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
Scale
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.
