No-Bake Strawberry Banana Cream Parfaits
Layers of fresh strawberries, bananas, and vanilla pudding create a simple, refreshing no-bake parfait dessert. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers hulled and sliced fresh strawberries, large sliced ripe banana, (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups hulled and sliced fresh strawberries
- 1 large sliced ripe banana
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix with 2 cups cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened; let set for 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Gently fold 1 cup whipped topping into the pudding until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: In 4 serving glasses, layer 1/4 cup crushed vanilla wafers, followed by 1/4 cup sliced fresh strawberries, then 1/4 cup sliced banana.
- Step 4: Spoon 1/3 cup of the pudding mixture over the fruit layers in each glass.
- Step 5: Repeat layering with remaining wafers, strawberries, bananas, and pudding, finishing with a few slices of strawberry on top.
- Step 6: Chill parfaits in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Strawberry Banana Cream Parfaits take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover No-Bake Strawberry Banana Cream Parfaits?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in No-Bake Strawberry Banana Cream Parfaits?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale No-Bake Strawberry Banana Cream Parfaits for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with No-Bake Strawberry Banana Cream Parfaits?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
