Description
This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is a luscious no-bake dessert combining creamy cheesecake filling, classic vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and strawberries layered with crispy vanilla wafers. Perfectly chilled and garnished with extra fresh fruit and crushed strawberry wafers, it’s a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Mixture
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Pudding
- 1 (5.1 oz) box vanilla instant pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
Assembly
- 1 box vanilla wafers (or other cookies of choice)
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Crushed strawberry wafers (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Cheesecake Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until fully combined and creamy.
- Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated and smooth. Set this cheesecake mixture aside.
- Make Vanilla Pudding: In another bowl, whisk the vanilla instant pudding mix with cold milk for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to fully firm up.
- Layer Ingredients: In a serving dish or trifle bowl, start by laying vanilla wafers evenly at the bottom. Add a layer of sliced bananas and chopped strawberries on top of the wafers.
- Add Cream Cheese and Pudding Layers: Spread a layer of the prepared cheesecake mixture over the fruit, then add a layer of the set vanilla pudding. Repeat layering if your dish allows, ending with a layer of pudding and cheesecake mixture on top.
- Garnish and Chill: Top the dessert with fresh strawberries and sprinkle with crushed strawberry wafers if desired. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to let the flavors meld and the pudding firm up.
Notes
- For best texture, ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing.
- Use cold milk for the instant pudding so it sets properly.
- Refrigerate the pudding for at least 3 hours to fully set and enhance flavor melding.
- This dessert can be prepared a day ahead, making it great for parties and gatherings.
- Feel free to substitute vanilla wafers with other cookies like shortbread or graham crackers for variation.
