Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding: Creamy, Crunchy Delight!

Photo byVal Reed

When it comes to desserts, few things can beat the creamy, nostalgic joy of banana pudding. Now, imagine taking that classic treat and adding a sweet, crunchy twist of strawberry flavor. That’s what makes the Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding an irresistible choice for your next dessert. The delightful combination of smooth, homemade banana pudding, fresh bananas, and a strawberry cereal crunch brings this dessert to life. It’s a treat that’s perfect for family gatherings, parties, or just when you're in the mood for something sweet and comforting.

The twist comes in with the strawberry-flavored crunch layer that elevates the simple banana pudding into something truly special. Every spoonful is a perfect balance of rich, creamy pudding, sweet banana, and a crunchy topping that provides an unexpected and delightful texture. Whether served in a large trifle dish or individual glasses, this dessert is sure to be the highlight of any occasion.

Recipe: Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding

Ingredients:

For the Banana Pudding:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 3/4 cups whole milk
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crunch Layer:

• 1 1/2 cups crushed strawberry-flavored cereal (like Strawberry Crunch or similar)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For Assembly:

• 4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
• Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Banana Pudding: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add in the milk, whisking until the mixture is smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it begins to thicken and boil.In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks, then slowly temper them by adding a few spoonfuls of the hot milk mixture to the eggs, whisking constantly. Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until fully thickened. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Transfer the pudding to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface, and allow it to cool.
2. Prepare the Crunch Layer: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed strawberry-flavored cereal with granulated sugar. Stir in the melted butter until it forms coarse crumbs. Set this aside for later.
3. Assemble the Pudding: In a trifle dish, large bowl, or individual serving glasses, start with a layer of banana pudding. Add a layer of sliced bananas on top, followed by a sprinkle of the strawberry crunch layer. Repeat this layering process until the dish is full, finishing with a generous layer of strawberry crunch on top.
4. Top and Garnish: Spread whipped cream over the top and garnish with extra banana slices and a sprinkle of the crunch mix for added texture.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Chill the dessert for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve it cold and enjoy the delicious fusion of creamy banana pudding and the sweet, crispy strawberry crunch!

This Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding is a dessert that doesn’t just please the taste buds, it brings a smile to anyone who tries it. The creamy banana pudding combined with the crispy strawberry crunch offers a playful texture and flavor experience, making it a fantastic dessert for all ages. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just enjoying a sweet treat after dinner, this dessert is bound to impress.

For your Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding Recipe, here's a bit more insight into what makes it so irresistible. This dessert combines the creamy smoothness of traditional banana pudding with a crunchy, strawberry-flavored layer that brings a whole new level of flavor and texture.

To prepare it, start by making a rich banana pudding using a mix of sugar, cornstarch, and milk, then fold in fresh banana slices for that classic flavor. What sets this recipe apart is the strawberry crunch topping, which adds a delightful contrast. The topping is made from crushed strawberry-flavored cereal, butter, and sugar, giving it that crispy, fruity kick that complements the soft, creamy pudding layers.

Once you've assembled the pudding in layers with bananas and the crunch topping, let it chill in the fridge to allow all the flavors to meld together. Serve it topped with whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.

This version of banana pudding has become a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, potlucks, and parties due to its nostalgic appeal and fun twist on the classic Southern dessert​(@SOFLOFOOODIE -)​(AppsThatDeliver).

For more detailed variations, including different approaches with ingredients like instant pudding and whipped cream, check out (Savvy Homebody)ps://s​(I Heart Recipes)wberry-crunch-banana-pudding/), and I Heart Recipes.