Okay, get ready for something seriously delicious and ridiculously easy! We’re talking about the ultimate comfort dessert here: Strawberry Banana Pudding Parfaits. Seriously, if you need a sweet treat that requires zero oven time and tastes like pure sunshine in a glass, this is it. I first whipped these up on a whim one hot summer day when the thought of turning on my oven was just too much. And WOW. They were an instant hit. They’ve become a go-to in my house because they’re just so simple to throw together, even when you’re feeling a bit lazy (which, let’s be honest, happens!). Trust me, you’ve got this. We’re going for maximum flavor with minimal effort, and that’s a win in my book!

Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Banana Pudding Parfaits

Okay, so why are these Strawberry Banana Pudding Parfaits going to be your new favorite thing? Let me count the ways!

They’re ridiculously easy! Seriously, if you can whisk and layer, you can make these. No fancy skills needed.
Totally no-bake! Perfect for those hot days or when you just don’t feel like turning on the oven.
Ready in a flash (mostly)! You can have these assembled in about 15 minutes. The hardest part is waiting for them to chill.
That flavor combo is pure magic. Sweet strawberries and creamy bananas with classic vanilla pudding and those yummy wafers? A match made in dessert heaven.
They look so pretty! Layered up in glasses, they’re just begging to be shown off.

They’re just happy little desserts, you know?

Ingredients for delightful Strawberry Banana Pudding Parfaits

Alright, let’s talk about what you need to make these little cups of joy. It’s nothing complicated, promise! You’ll want one (3.4 ounce) package of instant vanilla pudding mix – make sure it’s instant! Then, two cups of cold milk, nice and chilly. You’ll also need a teaspoon of vanilla extract for that extra little boost of flavor. For the stars of the show, grab two cups of sliced fresh strawberries and two cups of sliced ripe (but still a little firm!) bananas. And finally, the essential base and layering goodness: one (11 ounce) box of vanilla wafers. That’s it!

Equipment for making Strawberry Banana Pudding Parfaits

Good news! You don’t need a ton of fancy gadgets for these parfaits. You’ll definitely need a medium-sized bowl for whisking up that pudding. A good whisk is essential to get it nice and smooth. Then, you’ll need something to layer everything in – individual glasses work beautifully and look so pretty, or you could use a larger trifle dish if you’re serving a crowd. And that’s pretty much it! See? Easy peasy.

Mastering the art of Strawberry Banana Pudding Parfaits

Okay, let’s get to the fun part – actually putting these delightful Strawberry Banana Pudding Parfaits together! It’s super simple, but following these steps will make sure you get that perfect layered goodness every time.

First things first, let’s tackle that pudding. Grab your medium bowl and your whisk. Pour in that instant vanilla pudding mix and the two cups of cold milk. Now, whisk like you mean it! You want to whisk continuously for about two minutes. It will start out looking thin and watery, but trust the process – it will thicken up beautifully. Keep going until it’s nice and smooth and definitely thickened. Once it’s thickened, stir in that teaspoon of vanilla extract. Give it a quick whisk to combine. Set that pudding aside for a moment.

Next up, the layering! This is where you can get creative with your glasses or trifle dish. Start with a layer of those vanilla wafers at the bottom. You can leave them whole if they fit, or break them up slightly to fill the bottom of the glass. Don’t worry about making it perfect, just get a good base layer down.

Now, add a layer of your sliced ripe bananas over the wafers. Try to cover most of the wafer layer. Then, add a layer of your sliced fresh strawberries. The colors are already looking so good, right?

Once you have your fruit layers, it’s time for the pudding! Spoon a generous layer of that delicious vanilla pudding over the fruit. Make sure to get it into all the nooks and crannies.

And now, you just repeat! Add another layer of vanilla wafers, followed by more bananas, then more strawberries. Finish it off with another layer of pudding. Keep going until your glasses or dish are full, making sure that the very top layer is pudding. It just looks so much nicer that way!

Once everything is layered up, the hardest part begins: waiting! Pop your parfaits into the refrigerator. They need at least an hour to chill out. This time is crucial because it lets those vanilla wafers soften up and absorb some of that yummy pudding and fruit juice. Trust me, it’s worth the wait. If you can let them chill for a couple of hours, even better!

And that’s it! You’ve just mastered the art of making perfect Strawberry Banana Pudding Parfaits. See? I told you it was easy!

Tips for perfect Strawberry Banana Pudding Parfaits

Want to make sure your Strawberry Banana Pudding Parfaits are absolutely spot on? Here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up:

Fruit Freshness is Key: Make sure your strawberries are bright red and sweet, and your bananas are ripe but still a little firm. Mushy bananas are a no-go here!
Chill Time is Your Friend: Don’t skip that refrigeration step! It’s what turns those crispy wafers into soft, cake-like layers. At least an hour is a must, but two or three is even better.
Layer with Love: Don’t just dump things in! Try to spread each layer evenly so you get a little bit of everything in each spoonful.
Don’t Overmix the Pudding: Whisk until it’s thickened and smooth, but stop there. Overmixing can make it less creamy.
Use Cold Milk: Seriously, cold milk helps the instant pudding set up faster and thicker.

Follow these simple tips, and you’ll have perfect parfaits every time!

Variations for Your Strawberry Banana Pudding Parfaits

The classic Strawberry Banana Pudding Parfait is amazing on its own, but sometimes it’s fun to mix things up! Here are a few ideas if you’re feeling adventurous:

Swap out the vanilla wafers for chocolate wafers or even graham crackers for a different flavor profile.
Introduce other fruits! Blueberries and raspberries are fantastic additions, or try sliced peaches when they’re in season.
For a richer pudding, use half-and-half or even heavy cream instead of milk. Just follow the package directions for the liquid amount.
Feeling extra? Add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top right before serving!

Have fun experimenting and find your new favorite combination!

Frequently Asked Questions about Strawberry Banana Pudding Parfaits

Okay, so you’ve got the basics down, but maybe a few questions are popping into your head? Totally normal! Here are some common things people ask about making these yummy Strawberry Banana Pudding Parfaits:

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! They actually need that chilling time to be their best. You can make them several hours in advance, even the night before. Just know that the vanilla wafers will get softer the longer they sit.

Q: What if my pudding isn’t thickening?

A: Make sure you’re using *instant* pudding mix and really cold milk! Whisk vigorously for the full two minutes. Sometimes humidity can affect it, but usually, cold milk and good whisking do the trick.

Q: How long do these last?

A: They are best enjoyed within 1-2 days. The bananas can start to brown after a while, and the wafers will get very soft. They’re usually gobbled up way before then though!

Q: Can I use fresh pudding instead of instant?

A: You definitely can, but the texture will be a bit different. Instant pudding tends to set firmer, which works well for these layered parfaits. If you use homemade, make sure it’s well chilled and quite thick.

Q: What size glasses should I use?

A: Any size individual serving glass works great! Mason jars are popular, or just use your favorite dessert glasses. The recipe is pretty forgiving.

Nutritional Information

Just a little heads-up about the nutritional stuff! The information you see here is really just an estimate. It can totally change depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use, how much you pile into each parfait (we all have our heavy-handed days!), and any little tweaks you make. So, think of it as a general guide rather than an exact science, okay?

Share Your Strawberry Banana Pudding Parfaits

Alright, you’ve made these delicious Strawberry Banana Pudding Parfaits, and now it’s time to show them off! I absolutely LOVE seeing how your creations turn out. Did you use different fruit? Layer them in fancy glasses? Whatever you did, please share! Leave a comment below and let me know what you thought, or better yet, snap a pic and share it on social media! Don’t forget to tag me so I can see your masterpiece!

Strawberry Banana Pudding Parfaits: 1 Easy Treat

Author: memorecipes.com
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Layered parfaits with fresh strawberries, bananas, vanilla pudding, and vanilla wafers.

Ingredients

Scale

1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
2 cups sliced ripe bananas
1 (11 ounce) box vanilla wafers

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk until thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In individual glasses or a large trifle dish, layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and sliced strawberries.
Spoon a layer of vanilla pudding over the fruit.
Repeat the layers until the glasses or dish are full, ending with a layer of pudding.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the wafers to soften.

Notes

For best results, use ripe but firm bananas.
You can substitute other fruits like blueberries or raspberries.
For a richer pudding, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Layering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 parfait
Calories: 350
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: strawberry, banana, pudding, parfait, dessert, no bake