Description
This Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding is a luscious layered dessert combining creamy banana pudding, fresh strawberry sauce, and a crunchy vanilla wafer topping for a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Perfectly sweet and refreshing, it’s great for gatherings or a special treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Banana Pudding
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large bananas, sliced
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
Strawberry Sauce
- 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Crunch Topping
- 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup crushed strawberries (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Banana Pudding: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins bubbling. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Fold in Bananas and Cool: Gently fold the sliced bananas into the pudding mixture and allow it to cool for about 15 minutes to slightly set and enhance flavors.
- Incorporate Whipped Topping: Once the pudding has cooled, fold in the whipped topping until well combined, creating a creamy and fluffy texture. Set this mixture aside.
- Make the Strawberry Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens into a sauce. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Prepare the Crunch Topping: In a small bowl, mix crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers with melted butter, brown sugar, and optional crushed strawberries until crumbly and combined.
- Assemble the Dessert: In individual serving cups or a large trifle dish, layer half of the banana pudding mixture, followed by a layer of the strawberry sauce. Repeat with remaining pudding and strawberry sauce, then finish with the crunch topping on top.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for optimal sweetness and flavor in the pudding.
- Optionally, add crushed strawberries in the crunch topping for extra fruitiness and moisture.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk and whipped topping with plant-based alternatives.
- To make ahead, assemble the pudding and toppings but add crunchy topping just before serving to keep it crisp.
