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### Instructions:
#### 1. **Prepare the Pudding Mixture:**
– In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk. Whisk for about 2 minutes until the pudding thickens and becomes smooth. Let it sit for another 5 minutes to set fully.
– Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract to the pudding mixture. Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth.
#### 2. **Fold in the Whipped Topping:**
– Gently fold the whipped topping into the pudding mixture. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream too much; you want to keep the mixture light and airy. This will give your pudding a creamy, fluffy texture.
#### 3. **Layer the Pudding:**
– In a large trifle dish, glass bowl, or individual serving cups, begin by placing a layer of vanilla wafer cookies at the bottom. You can break the cookies into smaller pieces if needed to cover the entire bottom.
– Top the cookies with a layer of sliced bananas, followed by a layer of sliced strawberries. These fruits add a beautiful pop of color and natural sweetness to the pudding.
– Spoon a generous amount of the creamy pudding mixture over the fruit layer, spreading it evenly to cover the fruit and cookies.
#### 4. **Repeat the Layers:**
– Repeat the layering process: add another layer of vanilla wafer cookies, followed by more sliced bananas and strawberries, then top with more pudding. Continue layering until you’ve used up all the ingredients, finishing with a final layer of pudding.
#### 5. **Chill and Serve:**
– Cover the pudding with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better). This allows the flavors to meld together and the cookies to soften, creating that classic banana pudding texture.
– Before serving, you can add a few more fresh banana slices and strawberries on top for garnish, or even a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers for added crunch.
### Tips:
– **Banana freshness**: Bananas tend to brown quickly, so try to slice them just before layering them in the pudding. If you’re concerned about browning, you can toss the banana slices in a little lemon juice to help preserve their color.
– **Make it your own**: Feel free to swap the bananas and strawberries for other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. You can also experiment with flavored pudding mixes like banana cream or chocolate to give the dessert a fun twist.
– **Add a little crunch**: For extra texture, sprinkle some crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers on top before serving. This adds a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy layers.
– **Serving suggestions**: This dessert is perfect for summer picnics or holiday gatherings. Serve it in individual cups for easy portioning, or make one large trifle to share with guests.
### Variations:
– **Chocolate lovers**: Add a layer of chocolate pudding or drizzle some chocolate syrup between the layers for a chocolate-strawberry-banana combination.
– **Nutty twist**: Add some chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, for extra crunch between the layers.
– **Caramelized bananas**: For a caramelized banana flavor, sauté banana slices in a bit of butter and brown sugar before layering them in the pudding.
### Serving Suggestions:
This **No-Bake Strawberry Banana Pudding** is a perfect stand-alone dessert, but it pairs wonderfully with other light and refreshing dishes. Serve it alongside a grilled chicken salad, a barbecue feast, or even as a sweet end to a light lunch. It’s also a fantastic dessert for potlucks or family gatherings, as it’s easy to transport and serves a crowd.
### Conclusion:
This **No-Bake Strawberry Banana Pudding** is everything you want in a dessert—creamy, fruity, and utterly irresistible. With layers of fresh bananas, sweet strawberries, soft vanilla wafer cookies, and a light, fluffy pudding mixture, this treat is as easy to make as it is to enjoy. It’s the perfect dessert to make ahead, and its sweet, refreshing flavors are sure to make it a hit every time. Whip up this simple, no-bake delight for your next gathering and watch it disappear in no time!
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