Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is a showstopper dessert that brings together multiple layers of flavor and texture. The creamy cheesecake filling pairs beautifully with the soft bananas and sweet strawberries, while the crunch from the vanilla wafer cookies (or graham cracker crumbs) adds a delightful contrast. The strawberry puree and whipped topping give the pudding a refreshing, light finish. This easy, no-bake dessert is the perfect crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or just when you want something indulgent to enjoy.

Ingredients

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

• 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
• 1 lb strawberries, sliced
• 3-4 bananas, sliced
• 1 box vanilla wafer cookies, crushed (or graham cracker crumbs)
• 1 cup strawberry puree
• 1 cup whipped topping

Directions

1. Prepare the pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and sweetened condensed milk. Whisk until the pudding thickens, about 2 minutes. Set aside and let it firm up while you prepare the other layers.
2. Make the cheesecake filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until fluffy and fully combined.
3. Combine the pudding and cheesecake filling: Add the prepared pudding mixture to the cream cheese mixture and blend together until smooth. This creates a rich and creamy cheesecake-like filling.
4. Assemble the pudding layers: In a large trifle dish or serving bowl, start by placing a layer of crushed vanilla wafer cookies (or graham cracker crumbs) at the bottom. Add a layer of sliced bananas and strawberries on top of the cookies.
5. Layer the filling: Spoon a generous layer of the cheesecake-pudding mixture over the bananas and strawberries, smoothing it out evenly. Repeat the layers until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a layer of the cheesecake-pudding mixture on top.
6. Top with strawberry puree and whipped topping: Drizzle the strawberry puree over the top layer of pudding. Then, top with whipped topping and spread it evenly across the top.
7. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set.
8. Garnish and serve: Before serving, garnish with additional sliced strawberries, banana slices, or crushed cookies if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10
• Total Time: 15 minutes active, plus 4 hours of chilling

Variations

• Different Fruit: Swap out the bananas and strawberries for other fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries, or peaches, to create a variation that suits your taste.
• Chocolate Layer: Add a layer of chocolate pudding in between the cheesecake-pudding layers for a delicious chocolate twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free vanilla wafer cookies or graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free version of this dessert.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The dessert is best served chilled, and the flavors will continue to improve as it sits.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pudding mix?

Yes, you can use other pudding flavors, such as banana or strawberry pudding, if you prefer a different twist on the flavor.

2. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert is perfect for making ahead! In fact, it’s best when it has time to chill and set in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

3. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

You can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the pudding to avoid excess moisture in the dessert.

4. How can I make this dessert less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk or use a sugar-free pudding mix.

5. Can I use non-dairy alternatives in this recipe?

Yes, you can use non-dairy substitutes for the cream cheese, whipped cream, and milk (e.g., almond milk, coconut cream, and non-dairy cream cheese) to make this dessert dairy-free.

6. Can I use a different kind of cookie?

Yes, you can use graham cracker crumbs, shortbread cookies, or even chocolate wafer cookies as a substitute for vanilla wafer cookies.

7. Can I skip the strawberry puree?

If you prefer, you can skip the strawberry puree and top the dessert with additional fresh fruit or a drizzle of caramel sauce instead.

8. Can I freeze this dessert?

While you can freeze the dessert, it’s best served chilled and fresh, as freezing may affect the texture of the whipped topping and pudding layers.

9. Can I make a single-serve version of this dessert?

Yes, you can easily make individual servings of this dessert in small glasses or jars, layering the ingredients just like in the larger dish.

10. Can I add more layers of fruit?

Definitely! Feel free to add more layers of fruit, such as additional strawberries, bananas, or even blueberries, for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the classic flavors of banana pudding, but with a fun and creamy twist. The rich cheesecake filling, layered with fresh fruit, crunchy cookies, and whipped topping, creates an irresistible treat that’s sure to be a crowd favorite. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, this dessert is a guaranteed hit!

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