Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is the ultimate no-bake dessert mashup you never knew you needed. Imagine luscious layers of cheesecake-flavored pudding, ripe bananas, juicy strawberries, and pillowy whipped topping sandwiched between crunchy vanilla wafers—each bite is creamy, fruity, and just the right amount of sweet. This fan-favorite treat satisfies cheesecake cravings and delivers the nostalgia of classic banana pudding, making it a showstopper for potlucks, BBQs, holidays, or simply days when only something dreamy and fruity will do.

Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe is how it turns a few straightforward ingredients into a real crowd-pleaser. Every item on this list is chosen for how they build the flavor, creaminess, color, or just pure fun factor in your Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding.

Instant cheesecake pudding mix (1 box, 3.4 oz): Turns up the creamy, tangy cheesecake flavor in every spoonful.
Cold milk (2 cups): Whips the pudding mix into its signature smooth and velvety texture.
Cream cheese, softened (1, 8 oz package): Adds unbeatable richness and those classic cheesecake vibes.
Sweetened condensed milk (1, 14 oz can): Makes your pudding decadently sweet and oh-so-silky.
Whipped topping (1, 8 oz tub): Folded in for fluffiness and a light cloud-like finish.
Vanilla wafer cookies (1 box): Provide an irresistible soft-yet-crunchy base, plus lovely vanilla notes.
Ripe bananas, sliced (3): Their softness and sweetness make the layers sing.
Fresh strawberries, sliced (1½ cups): They bring brightness and a juicy pop of color to this pretty dessert.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding

Step 1: Whisk the Cheesecake Pudding

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Whisk the instant cheesecake pudding mix with the cold milk for about 2 minutes—set your timer and watch it magically thicken. This will be the dreamy bedrock of your Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding, so give it a good whisk and let it set up while you move to the next part.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a separate bowl, beat your softened cream cheese until it’s totally smooth and lump-free; this step ensures every bite is creamy rather than clumpy. Add the sweetened condensed milk and beat until they’re fully combined, delivering a rich and sweet blend that’s the heart of the “cheesecake” experience.

Step 3: Combine the Layers

Gently fold the prepared cheesecake pudding into your cream cheese mixture. Once it’s all married together, fold in the whipped topping last. Take your time with this step—the goal is to keep it fluffy and airy. When you’re done, you’ll have a bowlful of creamy, irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding filling.

Step 4: Layer the Goodness

Pull out a 9×13-inch baking dish or a large trifle bowl. Begin by covering the bottom with vanilla wafers. Add a layer of sliced bananas followed by a layer of strawberries. Spoon half your creamy cheesecake pudding mixture evenly over the fruit. Repeat the layering: wafers, bananas, strawberries, and the rest of the cheesecake pudding. This assembly delivers those gorgeous layers and perfect balance of flavors in every scoop.

Step 5: Chill and Finish

For those beautiful, sliceable layers, top with a few extra sliced strawberries or a handful of crushed vanilla wafers. Cover the dish and let your Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours (or overnight, if you have the patience!) to let the wafers soften slightly and the flavors meld together. Now all that’s left is to serve up pure dessert bliss!

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding

Garnishes

The right garnish makes your Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding extra inviting! Scatter a few artfully placed fresh strawberry slices or a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers right before serving for a bakery-style finish. If you’re feeling decadent, a drizzle of strawberry sauce between the layers or across the top adds luscious, glossy color and a burst of fresh berry taste.

Side Dishes

This pudding is a showstopper on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with lighter offerings. Serve with fresh lemonade, vanilla bean ice cream, or a simple fruit salad to keep the meal bright and breezy. For a southern cookout, offer alongside grilled peaches or lemon bars for a sweet finale.

Creative Ways to Present

Turning Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding into a party pleaser couldn’t be easier! Try assembling individual servings in mason jars or clear cups for easy grab-and-go desserts at picnics or parties. For family dinners, a trifle bowl or wide-glass casserole really shows off those gorgeous layered colors. Add cheerful paper umbrellas or edible flowers on top for fun flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, cover tightly and refrigerate. This dessert is best within two days, as the bananas gradually soften and the wafers mellow. The pudding will stay creamy and delicious, but for best texture and appearance, enjoy sooner rather than later.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal for Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding—the bananas and whipped topping tend to get watery and mushy once thawed. If you must freeze, do so before adding fresh fruit, and add the strawberries and bananas just before serving. But honestly, it’s so irresistible fresh, there likely won’t be leftovers needing to be frozen!

Reheating

No reheating is needed! This pudding is meant to be served cold, straight from the fridge. If you’ve made it in advance, just give it a gentle stir, re-garnish with extra strawberries or wafers, and it’s table-ready in moments.

FAQs

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of frozen whipped topping?

Absolutely! You can whip up 1 cup of heavy cream with a tablespoon of sugar until stiff peaks form, then fold it in as directed. The flavor will be extra fresh and creamy, but the texture may be softer—still, it’s a delicious swap.

What other fruits can I add?

Feel free to add blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced mango for a tropical twist. Just keep in mind that super juicy fruits might add more moisture, so layer thoughtfully to prevent sogginess.

Can I use a different pudding flavor if cheesecake isn’t available?

Yes! Banana, vanilla, or even white chocolate instant pudding are all luscious alternatives if cheesecake flavor is hard to find. Each will bring its own twist to the Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding experience.

How do I keep bananas from browning?

Try lightly tossing your banana slices in a little lemon juice before layering them. This helps prevent discoloration and keeps your dessert looking fresh and inviting, especially if you’re prepping ahead.

Is Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding gluten-free?

Traditional vanilla wafers contain gluten, but you can absolutely make this gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free vanilla wafer brand. Double-check your other packaged ingredients just to be safe!

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about a dessert that’s this easy to assemble, lushly layered, and guaranteed to delight both grown-ups and kids. Give Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding a spot on your dessert table and watch it disappear—one scoop at a time!

Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chill time)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors with this Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding. Layers of creamy cheesecake pudding, fresh fruit, and vanilla wafers come together to create a luscious no-bake dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheesecake Pudding:

1 box (3.4 oz) instant cheesecake pudding mix
2 cups cold milk

Cheesecake Filling:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

Additional Layers:

1 box vanilla wafer cookies
3 ripe bananas, sliced
1½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced

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Instructions

Cheesecake Pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the cheesecake pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes. Set aside to thicken.
Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk and mix until well combined. Fold in the prepared pudding, then gently fold in the whipped topping until smooth and creamy.
Assembly: In a 9×13-inch dish or large trifle bowl, layer vanilla wafers on the bottom. Add a layer of sliced bananas, then a layer of strawberries. Spoon half of the cheesecake pudding mixture over the fruit and spread evenly. Repeat the layers with more wafers, bananas, strawberries, and the remaining cheesecake filling.
Chill: Top with extra sliced strawberries or crushed wafers if desired. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best texture.