Strawberry Cheesecake–Style Banana Pudding
This mash-up dessert combines the creamy, layered comfort of classic banana pudding with the bright, tangy flavor of strawberry cheesecake. It’s a no-bake, crowd-pleasing showstopper.
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Pudding Layer:
· 8 oz (225g) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
· 1 (3.4 oz) box instant cheesecake-flavor pudding mix (or vanilla pudding mix)
· 2 cups (475ml) cold whole milk
· 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
· 1½ cups (360ml) heavy cream, cold
· ¼ cup (30g) powdered sugar
For Assembly:
· 1 (11 oz) box Nilla Wafers (or shortbread cookies)
· 4–5 ripe but firm bananas, sliced
· 1 lb (450g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (reserve a few for garnish)
· Optional: Strawberry sauce (store-bought or homemade: 1 cup mashed strawberries + 2 tbsp sugar, simmered until thickened)
For Topping:
· Remaining whipped cream from above
· Crushed Nilla Wafers
· Fresh strawberry slices
· Graham cracker crumbs (for cheesecake vibes)
Instructions
Make the Cheesecake Pudding Filling:
· In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
· Gradually beat in the cold milk, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until fully combined and smooth.
· Sprinkle in the instant pudding mix and whisk for 2 minutes until it begins to thicken. Set aside to set further while you prepare the rest.
Whip the Cream:
· In a separate chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
· Fold about ⅔ of the whipped cream gently into the pudding mixture until uniform. Reserve the remaining whipped cream for topping.
Assemble the Layers:
Use a 9×13-inch dish or a large glass trifle bowl.
· Bottom layer: Spread a thin layer of pudding on the base (to prevent slipping).
· Add a layer of Nilla Wafers (about ⅓ of the box).
· Top with a layer of sliced bananas and sliced strawberries.
· Spread ⅓ of the cheesecake pudding over the fruit.
· Repeat layers 2 more times, ending with pudding on top.
· Optional: Drizzle strawberry sauce between layers for extra strawberry flavor.
Finish & Chill:
· Spread the reserved whipped cream over the top layer.
· Garnish with crushed Nilla Wafers, sliced strawberries, and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs.
· Cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the cookies to soften into cake-like layers and flavors to meld.
Tips for Success
· Banana browning prevention: Toss banana slices in a little lemon juice before layering if not assembling immediately.
· Cream cheese must be soft to avoid lumps in the pudding.