Introduction & Inspiration: A Lightened-Up Classic Comfort Food
This Strawberry Banana Pudding is a delightful and refreshing dessert! I love how it combines the creamy, comforting flavors of banana pudding with the fresh sweetness of strawberries and the subtle spice of cinnamon graham crackers. It’s lighter.
The inspiration for this recipe came from my love for classic banana pudding. But I wanted to create a version that was a bit lighter and healthier. I wanted the perfect flavors.
I also wanted to incorporate fresh strawberries. Which are a perfect complement to the creamy banana pudding. It’s a match made in dessert heaven!
This Strawberry Banana Pudding is perfect for any occasion. From summer potlucks to weeknight treats. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. And it’s surprisingly easy to make.
Nostalgic Appeal (with a Fresh, Fruity Twist)
Banana pudding, with its layers of creamy pudding, vanilla wafers, and sliced bananas, evokes a sense of nostalgia and classic comfort food. It reminds me of childhood desserts.
This Strawberry Banana Pudding takes that familiar dessert. And adds a fresh, fruity twist with the addition of sliced strawberries and cinnamon graham crackers. A delightful variation.
There’s something inherently satisfying about the combination of creamy pudding. Softened graham crackers, sweet bananas, and juicy strawberries. It is layers of delight.
It’s the kind of dessert that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. Or for enjoying all to yourself as a comforting treat. A taste of nostalgia.
Homemade Focus (and the Simplicity of Instant Pudding)
I’m a strong advocate for homemade desserts. But I also appreciate smart shortcuts when they make sense. This Strawberry Banana Pudding uses instant pudding mix.
While making pudding from scratch can be rewarding, using instant pudding mix significantly reduces the preparation time. And it still delivers a delicious, creamy result. It is the perfect option.
The focus here is on the layering of flavors and textures. And on creating a dessert that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. It’s about balance.
This recipe is a testament to the fact that you can create a delicious and impressive dessert. Even if you’re not starting completely from scratch.
Flavor Goal: Creamy, Fruity, and Perfectly Balanced
The flavor goal of this Strawberry Banana Pudding is to achieve a perfect balance of creamy, smooth pudding. Sweet bananas, juicy strawberries, and subtly spiced cinnamon graham crackers.
The pudding, made with cold fat-free milk and sugar-free instant cheesecake or vanilla pudding mix. Provides a creamy, light, and subtly sweet base. It is the perfect foundation.
The banana slices, tossed with lemon juice to prevent browning. Add a classic banana flavor and a soft, creamy texture. The perfect pairing.
The fresh sliced strawberries provide a burst of sweetness and acidity. That balances the richness of the pudding and the bananas. It’s a refreshing addition.
The reduced-fat cinnamon graham crackers add a subtle spice and a satisfying crunch. The reduced-fat whipped topping adds an extra layer of creaminess. A balanced dessert.
Ingredient Insights
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients.
- Reduced-fat cinnamon graham crackers: These form the base layers of the pudding. Providing a subtly spiced and slightly crunchy element.
- Cold fat-free milk: This is used to make the pudding. Using cold milk is essential.
- Sugar-free instant cheesecake or vanilla pudding mix: This is our shortcut ingredient. Providing a creamy, smooth pudding base with minimal effort.
- Large firm banana, sliced: Adds classic banana flavor. Tossing the slices with lemon juice prevents them from browning.
- Lemon juice: Prevents browning.
- Fresh sliced strawberries: Add sweetness and a beautiful pop of color.
- Reduced-fat whipped topping: Adds an extra layer of creaminess and lightness.
- Mint sprigs (optional), for garnish.
Essential Equipment
You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:
A 9-inch square pan.
Small bowls: for whisking the pudding and tossing the bananas.
A whisk.
A rubber spatula.
That’s it! This recipe is incredibly simple.
List of Ingredients with Measurements
Here’s the complete list of ingredients, with precise measurements:
- 9 whole reduced-fat cinnamon graham crackers
- 1-3/4 cups cold fat-free milk
- 1 package (1 ounce) sugar-free instant cheesecake or vanilla pudding mix
- 1 large firm banana, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries, divided
- 2-1/2 cups reduced-fat whipped topping, divided
- Mint sprigs, optional
These quantities are straight from the recipe.
Make sure to use fresh ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Layers of Deliciousness
Ready to assemble this easy and delicious Strawberry Banana Pudding? Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide:
1. Prepare the Graham Cracker Base: Line the bottom of a 9-inch square pan with 4 ½ whole reduced-fat cinnamon graham crackers. You may need to break some of the crackers to fit.
2. Make the Pudding: In a small bowl, whisk together the cold fat-free milk and the sugar-free instant cheesecake or vanilla pudding mix for 2 minutes.
Let the pudding stand until soft-set, about 2 minutes.
3. Prepare the Bananas:
Place the sliced banana in another small bowl.
Toss the banana slices with the lemon juice. This prevents them from browning.
4. Combine Pudding, Fruit, and Whipped Topping:
Stir the banana slices and 1 cup of the sliced strawberries into the pudding.
Fold in 1 ¾ cups of the reduced-fat whipped topping.
5. Layer the Pudding:
Spread half of the pudding mixture over the graham crackers in the pan.
6. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers: the remaining 4 ½ graham crackers, and the remaining pudding mixture.
7. Chill Overnight:
Cover the pudding with plastic wrap.
Refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the graham crackers to soften.
8. Top and Serve:
Just before serving, top the pudding with the remaining sliced strawberries and the remaining whipped topping.
If desired, garnish with mint sprigs. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Troubleshooting
Here are some potential issues:
Problem: The pudding is too runny.
Solution: Make sure you’re using cold milk and that you’re whisking the pudding mix for the full 2 minutes. Also, make sure you’re letting the pudding stand for the specified time to soft-set.
Problem: The graham crackers are soggy.
Solution: Make sure you’re chilling the pudding for long enough to allow the flavors to meld and the graham crackers to soften slightly, but not too long. Assemble the pudding closer to serving time if you prefer a crunchier texture.
Problem: The bananas are browning.
Solution: Make sure you’re tossing the banana slices with lemon juice.
Problem: Pudding is separating. Solution: Whisk thoroughly before adding fruit.
Problem: Graham crackers won’t stay put. Solution: Use a bit of pudding to “glue” down.
Tips and Variations
Here are some extra tips:
Tip: For a more intense banana flavor, add a teaspoon of banana extract to the pudding mixture.
Tip: To prevent the pudding from forming a skin on top, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding before refrigerating.
Tip: If you don’t have cinnamon graham crackers, you can use regular graham crackers instead.
Variation: Use different types of fruit, such as blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches, instead of strawberries.
Variation: Add a layer of crushed vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies to the bottom of the pan before adding the graham crackers.
Variation: Drizzle the finished pudding with a little chocolate syrup or caramel sauce.
Variation: Add chopped nuts.
Variation: Substitute chocolate pudding.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serving and pairing ideas:
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Strawberry Banana Pudding chilled, straight from the refrigerator.
Serve it as a dessert for a potluck, a picnic, a barbecue, or any casual gathering.
It’s perfect for a light and refreshing dessert.
It is also very pretty.
Pairing Suggestions:
This Strawberry Banana Pudding pairs well with a variety of beverages.
A cup of coffee or tea.
A glass of milk.
A glass of iced tea or lemonade.
It’s also delicious all on its own!
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming 9 servings):
- Calories: 117
- Fat: 2g (2g saturated fat)
- Cholesterol: 1mg
- Sodium: 171mg
- Carbohydrate: 23g (11g sugars, 1g fiber)
- Protein: 2g
This is based on the provided nutrition facts. This Strawberry Banana Pudding is a relatively light and healthy dessert, thanks to the use of fat-free milk, sugar-free pudding mix, and reduced-fat whipped topping.
It provides some vitamins and antioxidants from the strawberries and bananas. It’s a dessert you can feel good about enjoying!
This is a lightened-up treat.
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Strawberry Banana Pudding
Description
This Strawberry Banana Pudding is a delightful and refreshing dessert! I love how it combines the creamy, comforting flavors of banana pudding with the fresh sweetness of strawberries and the subtle spice of cinnamon graham crackers. It’s lighter
Ingredients
- 9 whole reduced-fat cinnamon graham crackers
- 1–3/4 cups cold fat-free milk
- 1 package (1 ounce) sugar-free instant cheesecake or vanilla pudding mix
- 1 large firm banana, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries, divided
- 2–1/2 cups reduced-fat whipped topping, divided
- Mint sprigs, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the Graham Cracker Base: Line the bottom of a 9-inch square pan with 4 ½ whole reduced-fat cinnamon graham crackers. You may need to break some of the crackers to fit.
2. Make the Pudding: In a small bowl, whisk together the cold fat-free milk and the sugar-free instant cheesecake or vanilla pudding mix for 2 minutes.
Let the pudding stand until soft-set, about 2 minutes.
3. Prepare the Bananas:
Place the sliced banana in another small bowl.
Toss the banana slices with the lemon juice. This prevents them from browning.
4. Combine Pudding, Fruit, and Whipped Topping:
Stir the banana slices and 1 cup of the sliced strawberries into the pudding.
Fold in 1 ¾ cups of the reduced-fat whipped topping.
5. Layer the Pudding:
Spread half of the pudding mixture over the graham crackers in the pan.
6. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers: the remaining 4 ½ graham crackers, and the remaining pudding mixture.
7. Chill Overnight:
Cover the pudding with plastic wrap.
Refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the graham crackers to soften.
8. Top and Serve:
Just before serving, top the pudding with the remaining sliced strawberries and the remaining whipped topping.
If desired, garnish with mint sprigs. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Recipe Summary and Q&A
Let’s recap this delicious Strawberry Banana Pudding adventure!
Summary: This Strawberry Banana Pudding is a layered dessert featuring cinnamon graham crackers, a creamy banana pudding made with instant pudding mix, fresh sliced strawberries and bananas, and a topping of reduced-fat whipped cream. It’s a light, refreshing, and easy-to-make dessert.
Q&A:
Q: Can I make this pudding ahead of time?
A: Yes, you must make this pudding ahead of time! It needs to chill overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the graham crackers to soften. You can make it up to 2 days in advance.
Q: Can I freeze this pudding?
A: I don’t recommend freezing this pudding, as the texture of the pudding and the fruit may change upon thawing.
Q: I don’t have cinnamon graham crackers. Can I use regular graham crackers?
A: Yes, you can use regular graham crackers instead.
Q: Can I substitute a different fruit? A: Absolutely.
Q: Can I make this in individual servings? A: You can.