Why strawberries and bananas work together
Strawberries bring brightness and a little tartness, while bananas are soft, sweet and mellow. In creamy desserts that contrast keeps things from tasting flat. Both fruits are also easy to find, don’t need cooking, and go with the same supporting ingredients: vanilla, whipped cream, cream cheese, cookies, and chocolate.
Most strawberry banana desserts fall into two groups: no-bake layered desserts, and cakes or frozen treats that use a bit more prep.
Easy strawberry banana dessert ideas
Strawberry banana pudding
A layered pudding is probably the most popular version. A typical approach layers crushed cookies (vanilla wafers, shortbread or chocolate sandwich cookies), sliced bananas, mashed or sliced strawberries, and a creamy vanilla pudding mixture made from instant pudding, milk or sweetened condensed milk, and whipped topping. Some recipes add cream cheese for a thicker, slightly tangy, cheesecake-like texture. Frozen strawberries, thawed and mashed, are a convenient way to get a juicy strawberry layer out of season.
Poke cake
Bake a strawberry or white cake in a 13x9-inch pan, poke holes across the top, and pour banana pudding over it so it fills the holes. Chill, then top with whipped topping and fresh fruit. It is a good make-ahead option for a crowd.
Banana split dessert
A no-bake version stacks a graham cracker or cookie crust, a cream cheese layer, sliced bananas, strawberries or pineapple, whipped topping, and chocolate sauce. Chill until set. For a similar layered dessert without banana, see our strawberry layered dessert with cream cheese.
Parfaits and trifle cups
Layer yogurt or whipped cream with sliced fruit and crumbled cake, granola or cookies in glasses. Individual cups also make portioning easy, and our vanilla pudding parfait recipes offer more layering ideas.
Frozen options
Blend frozen banana with strawberries for a soft-serve style “nice cream”, or freeze fruit puree in molds for pops. These are naturally simple, and you can sweeten them lightly or not at all.
Warm options
For something cozy, try a banana strawberry crisp with an oat topping, or warm caramelized banana slices spooned over strawberries and ice cream. Our caramelized banana dessert recipes explain the pan method. You can also roast the berries first; see baking strawberries in the oven.
A simple strawberry banana pudding
If you want a short ingredient list, here is a basic version. Quantities are flexible.
Ingredients:
- 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix (about 3.4 oz) and the amount of cold milk the package calls for
- 1 cup whipped topping or whipped cream
- 2 to 3 bananas, sliced
- 1 to 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- Vanilla wafers or graham crackers
Steps:
- Whisk the pudding mix and milk until thickened, then fold in the whipped topping.
- Layer cookies, bananas, strawberries and pudding in a dish or glasses.
- Repeat the layers and finish with strawberries.
- Refrigerate for at least a couple of hours so the cookies soften.
Keeping bananas from browning
Bananas darken as they are exposed to air. Tossing the slices in a little lemon juice can slow this, and tucking them fully under the pudding helps too. Assembling the dessert closer to serving also reduces browning. Some browning is harmless, but it can look unappealing, so it is worth the small effort.
Fixing runny pudding
If the pudding is loose, a few things may help:
- Check that you used the correct amount of milk for instant pudding. Too much liquid prevents setting.
- Let it chill longer; many puddings thicken considerably after several hours.
- Drain thawed or very juicy strawberries well before layering.
- Fold in cream cheese or more whipped topping for body.
Make ahead and storage
Most layered strawberry banana desserts are best within a day or so. Keep them covered in the refrigerator. Cookies soften, which many people like, but bananas and strawberries will release moisture over time, so the texture changes. For a make-ahead plan, prepare the pudding layer in advance and add fresh fruit shortly before serving.
FAQ
What are the ingredients in a strawberry banana smoothie?
A basic smoothie uses strawberries, banana, and a liquid such as milk, yogurt or juice. Some people add honey or ice. Quantities vary by taste.
What are some examples of banana desserts?
Banana pudding, banana bread, banana cream pie, bananas Foster, banana splits, and caramelized banana toppings are all common examples.
How can I make a four-ingredient banana pudding?
One approach is instant vanilla pudding, milk, whipped topping, and bananas, layered with wafers if you like. Treat the wafers as an optional extra if you want to keep it to four.