If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a dreamy hug in a bowl, you have to try this Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding Recipe. It’s a luscious layering of creamy vanilla pudding, rich cream cheese, fresh bananas, and juicy strawberries, all complemented by the nostalgic crunch of vanilla wafers. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a breathtakingly delicious treat that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a special indulgence anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding Recipe just right is all about balancing fresh, creamy, and crunchy elements. Each ingredient is simple yet essential, bringing its own magic to the texture, taste, or color of this irresistible dessert.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: The quick and easy base that sets the creamy foundation with classic vanilla flavor.
- Cold milk: Helps the pudding mix thicken perfectly for that smooth consistency.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds luscious sweetness and velvety richness.
- Cream cheese, softened: Brings that iconic cheesecake tanginess and creamy texture.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to soft peaks, it lightens the pudding for a fluffy finish.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the creamy layers with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Strawberries, sliced: Fresh and juicy, giving bursts of vibrant color and sweetness.
- Bananas, sliced: Perfectly ripe for mellow, mellow fruitiness that compliments the strawberries.
- Vanilla wafer cookies or graham cracker crumbs, crushed: Adds a satisfyingly crunchy texture.
- Strawberry puree: Intensifies the berry flavor and adds a beautiful pink swirl.
- Whipped topping: Light and airy, balances the tart and creamy layers with sweetness.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Base
Begin by whisking the instant vanilla pudding mix with 2 cups of cold milk in a large bowl. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. This is your luscious canvas for all the yummy layers to come.
Step 2: Incorporate Sweetened Condensed Milk and Cream Cheese
Next, add the sweetened condensed milk and softened cream cheese to the pudding base. Beat everything together until the mixture is silky smooth, creamy, and full of that irresistible cheesecake flavor.
Step 3: Whip the Cream and Fold It In
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract until soft peaks form—this means the cream should be fluffy but still hold its shape. Careful folding the whipped cream into the pudding mixture lightens the texture and adds airiness that makes each spoonful heavenly.
Step 4: Make the Strawberry Cream Layer
Mix your strawberry puree with the whipped topping in another bowl. This creates a sweet, pink, creamy layer that brings fresh berry flavor and a gorgeous color contrast to the dessert.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
Now for the fun part! In a large pan or individual serving cups, start with a layer of the cheesecake pudding mixture. Follow up with crushed vanilla wafers, then a layer of banana slices, and top with fresh strawberry slices. Add a generous spoonful of the strawberry cream layer. Repeat these layers until you fill your dish or cup, building a beautiful, colorful parfait.
Step 6: Refrigerate and Set
Finish by topping with extra strawberries, bananas, and crushed vanilla wafers for a pretty presentation. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let all the flavors meld and the pudding set perfectly.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
To make your dessert pop visually and texturally, sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers on top, add a few sliced strawberries and banana rounds, and maybe even a dollop of whipped cream. It’s the little garnishes that make this already delicious pudding feel so special and inviting.
Side Dishes
This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding Recipe shines as a standalone dessert, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple cup of black coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If serving at a gathering, consider fresh fruit salad or a light citrus sorbet for a refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering this pudding in clear glasses or mason jars to showcase its vibrant colors and textures. For a party or picnic, individual parfait cups make portion control easy and add a touch of elegance. You can even turn it into mini trifle jars for a cute, shareable option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding Recipe can be kept covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s tightly sealed to prevent the bananas from browning too quickly and to maintain that fresh, creamy texture.
Freezing
Freezing this pudding is not ideal because the fresh bananas and strawberries will change texture once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen to savor the perfect balance of creamy and fruity layers.
Reheating
This dessert is best served chilled, so reheating is not recommended. To enjoy it at its prime, simply take it out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving to let it soften just a bit.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of strawberry puree?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries bring wonderful texture and natural sweetness. You can pulse some in a blender for puree or use sliced berries for an added burst of freshness in your layers.
What if I don’t have cream cheese? Can I substitute it?
Cream cheese is key for that cheesecake flavor, but you can try using mascarpone or ricotta for a softer, less tangy alternative. Keep in mind the taste and texture will shift slightly.
How ripe should the bananas be for this pudding?
Bananas should be ripe but firm—not overly mushy. This ensures they add sweetness and creaminess without turning the dessert soggy or bitter.
Can I make this pudding vegan or dairy-free?
With some substitutions like coconut milk pudding mix, dairy-free cream cheese, and coconut whipped cream, you can create a vegan version, though the flavor and texture will differ from the traditional recipe.
How long should I refrigerate the pudding before serving?
At least 2 hours allows the flavors to meld and the pudding to set into that perfect creamy texture that holds the layers beautifully.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding Recipe. It’s a feel-good, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines beloved flavors and textures in one divine dish. Whether it’s a family celebration or a quiet night in, give this recipe a try—you’ll soon find it’s a favorite you want to make again and again!
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Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in this luscious Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding, a creamy layered dessert combining vanilla pudding, fresh bananas and strawberries, cream cheese, and a touch of strawberry puree for a refreshing twist. Perfectly balanced with the crunch of vanilla wafer cookies and a smooth strawberry cream layer, this no-bake dessert is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pudding Base
- 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
Whipped Cream Layer
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Strawberry Cream Layer
- 1 cup strawberry puree
- 1 cup whipped topping
Fresh Fruit and Crunchy Layers
- 1 lb strawberries, sliced
- 3–4 bananas, sliced
- 1 box vanilla wafer cookies, crushed (or graham cracker crumbs)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pudding Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until the mixture begins to thicken and set.
- Add Creaminess: Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and softened cream cheese, beating the mixture until it becomes smooth and fully combined for a rich cheesecake-like texture.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with the vanilla extract until soft peaks form, then gently fold this whipped cream into the pudding mixture to lighten it.
- Make the Strawberry Cream Layer: Combine the strawberry puree with the whipped topping in a bowl, mixing until well blended to create a sweet, fruity cream layer.
- Assemble the Layers: In a large serving dish or individual containers, start with a layer of the pudding mixture, then add a layer of crushed vanilla wafers, followed by slices of banana and strawberry to build flavorful layers.
- Add Strawberry Cream: Spread a layer of the strawberry cream mixture over the fruit and pudding layers, then repeat the layering process as desired to fill your dish.
- Top and Garnish: Finish by garnishing the top with extra fresh strawberries, bananas, and a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers for an appealing presentation.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the assembled pudding for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up before serving chilled. Enjoy your creamy, fruity treat!
Notes
- For best results, chill the pudding and cream cheese before mixing to enhance texture.
- Use fresh, ripe bananas and strawberries for optimal flavor and sweetness.
- Substitute crushed graham cracker crumbs for vanilla wafers for a slightly different texture and taste.
- This dessert is best consumed within 2 days for freshness and quality.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve to maintain the creamy texture.
