Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-485126H30M46S
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 (5.1 oz) box vanilla instant pudding mix; 2 cups cold milk; 1 box vanilla wafers (or other cookies of choice); 2 bananas, sliced; 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped (plus extra for garnish); Crushed strawberry wafers (optional, for garnish)

This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is a luscious and creamy dessert that layers rich cheesecake, vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, strawberries, and crunchy vanilla wafers. It’s a delightful treat that will have everyone reaching for more. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering or a special celebration, this dessert is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding because it combines all my favorite dessert elements in one—cheesecake, banana pudding, and fresh fruit! The creamy cheesecake layer perfectly complements the smooth vanilla pudding, and the crunchy vanilla wafers add a satisfying texture. Bananas and strawberries bring a fresh sweetness to every bite, and the layers create a visual appeal that makes it perfect for any occasion. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy days when I need a delicious dessert ready to go.

Ingredients

For the cheesecake layer:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

For the pudding layer:

1 (5.1 oz) box vanilla instant pudding mix

2 cups cold milk

For the dessert:

1 box vanilla wafers (or other cookies of choice)

2 bananas, sliced

1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

Crushed strawberry wafers (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the cheesecake layer:
In a medium bowl, I beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth. Then, I add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue beating until everything is fully combined. In a separate bowl, I whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. I gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until it’s completely combined. I set this aside.

Prepare the pudding layer:
In another bowl, I whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until it thickens. I let it sit for a while to firm up a bit.

Assemble the pudding:
In a serving dish (or individual cups for a fun presentation), I layer the vanilla wafers at the bottom. I add a layer of banana slices and fresh chopped strawberries over the cookies. Then, I spread a layer of the cheesecake mixture on top of the fruit. Next, I add a layer of vanilla pudding, smoothing it over the cheesecake layer. I repeat the layers as needed, alternating between fruit, cheesecake, and pudding.

Top and chill:
To finish it off, I garnish the dessert with more fresh strawberries and crushed strawberry wafers on top for added texture. I cover it and refrigerate it for at least 3 hours (or even overnight) to let the flavors meld and the pudding firm up.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8 servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Chill Time: At least 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours (including chill time)

Variations

Fruit options: If you’re not a fan of bananas or strawberries, you can easily swap in other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even mango for a tropical twist.

Graham crackers: Swap out the vanilla wafers for graham crackers if you prefer that texture.

Chocolate layer: For a chocolatey spin, add a layer of chocolate pudding or drizzle some chocolate sauce between the layers.

Storage/Reheating

I store this dessert in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or a lid, to keep it fresh. It can last up to 2-3 days, but trust me, it’s so good that it won’t last that long! There’s no need for reheating, as it’s best served chilled.

Related Recipes:

The Very Best Banana Pudding

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This dessert is actually better if made ahead of time. I recommend refrigerating it for at least 3 hours (or overnight) to let the layers firm up and the flavors meld.

Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding mix?

Absolutely! If you prefer homemade vanilla pudding, you can make it from scratch. Just let it cool completely before layering it into the dessert.

Can I use a different type of cookie?

Definitely! While vanilla wafers are traditional, you can swap them out with other cookies like shortbread, graham crackers, or even chocolate cookies for a different flavor profile.

How do I make this dessert gluten-free?

For a gluten-free version, just ensure that the vanilla wafers and pudding mix you use are certified gluten-free. There are many options available now that cater to gluten-free diets.

Can I freeze this dessert?

While this dessert can be frozen, the texture may change once it’s thawed. The pudding and cheesecake layers might become a little runny after freezing, so I recommend enjoying it fresh or refrigerated for the best experience.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is a fun, easy, and crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy cheesecake, sweet bananas, fresh strawberries, and crunchy vanilla wafers creates a deliciously satisfying treat. I love that it’s simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a stress-free dessert option. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a potluck, or a special event, it’s sure to be a hit!

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