Strawberry Banana Pudding
⏱️ Step-by-Step Preparation & Assembly Guide:
- Whisk the Pudding 🍮🥣: In a large bowl, vigorously whisk together the 3 cups of cold whole milk and the instant vanilla pudding mix for about 2 minutes until it begins to thicken. Set it aside.
- Whip the Cheesecake Fluff 🧀✨: In a separate large mixing bowl, beat your softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together with a hand mixer until completely fluffy, smooth, and free of any lumps. Fold in the thawed whipped topping using a rubber spatula until uniform.
- Combine the Bases 🤝🍰: Gently fold your thickened vanilla pudding directly into the fluffy cream cheese mixture until you have a rich, pale yellow cheesecake-pudding hybrid.
- Layer the Magic 🏗️🍌: Grab a large 9×13 glass baking dish. Arrange a solid layer of Nilla Wafers across the bottom, followed by a beautiful layer of sliced bananas. Pour half of your creamy pudding mixture evenly over the fruit.
- The Strawberry Infusion 🍓🥄: Spread your strawberry glaze or pie filling smoothly across the pudding layer. Top with your remaining banana slices and vanilla wafers, then spread the rest of the pudding mix smoothly over the top.
- Garnish & Set ❄️🍓: Decorate the top with extra whole Nilla Wafers, crushed wafer crumbs, and fresh strawberry slices. Pop it into the refrigerator for at least 2 to 4 hours (overnight is best!) so the wafers soften into a perfect cake-like texture. Scoop deep to get every single layer on your spoon!
