Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate creamy, dreamy crowd-pleaser, Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is the dessert your table’s been waiting for. This sweet treat combines silky banana pudding, tangy cream cheese, fluffy whipped topping, and layers of fresh strawberries and ripe bananas, all nestled between tender vanilla wafers. The result is a no-bake dessert bursting with bold flavors and gorgeous color—it’s like strawberries and cream, banana pudding, and cheesecake all had a party in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every spoonful of Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is fueled by simple, thoughtful ingredients that come together in magical layers. Each one plays its part, whether it’s adding richness, sweetness or a fruity pop of color, so don’t skip a thing!
- Instant banana cream pudding mix (1 package, 3.4 oz): This sets the foundation for banana flavor and gives the pudding that classic silky-smooth texture.
- Cold milk (2 cups): Essential for properly thickening the instant pudding and keeping it luscious, not gloopy.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds rich, tangy creaminess and brings the cheesecake flavor to the forefront.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1/2 cup): Intensifies the creamy sweetness and helps the mixture stay supple and scoopable.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Just a splash brings warmth and depth to the entire dessert.
- Whipped topping (2 cups plus more for garnish): Folds in lightness and air, making each bite cloud-like; save extra for a showstopping finish.
- Fresh strawberries (1 1/2 cups, sliced): Their juicy tartness cuts through the sweetness and adds vibrant color in every layer.
- Ripe bananas (2–3, sliced): The classic banana pudding add-in, giving flavor and a buttery tenderness.
- Vanilla wafer cookies (1 box, about 11 oz): The traditional base that turns soft and cakey as it sits, offering the perfect bite between pudding and fruit.
- Crushed cookies and strawberry slices (for topping, optional): Sprinkle over the top for extra texture and a little visual flair.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding
Step 1: Whisk Together the Banana Pudding
Grab a medium bowl and combine the banana cream pudding mix with cold milk. Whisk for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened and become luxuriously smooth. This step creates the fruity backbone of our dessert, so take a moment to enjoy the sweet banana aroma!
Step 2: Beat the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until no lumps remain. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, and keep beating until the mixture is creamy and cohesive. The combination here is the secret to that irresistible cheesecake layer that makes this Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding truly unique.
Step 3: Combine the Mixtures and Fold in Whipped Topping
Next, gently fold the pudding mixture into the cream cheese base, taking care not to deflate everything. Once combined, use a spatula to fold in the whipped topping until just blended. The result should be decadently thick but airy and light, making every spoonful pure heaven.
Step 4: Layer the Wafers, Fruit, and Pudding
In a 9×13-inch dish or a deep trifle bowl, arrange a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom. Top with an even scattering of banana slices and fresh strawberries. Pour half of the creamy pudding mixture on top and gently spread it out. Repeat the layers: more cookies, more fruit, and then the last of the pudding. Finish with a flourish of whipped topping and, if you like, a sprinkle of crushed cookies and extra strawberry slices.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the pan and chill your masterpiece for at least 4 hours—if you can wait that long! This lets the flavors meld and the cookies soften to a tender, cake-like texture that everyone loves in a traditional banana pudding. When ready, scoop out generous portions and serve with a smile.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding
Garnishes
The best way to top off your Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is with a cloud of whipped topping, a scattering of crushed vanilla wafers, and a few jewel-like strawberry slices. If you’re feeling playful, add some white chocolate curls or a drizzle of strawberry syrup to make it even more special.
Side Dishes
This dessert is rich and indulgent, so keep side dishes super simple—a small cup of coffee or tea is perfect, or maybe a fresh fruit salad if you want a lighter contrast. For a full dessert table, it pairs beautifully with lemon bars or a bowl of assorted berries.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding from family-style to fabulous by making individual parfaits in mason jars or stemless wine glasses. For parties, tiny trifle cups or mini dessert shooters are not only cute, but make for easy serving. You can even layer it in a clear bowl to show off every pretty tier!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding tightly covered in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 24 hours to ensure the cookies stay tender but not mushy and the fruit remains fresh. After a day or so, the texture may soften, but the flavors will still be delicious.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this dessert, as the whipped topping and pudding layers can separate and the fresh fruit will lose its appealing texture. If you want to prepare elements ahead, you can assemble the cheesecake pudding base in advance and add the fruit and cookies shortly before serving.
Reheating
There’s no need for reheating here! Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is a no-bake, serve-cold dessert that is at its very best straight from the fridge. If you make it ahead, just let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving if you prefer a creamier consistency.
FAQs
Can I use cheesecake pudding mix instead of banana cream?
Absolutely! Swapping in cheesecake pudding mix will tilt the flavor more toward cheesecake, giving you a slightly different but equally delicious twist on Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding. You can even try a 50/50 blend for the best of both worlds.
What’s the best way to prevent bananas from browning?
To keep your banana slices looking fresh, assemble the dessert just before chilling and make sure the pudding mixture covers the fruit completely—this minimizes air contact. A quick toss in a little lemon juice can help as well, but don’t use too much or it may alter the flavor.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free vanilla wafers or sandwich cookies, and check the pudding and whipped topping labels to make sure they’re gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients in Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding are naturally gluten-free.
How far in advance can I make this dessert?
For the freshest taste and best texture, prepare your Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding the same day you plan to serve it or the night before. Any longer and the cookies may become overly soft and the fruit less vibrant.
Is there a way to lighten up the recipe?
You can lighten things up a bit by using reduced-fat cream cheese, light whipped topping, and low-fat milk. The result will still be creamy and satisfying, with a touch less indulgence in each bite.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is the kind of showstopper recipe that turns an ordinary day into a celebration. It’s as easy as it is luscious, and always gets rave reviews. I hope you’ll give it a try and fall in love with the combination of flavors and textures—your friends and family are in for a treat!
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful fusion of flavors with this Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding. Layers of creamy banana pudding, sweet strawberries, and ripe bananas, all topped with whipped cream and crunchy cookies, create a decadent dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Banana Pudding Layer:
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana cream pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups whipped topping, plus more for garnish
- 1 1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 2–3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 box vanilla wafer cookies (about 11 oz), crushed
- Cookies and strawberry slices for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Banana Pudding Layer: In a medium bowl, whisk together the banana pudding mix and cold milk until thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Cheesecake Layer: In a separate large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, beating until well combined and creamy.
- Assembly: Fold the prepared pudding into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated, then gently fold in the whipped topping. In a 9×13-inch dish or trifle bowl, layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and strawberries. Spread half of the pudding mixture over the fruit and repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining pudding. Top with more whipped topping, crushed cookies, and strawberry slices if desired. Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
- Best served the same day or within 24 hours for optimal texture.
- You can substitute cheesecake pudding mix for banana cream for a slightly different twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
