Strawberry Banana Cream Delight Recipe
If you’re dreaming of a dessert that’s just as joyous and refreshing as a sunny afternoon picnic, let me introduce you to Strawberry Banana Cream Delight. This dreamy, no-bake treat layers cool vanilla pudding, fluffy whipped cream, luscious strawberries, and sweet bananas over a crisp graham cracker crust. It’s quick to make, easy to love, and guaranteed to win over anyone with a sweet tooth or a fruit craving!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Cream Filling:
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Layers:
- 1 banana, sliced
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup whipped topping (plus more for garnish)
- Fresh mint for garnish (optional)
How to Make Strawberry Banana Cream Delight
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
Start by mixing your graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a small bowl until everything looks like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your 8×8-inch dish (or individual dessert cups, if you’re feeling fancy). This is the crunchy, buttery base that will hold up all those creamy and fruity layers, so don’t be shy with the pressing—use the back of a spoon or even your fingers to pack it in tight.
Step 2: Whisk the Pudding Mix
Take your instant vanilla pudding mix and whisk it together with the cold milk in a medium bowl. In just a couple of minutes, you’ll see it thicken into a custardy dream. Instant pudding is a lifesaver for desserts like this, giving you that rich flavor and smooth texture in almost no time.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Watch it closely—you want the cream to hold gentle peaks but stay ultra light. This step adds homemade richness that perfectly balances the pudding’s sweetness.
Step 4: Combine the Cream and Pudding
Gently fold your freshly whipped cream into the thickened pudding mixture. The result? A cloud-like, luxurious cream that will make your Strawberry Banana Cream Delight live up to its name! Take care not to over-mix—you want it fluffy, not deflated.
Step 5: Layer the Dessert
Spread half of that creamy blend over your crust as the first fluffy layer. Arrange half the banana and strawberry slices on top, nestling them right into the cream. Repeat with the remaining cream mixture and fruit slices. You’ll end up with a show-stopping, layered treat that’s bursting with color and flavor.
Step 6: Chill and Finish
Into the refrigerator it goes! Chill for at least two hours so the flavors meld and the dessert sets up beautifully. Just before serving, swoop on that extra whipped topping and sprinkle with mint if you like. Every bite will be cool, creamy, and so satisfying.
How to Serve Strawberry Banana Cream Delight
Garnishes
A big dollop of whipped topping and a few extra strawberry and banana slices make every serving irresistible. If you’re feeling playful, fresh mint leaves or a scatter of white chocolate chips add color and flair (and they’ll impress any guests gathered around your table).
Side Dishes
Keep it light and fresh! A platter of seedless grapes, a small scoop of lemon sorbet, or some buttery shortbread cookies pair wonderfully with Strawberry Banana Cream Delight. These sides complement the creamy fruit-filled layers without stealing the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Strawberry Banana Cream Delight in clear parfait glasses for an individual treat, or build mini trifles in mason jars—perfect for picnics and parties. You can even use a ring mold for a sliceable version that shows off all those gorgeous layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Tuck any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate them as soon as possible. The flavors stay delicious for up to two days, though the bananas may start to soften over time. For best results, try to enjoy within 24 hours, when the fruit is freshest and most vibrant.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for Strawberry Banana Cream Delight because the fresh fruit and cream layers can lose their lovely texture once thawed. If you must, freeze without the fruit layers, and add the sliced strawberries and bananas after thawing, just before serving.
Reheating
This dessert is truly at its best when served cold and creamy! There’s no reheating needed—in fact, a little extra chill time only makes those flavors mingle more deliciously. If you’ve chilled it a bit too long and the cream is extra firm, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.
FAQs
How far in advance can I prepare Strawberry Banana Cream Delight?
You can assemble it up to a day ahead, but for the absolute best fruit texture and flavor, chill no more than 24 hours before serving. Add the whipped topping just before serving for that beautiful, fluffy finish.
Can I substitute the vanilla pudding mix with another flavor?
Absolutely! Banana or cheesecake-flavored instant pudding mixes both work wonderfully and put a fun twist on the classic Strawberry Banana Cream Delight. Just choose your favorite and whip it up as directed in the recipe.
What’s the best way to prevent bananas from browning?
To slow down browning, slice bananas just before assembling the dessert. If you want extra insurance, you can lightly brush banana slices with a bit of lemon juice before layering them in.
Can I make Strawberry Banana Cream Delight gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use certified gluten-free graham crackers or cookie crumbs for the crust. Double-check that your pudding mix is gluten-free, and you’re set for a delightful gluten-free treat.
What other fruits can I use in this recipe?
You can absolutely experiment with different fruits—blueberries, raspberries, or kiwi slices all taste delicious layered alongside (or in place of) the strawberries and bananas. Just be sure to use fruit that’s ripe but not too juicy to keep the layers from getting soggy.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Banana Cream Delight is that wondrous dessert that’s always met with smiles and empty plates. With its easy prep, bright flavors, and gorgeous layers, this no-bake masterpiece belongs in your regular dessert rotation. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a taste of happiness—you won’t regret it!
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Strawberry Banana Cream Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful and refreshing Strawberry Banana Cream Delight, a no-bake, layered fruit pudding that is perfect for summer. With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy vanilla pudding, fresh fruits, and whipped topping, this dessert is a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Cream Filling:
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Layers:
- 1 banana, sliced
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup whipped topping (plus more for garnish)
- Fresh mint for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Graham Cracker Crust: In a small bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into the bottom of a dish to form a crust.
- Make Cream Filling: Whisk vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until thick. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla, then fold into pudding.
- Layer the Dessert: Spread half of the cream mixture over the crust, add half of the bananas and strawberries. Repeat layers. Chill for at least 2 hours.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with whipped topping and mint before serving.
Notes
- You can use banana or cheesecake-flavored pudding for variety.
- Try adding chopped nuts or white chocolate chips for extra texture.
- Best served on the day of preparation for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
