Oh, my sweet friends—thank you for joining me today! This one’s a keeper. ❤️ If you’re a fan of classic banana pudding but want to take it up a notch, this Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is the dessert of your dreams. It’s creamy, fruity, perfectly sweet, and layered with love.
This recipe combines silky cheesecake filling, rich vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, and juicy strawberries—all nestled between layers of vanilla wafers. Each bite tastes like a hug from Grandma’s kitchen with a fancy twist!
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Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding
It’s a gorgeous, no-bake dessert that’s ideal for parties, potlucks, holidays, or any time you want something decadent without turning on the oven.
Reasons to Love It
- No baking required: Just layer, chill, and enjoy!
- Classic meets fresh: Banana pudding gets a sweet strawberry upgrade.
- Rich, creamy layers: Cheesecake filling and pudding create a dreamy texture.
- Make-ahead friendly: It’s even better the next day!
What Does It Taste Like?
Imagine the creaminess of banana pudding mixed with the richness of strawberry cheesecake. The bananas add sweetness, the strawberries bring a bright, juicy freshness, and the layers of cookies soften into a cake-like texture. Every spoonful is silky, fruity, and irresistible—like sunshine and comfort in one bite! ☀️🍓🍌
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Pudding Layer
- 1 (5.1 oz) box vanilla instant pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
For the Dessert Layers
- 1 box vanilla wafers (or other cookies of choice)
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Crushed strawberry wafers (optional, for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- 9×9-inch dish or trifle bowl (or individual serving cups)
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
- Cookies: Swap vanilla wafers for shortbread, graham crackers, or Golden Oreos.
- Pudding flavor: Try banana or cheesecake-flavored pudding for extra richness.
- Fruits: Add raspberries or blueberries for a mixed-berry version.
- Topping: Crushed Biscoff cookies add a caramel twist!
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Pudding Layer
In another bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes, until thickened. Let it sit for a few minutes to firm up.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
In a serving dish (or trifle bowl):
- Add a layer of vanilla wafers to the bottom.
- Top with banana slices and fresh strawberries.
- Spread a layer of the cheesecake mixture over the fruit.
- Add a layer of vanilla pudding, smoothing it gently.
- Repeat the layers as needed—cookies, fruit, cheesecake, pudding—until you reach the top.
Step 4: Top and Chill
Garnish with extra fresh strawberries and crushed strawberry wafers for a beautiful finish.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for best results.
What to Serve With It
This pudding is show-stopping on its own, but for a little extra flair:
- Serve with a whipped cream dollop and a mint leaf on top.
- Drizzle with white chocolate or caramel sauce.
- Pair with iced coffee or sweet tea for the ultimate Southern treat!
Tips for the Best Cheesecake Banana Pudding
- Use ripe bananas: The sweeter, the better (but not mushy).
- Chill overnight: The cookies soften beautifully, and the flavors blend perfectly.
- Fold gently: Keep the whipped cream fluffy for the lightest texture.
- Serve cold: It’s creamy, cool, and refreshing straight from the fridge!
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended—fresh fruit texture doesn’t hold well when frozen.
General Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8–10
Calories: ~320 kcal per serving
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It’s actually best when chilled overnight, so it’s perfect for prepping the day before serving.
Q: Can I use Cool Whip instead of whipped cream?
Absolutely! Substitute 2 cups of Cool Whip for the whipped cream to save time.
Q: Do I need to use banana extract or pudding mix?
Nope! The bananas themselves provide plenty of flavor. But feel free to add it if you want an extra banana boost.
Q: Can I make this in individual cups?
Yes! It’s adorable served in mason jars or small dessert glasses.
Conclusion
And there you have it—Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding, a luscious layered dessert that’s part cheesecake, part pudding, and all-out delicious! 🍓🍌💛 It’s the perfect make-ahead treat for potlucks, holidays, or those moments when you want a spoonful of something sweet and comforting.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to see your version!
📸 Share your photos on Pinterest or Instagram, and don’t forget to leave a comment below so we can swoon over your dessert creations together!
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Sugar: 26 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
More Creamy Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
- 🍑 Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Cups – summer sweetness in every bite.
- 🍓 Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites – mini, no-bake, and oh-so-fun.
- 🍋 No-Bake Lemon Éclair Cake – creamy, tangy, and simple perfection.
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