If you ever wished the charm of banana pudding and the allure of strawberry cheesecake could join forces in one spectacular dessert, Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is your sweet spot! This no-bake creation layers silky cheesecake pudding, pillowy whipped cream, slices of luscious bananas, and juicy strawberries with a delightful crunch of vanilla wafers. Every bite is creamy, fruity, and just decadent enough to make any gathering—or weeknight treat—feel extra special.

Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding lies in its straightforward, easy-to-find ingredients. Each one brings a unique flavor or texture that makes this dish sing. Here’s what you’ll need and why it’s essential for the best pudding possible:

Sweetened condensed milk (1 14-ounce can): This gives the pudding base its velvety sweetness and unmistakable creaminess.
Cold water (1 ½ cups): Helps dissolve and blend the pudding mix to the perfect consistency.
Instant cheesecake pudding mix (1 3.4-ounce package): The star ingredient delivering all that cheesecake flavor with zero baking required!
Heavy whipping cream (1 ½ cups): Whipped to fluffy perfection, this makes the whole dessert light and dreamy.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, aromatic touch that rounds out all the flavors.
Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Gives the pudding a rich, tangy body—you’ll taste the real cheesecake vibes here.
Bananas (4 cups, sliced): Their creamy, mellow sweetness is a classic pudding companion and balances the richness.
Fresh strawberries (2 cups, sliced): Bring vibrant color and sweet-tart freshness that truly make this dessert pop.
Vanilla wafers (1 box): Classic for Southern-style banana pudding, these create a soft, cake-like layer as they soak.
Crushed graham crackers (for topping, optional): A sprinkle on top echoes cheesecake crust for a fun finishing touch.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding

Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Pudding Base

Start by whisking together the sweetened condensed milk and cold water in a big mixing bowl. Combine until totally smooth—no lumps allowed! Then add the cheesecake pudding mix and whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes. You want a thick, glossy pudding that already smells like cheesecake heaven.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

In a separate bowl, pour in your cold heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat until stiff peaks form. This fluffy cloud of homemade whipped cream is key for an airy, melt-in-your-mouth dessert.

Step 3: Blend in the Cream Cheese

With yet another bowl (promise it’s worth the dishwashing!), beat your softened cream cheese until it’s velvety and lump-free. This step ensures the final pudding mixture is ultra-smooth. Gently fold the cream cheese into the thickened pudding base until everything looks unified and luscious.

Step 4: Fold Everything Together

Now, fold the freshly whipped cream into your cheesecake-pudding-and-cream-cheese mixture. Use a spatula and a gentle touch. This folding movement keeps everything light and silky, ensuring every bite feels luxurious.

Step 5: Layer the Goodness

In your favorite 9×13-inch dish or a gorgeous trifle bowl, start with a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom. Add a layer of sliced bananas and strawberries. Then, spread half of your pudding mixture over the fruit and wafers, gently smoothing it out. Repeat the layers: more vanilla wafers, bananas, strawberries, then the rest of the pudding mixture on top.

Step 6: Garnish and Chill

For the grand finale, garnish the top with extra sliced strawberries, a handful of crushed graham crackers, or even a flourish of banana slices. Cover your masterpiece and let it chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better)—this gives the flavors time to mingle and the wafers to soften into cake-like deliciousness.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding

Garnishes

Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is made for fun garnishes! Try an artful fan of sliced strawberries on top, a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers, or even a few extra banana coins just before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a little swirl of whipped cream always brings smiles.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs beautifully as the sweet finish to a Southern-style meal—think fried chicken, barbecue, or Sunday dinner classics. Serve with a hot cup of coffee or a cool glass of sweet tea to balance all the creamy, fruity layers.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t just think casserole dish! Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is gorgeous in individual parfait glasses, mini mason jars, or as a dramatic centerpiece in a large footed trifle bowl. For parties, serve it in disposable dessert cups so guests get the perfect scoop of every layer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding in the fridge, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, and honestly, it just keeps getting more delicious as the flavors meld.

Freezing

While not ideal, you can freeze portions of this pudding in airtight containers for up to one month. Just be aware that the texture will change a bit after thawing, as bananas can become mushy and the whipped layers less fluffy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or simply refrigerated.

Reheating

This dessert is meant to be served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat. If your pudding has been frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving to bring back that creamy texture as much as possible.

FAQs

Can I make Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding in advance?

Absolutely! This dessert is actually better after it’s had time to chill for several hours or overnight. The flavors blend and the wafers soften to create a dreamy, cake-like layer throughout.

What can I substitute for vanilla wafers?

If you can’t find vanilla wafers, try graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or even ladyfingers. These all make tasty alternatives and still give a fantastic texture.

Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh strawberries and bananas?

It’s possible, but fresh fruit is recommended for the best texture and flavor. Frozen bananas tend to become mushy, and frozen strawberries might add too much water to the pudding layers.

Is there a gluten-free version of this dessert?

Yes! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free vanilla wafer or cookie. All the other ingredients in Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding are naturally gluten-free.

Can I add extra layers or mix-ins?

Go for it! For even more indulgence, try drizzling a layer of strawberry jam or adding chopped nuts between the layers. This recipe is flexible and perfect for some creative personalization.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to delight a crowd or simply want to treat yourself to something truly special, give Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding a whirl. It’s easy, stunning, and tastes like pure sunshine—so grab your spoon and dig in!

Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors with this Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding. Layers of creamy cheesecake pudding, fresh strawberries, bananas, and vanilla wafers create a luscious treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Cheesecake Pudding:

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 ½ cups cold water
1 (3.4-ounce) package instant cheesecake pudding mix

Whipped Cream:

1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cheesecake Mixture:

4 ounces cream cheese (softened)

Layering:

4 cups sliced bananas
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1 box vanilla wafers
Crushed graham crackers for topping (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Sweet Cheesecake Pudding: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk and cold water. Add cheesecake pudding mix and whisk until thickened.
Whipped Cream: Beat heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Cheesecake Mixture: Beat softened cream cheese until smooth, then fold into pudding mixture.
Combining: Gently fold whipped cream into pudding mixture until smooth.
Layering: In a dish, layer vanilla wafers, bananas, strawberries, and pudding mixture. Repeat layers, ending with pudding on top.
Garnish: Top with strawberries, graham crackers, or banana slices. Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.