helps thicken pudding
  • 45g cornstarch
    Essential thickening agent
  • 3 large egg yolks
    Room temperature for smooth mixing
  • 60g unsalted butter
    Adds richness and smooth texture
  • 10ml vanilla extract
    Pure vanilla for best flavor

Instructions

  1. Make Vanilla Pudding

    In a heavy saucepan, whisk together sugar and cornstarch. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until mixture thickens and bubbles, about 8-10 minutes.

  2. Finish Pudding

    In a small bowl, whisk egg yolks. Gradually whisk 1/2 cup hot pudding into yolks to temper. Return mixture to saucepan and cook 2 minutes more, whisking constantly. Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla. Press plastic wrap directly onto surface and cool completely.

  3. Prepare Whipped Cream

    In a large bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Don't overwhip - it should be light and fluffy.

  4. Prepare Fruit

    Slice bananas just before assembling to prevent browning. Hull and slice strawberries into uniform pieces for even layers and beautiful presentation.

  5. Assemble Pudding

    In a 9x13 inch dish or trifle bowl, layer 1/3 of vanilla wafers, 1/3 of pudding, 1/3 of bananas, and 1/3 of strawberries. Repeat layers twice. Top with whipped cream and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight. Garnish with extra fruit and mint before serving.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Make-Ahead Success

This dessert is actually better when made 4-24 hours ahead, allowing the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften to the perfect texture. Beyond 24 hours, quality may decline.

Presentation Tips

For stunning presentation, use a clear trifle bowl or glass dish to show off the beautiful layers. Garnish with fresh berries and mint leaves just before serving.

Seasonal Variations

Try substituting other berries like raspberries or blackberries in season, or add a layer of fresh peach slices for a summer twist on this classic dessert.