Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is the ultimate no-bake dessert mashup that deserves a spot at every summer gathering. Imagine layers of creamy cheesecake pudding, sweet bananas, juicy strawberries, and a buttery cookie crumble all coming together in a dreamy, chilled trifle. Each spoonful is a celebration of flavor—comforting, nostalgic, and a little bit fancy at the same time. If you’re searching for a treat that delivers wow-factor with minimal effort, this is the one to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather a few pantry and fridge staples—each one plays a unique part in making your Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding irresistibly delicious. The ingredients are easy to find but truly essential for that classic taste, luscious texture, and eye-catching color.
- Instant banana pudding mix: Forms the soul of the creamy pudding base, anchoring those classic banana notes with every spoonful.
- Cold milk: Helps the pudding set up with a smooth, silky texture—be sure to use cold milk for quick thickening.
- Cream cheese (softened): Adds signature cheesecake richness, giving the filling that irresistible tang and velvety mouthfeel.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese mixture, perfect for creamy, indulgent layers.
- Whipped topping or whipped cream: Folds in lightness for a dreamy, mousse-like consistency without weighing things down.
- Ripe bananas (sliced): Classic! Choose bananas with just a bit of spot for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Fresh strawberries (sliced): Their juicy brightness cuts through the richness and makes every layer pop with color.
- Crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafer cookies: Offer sweet, buttery crunch—use whichever you prefer for your favorite kind of nostalgia.
- Additional whipped cream and fruit for garnish (optional): For that picture-perfect finish and an extra touch of freshness on top.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding
Step 1: Make the Banana Pudding
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant banana pudding mix with cold milk for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is thick and silky. This will be the fluffy foundation of your Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding, so don’t rush—consistency here is key.
Step 2: Blend Cream Cheese and Condensed Milk
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until totally smooth—no lumps allowed! Gradually incorporate the sweetened condensed milk, beating until the mixture is perfectly creamy and luscious, setting up for that classic cheesecake flavor.
Step 3: Fold in Whipped Topping
Gently fold the whipped topping (or whipped cream) into the cream cheese mixture. The key word is “gently”—this keeps the filling light, airy, and mousse-like, rather than dense. Once combined, stir in the prepared banana pudding from Step 1 until everything is uniform and irresistible.
Step 4: Layer It All Together
Grab a clear trifle dish or a 9×13-inch pan. Start with a layer of crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafers at the bottom, then spread on a thick layer of that dreamy pudding mixture. Next, fan out sliced bananas and strawberries over the top. Keep layering until you run out of pudding, fruit, and cookies, finishing with pudding on top for a beautiful, creamy crown.
Step 5: Chill and Finish
Cover and chill your Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding for at least 4 hours (or overnight)—this helps all the flavors mingle and set. Before serving, pile on extra whipped cream, a flourish of fresh strawberries, and another handful of crushed cookies for maximum delight.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding
Garnishes
Nothing says wow quite like a generous swirl of whipped cream on each serving! Scatter sliced strawberries, a few banana coins, and a pinch of cookie crumbs on top for a finishing touch that dazzles. These garnishes add texture, fresh flavor, and visual appeal to every bite.
Side Dishes
Since Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is rich and creamy, pair it with lighter fare like fresh fruit salad, crisp lemon bars, or even some homemade iced tea. These sides balance out the sweetness and keep things feeling breezy.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your creativity shine by serving individual portions in mason jars, pretty glasses, or mini trifle bowls. For parties, spoon the pudding into shot glasses for sweet little parfaits everyone will love. Top each with a tiny cookie and fruit slice—adorable and delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding (rare, but possible!), cover the dish tightly and refrigerate. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 2 days—just beware the bananas will soften even more over time.
Freezing
While this delicate dessert isn’t ideal for freezing (the texture changes), you can freeze the cheesecake pudding mixture by itself. If you try freezing the finished product, be prepared for some changes in the way the fruit and cookies behave once thawed.
Reheating
This is a chilled dessert, so no reheating necessary! Simply scoop and serve straight from the fridge. If it looks a bit separated, just give it a gentle stir before scooping.
FAQs
Can I use a different pudding flavor?
Absolutely! Vanilla or cheesecake-flavored pudding are fantastic alternatives that also go beautifully with the strawberries and bananas. It’s a fun way to customize your Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding to suit your cravings.
How do I keep the bananas from turning brown?
Toss sliced bananas with a little freshly squeezed lemon juice before layering. This simple trick slows oxidation and helps keep your pudding looking and tasting its freshest.
Can I make Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding ahead of time?
Yes—this dessert is even better when made ahead since chilling helps meld all the flavors. Just wait until serving to add garnishes for best appearance and texture.
Do I have to use graham crackers?
Nope! Vanilla wafers are equally delicious and traditional, but you can also try shortbread, digestive biscuits, or any crunchy cookie you love.
Can I make this recipe lighter?
Sure can! Swap in reduced-fat cream cheese and light whipped topping, and consider using skim or plant-based milk for the pudding mixture. The Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding will still taste fabulous.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to wow a crowd with a no-bake stunner, Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is absolutely the dessert you need in your life. It’s easy, gorgeous, and sure to bring smiles all around. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked after the very first bite!
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Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful combination of flavors with this Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding. Layers of creamy banana pudding, sweetened cream cheese, fresh fruits, and crunchy graham crackers create a delicious dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Banana Pudding:
- 1 box (96g / 3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
For the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 1 package (250g / 8 oz) cream cheese (softened)
- 1 can (397g / 14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1½ cups whipped topping or whipped cream
Additional Ingredients:
- 2–3 ripe bananas (sliced)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced)
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafer cookies
- Additional whipped cream and fruit for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Banana Pudding: Whisk together the banana pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: Beat softened cream cheese until smooth, then mix in sweetened condensed milk until creamy. Fold in whipped topping.
- Combine Mixtures: Stir the prepared pudding into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- Layer the Dessert: In a dish, layer crushed graham crackers, pudding mixture, bananas, and strawberries. Repeat layers and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Serve: Top with additional whipped cream, strawberries, and crushed cookies before serving.
Notes
- Try vanilla or cheesecake pudding for flavor variations.
- Prevent banana browning by tossing with lemon juice before layering.
- Best consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
