Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding 🍓🍌

Introduction

Creating desserts that please the whole family can sometimes feel like a daunting task, but my recent experience making Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding changed that. This delightful treat combines the creamy texture of banana pudding with the tart sweetness of strawberries and a satisfying crunch on top. My family couldn’t get enough of it! Every layer burst with flavor, and it quickly became a favorite at our gatherings. Whether it’s a summer picnic or a cozy family dinner, this dessert is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the 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)

For the Strawberry Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the 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 (for added flavor, optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Banana Pudding:

1. Cook the 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 to bubble.
• Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

1. Add Bananas:

• Gently fold in the sliced bananas and allow the mixture to cool for about 15 minutes.

1. Fold in Whipped Topping:

• Once cooled, fold in the whipped topping until well combined. Set aside.

Prepare the Strawberry Sauce:

1. Make the Sauce:

• In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice.
• Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens slightly.
• Remove from heat and let cool.

Prepare the Crunch Topping:

1. Mix the Crunch Topping:

• In a small bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers, melted butter, brown sugar, and crushed strawberries (if using).
• Mix until the ingredients are well combined and crumbly.

Assemble the Dessert:

1. Layer the Pudding:

• In individual serving cups or a large trifle dish, layer half of the banana pudding mixture at the bottom.

1. Add Strawberry Sauce:

• Spoon a layer of strawberry sauce over the banana pudding.

1. Add More Layers:

• Repeat the layers with the remaining banana pudding and strawberry sauce.

1. Top with Crunch:

• Generously sprinkle the crunch topping over the top layer of strawberry sauce.

Serve:

1. Chill and Enjoy:

• Refrigerate the assembled Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Enjoy this delightful Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding, a perfect blend of creamy banana pudding and fresh strawberry flavors!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 8
• Calories per serving: Approximately 320 kcal
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1-2 hours
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes

How to Serve

• Individual Cups: Serve in small cups for a fun, portion-controlled dessert.
• Trifle Dish: Layer in a large trifle dish for a stunning centerpiece.
• Garnish: Top with fresh strawberries or mint leaves for added flair.

Additional Tips

1. Ripeness of Bananas: Use ripe but firm bananas for the best flavor and texture.
2. Chill the Pudding: Letting the pudding chill allows the flavors to develop fully.
3. Add More Crunch: Feel free to add nuts or additional crushed cookies for extra texture.
4. Make Ahead: This dessert can be made a day in advance; just keep the crunch topping separate until serving.
5. Fruit Variations: Swap strawberries for blueberries or raspberries for a different fruity twist.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Banana Pudding: Add a layer of chocolate pudding for a richer flavor.
• Peanut Butter Crunch: Mix in some peanut butter with the whipped topping for a nutty flavor.
• Mixed Berry Sauce: Use a combination of berries for the sauce to enhance the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any festive gathering.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Serve alongside a light summer salad for a balanced meal.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store the assembled pudding in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This dessert does not freeze well; the texture will change when thawed.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use skim milk instead of whole milk?

• Yes, but the pudding may be less creamy.

1. What can I substitute for Cool Whip?

• You can use homemade whipped cream or a dairy-free alternative.

1. Can I prepare this dessert a day in advance?

• Absolutely! Just keep the crunch topping separate until serving.

1. Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

• Yes, use gluten-free cookies for the crunch topping.

1. What if I don’t have fresh strawberries?

• Frozen strawberries work well too; just thaw and drain excess liquid.

1. How can I make the strawberry sauce thicker?

• You can add a cornstarch slurry while cooking to thicken it further.

1. Can I use other fruits in this recipe?

• Yes! Feel free to experiment with your favorite fruits.

1. What’s the best way to crush the vanilla wafers?

• Use a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.

1. How long does the banana pudding last in the fridge?

• It’s best enjoyed within 3 days for optimal freshness.

1. Can I omit the sugar in the strawberry sauce?

• Yes, you can adjust the sweetness to your preference.

Conclusion

Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding is a delightful dessert that combines the best of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures in one beautiful dish. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a picnic, or just enjoying it at home, this dessert is sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. With its layers of banana pudding, fresh strawberry sauce, and a satisfying crunch, it’s a treat that’s hard to resist. Try it out, and you might just find it becoming a staple in your dessert repertoire! 🍓🍌

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