If you have a sweet spot for creamy, fruity desserts that feel like a hug in a bowl, you’re going to adore this Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding Recipe. It combines luscious layers of smooth vanilla pudding, rich cream cheese, fresh bananas, and vibrant strawberries, all brought together with a delightful strawberry cream and crunchy vanilla wafer cookies. This dessert is simple to make but impressively indulgent, effortlessly turning any occasion into a celebration of flavor and texture. Prepare to wow your friends and family with this irresistible treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every exciting recipe starts with the right ingredients, and this one is no exception. Each component adds its own magic—whether it’s the creamy depth from cream cheese, the fresh burst from strawberries, or the satisfying crunch of vanilla wafers—making this Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding Recipe a layered masterpiece.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: The foundation that gives this dessert its classic creamy texture.
- Cold milk: Helps the pudding mix set to the perfect consistency quickly.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds natural sweetness and velvety richness without extra fuss.
- Cream cheese (softened): Brings that signature cheesecake tang and creaminess.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to soft peaks, it lightens the pudding for a fluffy finish.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Strawberries (sliced): Fresh and juicy for brightness and color.
- Bananas (sliced): Adds natural sweetness and a soft, mellow texture.
- Vanilla wafer cookies (crushed): Provides a crunchy contrast and classic banana pudding feel.
- Strawberry puree: Intensifies the strawberry flavor and creates a creamy strawberry layer.
- Whipped topping: Blended with strawberry puree to make a luscious strawberry cream.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Base
Start by whisking together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk in a large bowl until it thickens beautifully. This creates the creamy backbone of your dessert, setting the stage for the rich, luscious layers to come.
Step 2: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and Cream Cheese
Next, beat in the sweetened condensed milk and softened cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and perfectly blended. This step brings in a velvety cheesecake flavor that takes the pudding to a whole new level of indulgence.
Step 3: Fold in Whipped Cream
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract until soft peaks form, then gently fold it into your pudding mixture. This adds a light, airy texture that balances the richness, making every spoonful melt in your mouth.
Step 4: Create the Strawberry Cream Layer
Mix the strawberry puree with whipped topping until fully combined. This creamy strawberry layer will add a fresh, fruity pop and beautiful pink hue to your pudding, complementing the bananas and vanilla wafers wonderfully.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
In a large serving dish or individual containers, start layering by spooning in the pudding mixture. Follow with a layer of crushed vanilla wafer cookies, then scatter sliced bananas and strawberries. Layer on the strawberry cream mixture and repeat as many times as you like to build those irresistible layers.
Step 6: Top and Chill
Finish your masterpiece by garnishing with extra slices of strawberry and banana, along with a generous sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers. Refrigerate the assembled pudding for at least 2 hours to let all the flavors meld and the texture set deliciously. Then, serve chilled and enjoy every creamy, fruity bite!
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
To truly elevate the presentation, add fresh strawberry slices, banana coins, and a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers on top right before serving. These not only add a vibrant pop of color but also invite your guests to the texture contrasts waiting inside the dish.
Side Dishes
This pudding shines beautifully on its own, but if you want to pair it, consider light accompaniments like crisp coffee or an herbal iced tea to balance the sweetness. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can also turn it into an extra-special dessert party.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering this pudding in individual parfait glasses or mason jars for a whimsical, personalized touch. Adding edible flowers on top or drizzling a little strawberry sauce can transform it from a simple dessert into a show-stopping centerpiece at your gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the pudding fresh and creamy. It’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days before the bananas start to lose their texture and the wafers soften too much.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding Recipe because the banana slices and pudding texture can be compromised upon thawing, leading to sogginess and separation.
Reheating
This dessert is designed to be served chilled, so reheating is not necessary. Instead, keep it chilled right until serving for the best texture and flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I use fresh-made strawberry puree or store-bought?
You can definitely use fresh-made strawberry puree for a bright, fresh flavor, or store-bought if you’re short on time. Just pick a quality puree without added sugars for the best results.
What can I substitute for cream cheese if I don’t have any?
If you’re out of cream cheese, mascarpone or Greek yogurt can be a good alternative, though mascarpone will keep more of the richness and tang that cream cheese provides.
Is there a way to make this pudding recipe vegan or dairy-free?
To make it vegan or dairy-free, consider using plant-based pudding mixes, coconut whipped cream, vegan cream cheese, and a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. The flavor will shift slightly but remain delicious.
How long should I chill the pudding before serving?
Chilling for at least 2 hours is ideal to allow the pudding to set properly and for the flavors to meld beautifully. Overnight chilling will enhance the taste even further.
Can this recipe be doubled or halved easily?
Yes! The Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding Recipe is very flexible and can be scaled up or down depending on your crowd size. Just keep the layering balance in mind for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make but impressive in flavor and appearance, the Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding Recipe is a true winner. Each spoonful delivers a perfect harmony of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures that will keep everyone asking for more. So go ahead, try this recipe soon—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
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
Description
This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is a luscious layered dessert combining creamy vanilla pudding, tangy cream cheese, fresh strawberries, ripe bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers. The pudding base is enriched with sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream, then layered with fresh fruit and a strawberry cream topping for an irresistible sweet treat perfect for gatherings or a special indulgence.
Ingredients
Pudding Base
- 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Fruit and Cookies
- 1 lb strawberries, sliced
- 3–4 bananas, sliced
- 1 box vanilla wafer cookies, crushed (or graham cracker crumbs)
Strawberry Cream Layer
- 1 cup strawberry puree
- 1 cup whipped topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Pudding Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until it thickens, indicating the pudding is set.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and Cream Cheese: Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and softened cream cheese, beating until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Whip Heavy Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold this whipped cream into the pudding mixture to add lightness and richness.
- Make the Strawberry Cream Layer: Combine the strawberry puree with the whipped topping until fully incorporated to create a fruity, creamy layer.
- Assemble the Layers: In a large serving dish or individual cups, create layers starting with the pudding mixture, followed by crushed vanilla wafers, banana slices, and sliced strawberries.
- Add Strawberry Cream: Spread a layer of the strawberry cream mixture over the fruit and cookie layers, then repeat these layers as desired to fill the dish.
- Top and Garnish: Finish with a generous topping of extra strawberries, bananas, and crushed vanilla wafers for texture and color.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled pudding for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to set before serving chilled.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, ripe bananas and strawberries.
- Chilling overnight enhances the flavor and texture.
- Substitute vanilla wafers with graham cracker crumbs if preferred.
- This dessert can be made in individual serving cups for easy portion control.
- Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 days.
