Next, take your 9×13-inch baking dish and start layering. Begin by placing a single layer of vanilla wafers or graham crackers at the bottom of the dish. I love the crunch they add for texture! Then, spread half of the pudding mixture over the top of the cookies. Add a lovely layer of banana slices followed by a layer of strawberries. Don’t be shy with the fruit; the more, the merrier! Repeat this process by layering the remaining pudding, more bananas, and strawberries.
The final touch is a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream. To make this, using an electric mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add in the powdered sugar while continuing to whip until you reach the desired consistency. It should be light and fluffy, just like a cloud! Spread the whipped cream over the top layer and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait!
Pro Tips for Best Results
One of the best tips I can share is to use ripe but firm bananas. Trust me; if the bananas are overly ripe, they can become mushy and alter the texture of our beautiful pudding. I’ve tested this three ways, and slightly under-ripe bananas hold up so much better in the layers.
Also, don’t skip the chilling time! The flavors meld together beautifully when the pudding is left in the refrigerator. I once couldn’t resist and served it after just an hour of chilling, but it wasn’t nearly as good as when I waited overnight. The anticipation really makes the experience sweeter!
Finally, if you have leftovers (though I doubt it), make sure to cover it properly with plastic wrap or a lid to keep it fresh. The whipped cream will deflate if left exposed, and nobody wants sad whipped cream on a perfect dessert like this!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I made the first time I tried this was pouring the pudding over the bananas right after layering them. The heat from the pudding can cause the bananas to brown more quickly, ruining that fresh look you’re going for. Instead, let the pudding cool slightly or layer it without the bananas for now; I found this significantly improved their appearance. (See the next page below to continue…)