Of course! This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is a show-stopping dessert that combines all the best parts of classic banana pudding with the indulgent flavor of strawberry cheesecake. It’s creamy, fruity, and perfect for any gathering.
Here’s a detailed, foolproof recipe.
Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding
This no-bake dessert is layered with creamy cheesecake pudding, ripe bananas, fresh strawberries, and buttery vanilla wafers.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours (or preferably overnight)
Servings: 10-12
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Pudding Layer:
· 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
· 1 (3.4 oz) box instant cheesecake-flavor pudding mix (or vanilla in a pinch)
· 1 cup (8 oz) cold whole milk
· 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
· 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed, divided
For the Assembly:
· 1 (11 oz) box Nilla Wafers (about 90 cookies)
· 4-5 medium ripe-but-firm bananas, sliced
· 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
· Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice for tossing with bananas (to prevent browning)
For the Topping:
· Reserved whipped topping
· Crushed Nilla Wafers
· Sliced strawberries for garnish
Instructions
- Make the Cheesecake Pudding Base: In a large bowl, use an electric hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it is completely smooth and lump-free. This is a crucial step for a silky texture.
- Combine with Milks: To the cream cheese, gradually add the cold milk and sweetened condensed milk, beating on low speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate Pudding Mix: Sprinkle the entire box of instant cheesecake pudding mix over the milk and cream cheese mixture. Immediately beat on low speed for 2-3 minutes until it thickens significantly. It will be very thick.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Take about 3/4 of the container of whipped topping (reserve the rest for the top) and gently fold it into the pudding mixture using a spatula until no white streaks remain. The mixture will become light and fluffy.
- Prepare the Fruits: Slice the bananas and strawberries. If desired, toss the banana slices gently with a tablespoon of lemon juice to help keep them from browning, though the pudding will cover them well.
- Assemble the Pudding: In a large trifle dish or a 9×13 inch baking dish, create the following layers:
· First Layer: Cover the bottom of the dish with a single layer of Nilla Wafers.
· Second Layer: Arrange a single layer of banana slices and strawberry slices over the wafers.
· Third Layer: Spread one-third of the cheesecake pudding mixture evenly over the fruit.
· Repeat: Repeat the layers two more times—wafers, fruit, pudding.
· Final Touch: For the top layer, you can end with pudding or create a decorative pattern. I recommend spreading the reserved whipped topping over the final pudding layer. - Chill and Garnish: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is highly recommended. This allows the cookies to soften into a cake-like texture and the flavors to meld perfectly.
- Serve: Just before serving, garnish with crushed Nilla Wafers, fresh strawberry slices, or any remaining strawberry halves. Scoop and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Pudding
· Cream Cheese is Key: Ensure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature. Cold cream cheese will leave little lumps in your pudding.
· Banana Browning: The lemon juice trick helps, but the best way to prevent browning is to ensure the bananas are completely enveloped by the pudding. Assembling just before serving is another option, but the cookies won’t be as soft.
· Pudding Mix Substitute: If you can’t find cheesecake-flavor pudding, vanilla is a perfect substitute. You could also use white chocolate pudding.
· Make it Homemade: For a from-scratch whipped topping, whip 1 ½ cups of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Fold half into the pudding and use the other half for the top.
· Get Creative: Feel free to add a layer of strawberry jam or a drizzle of homemade strawberry sauce between the layers for an extra burst of strawberry flavor.
This dessert is always a crowd-pleaser and tastes even better the next day. Enjoy