Next, I lovingly slice the bananas and strawberries. I prefer to use ripe, but still firm bananas for the best texture. Once I have the fruit ready, I start layering in the baking dish. I place a layer of vanilla wafer cookies on the bottom, followed by half of the pudding mixture. I then add half of the sliced bananas and strawberries on top of that. It’s such a beautiful sight that makes my kitchen feel warm and inviting!
After that, I repeat the layers: another row of cookies, followed by the remaining pudding mixture, and finish it off with the rest of the fruit for a burst of color. I like to take my time with the layering—it adds an extra touch of love to the dessert. Once it’s all assembled, I cover the dish and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (or overnight if you can wait!) so all those fabulous flavors can meld together.
When I’m ready to serve, I simply remove it from the fridge, and with a large spoon, I dig into the layers. The pudding should be perfectly set, the fruits vibrant, and the cookies just right, adding that delightful crunch. If you like, you can add a dollop of extra whipped cream on top before serving for an indulgent touch!
Pro Tips for Best Results
When I first made this recipe, I tried using too ripe bananas, and they turned to mush. Now, I make sure I pick bananas that are still firm; they hold up better in the pudding. The combination of creamy and fresh textures is what makes this dessert so special!
Another tip is to let the dessert chill for as long as possible. I learned this the hard way when I was too eager to serve it after only a couple of hours—it wasn’t quite as set and was a little runny. Give those flavors time to come together; it’s so worth it!
Lastly, I really enjoy adding a pinch of cinnamon to the whipped cream. It adds a warm, comforting hint that complements the bananas beautifully. Just a dash transforms the profile of the dessert and makes it feel even more special!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I made early on was not properly mixing the pudding with the milk. If you don’t whisk it thoroughly, you can end up with lumps that affect the smoothness of the pudding. I recommend a good two minutes of whisking to ensure everything is well-combined and creamy! (See the next page below to continue…)