Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding

Creamy cheesecake pudding layered with sweet bananas, juicy strawberries, and buttery vanilla cookies, then finished with a fluffy strawberry topping and crunchy cookie crumbs. It’s an easy no-bake dessert that looks beautiful in individual cups or one large dish.

 Ingredients

For the Cheesecake Pudding

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 package (3.4 oz / 96 g) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups cold whole milk
• 1 cup whipped topping, thawed

For the Fruit & Cookie Layers

• 3–4 ripe bananas, sliced
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1 package vanilla wafer cookies
• ½ cup strawberry preserves, optional

For the Strawberry Topping

• 1 cup whipped topping
• ½ cup finely chopped strawberries
• 1–2 tablespoons strawberry preserves

For Garnishing

• Extra strawberries, sliced
• Banana slices
• Crushed vanilla wafers

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the cheesecake mixture

Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until completely smooth and creamy.

Add the vanilla and mix well.

In a separate bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with the cold milk for about 2 minutes, until thickened.

Gradually beat the pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture.

Gently fold in 1 cup whipped topping until light and fluffy.

2. Prepare the strawberry topping

Mix the chopped strawberries with the strawberry preserves.

Gently fold this mixture into 1 cup whipped topping.

Set aside for the final layer.

3. Build the layers

For individual dessert cups, start with a layer of crushed vanilla wafers.

Add a layer of sliced bananas and strawberries.

Spoon over a generous layer of cheesecake pudding.

Add another layer of vanilla wafers, followed by more fruit and pudding.

Repeat until the cups are nearly full.

4. Finish the dessert

Top each cup with the strawberry whipped topping.

Garnish with sliced strawberries, banana slices and crushed vanilla wafers.

5. Chill

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours before serving.

For the best flavor and texture, chilling overnight allows the cookies to soften slightly and the layers to meld together.

🍓 Tips for the Best Banana Pudding

• Use ripe but firm bananas so they don’t become mushy.
• Choose strawberries that are bright, firm and sweet.
• Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.
• Use cold milk when preparing the instant pudding.
• For a stronger strawberry flavor, add a thin layer of strawberry preserves between the pudding layers.
• Add the banana slices closer to serving if you’re preparing the dessert more than a day ahead.

🥜 Nut & Allergy Information

• Nuts: No nuts are required.
• Dairy: Contains cream cheese, milk and whipped topping.
• Gluten: Vanilla wafers generally contain wheat.
• Eggs: Some packaged vanilla wafers may contain eggs.
• Soy: Some cookies and whipped toppings may contain soy.
• For a nut-free dessert, check all packaged ingredients for cross-contact statements.

❓ Q&A

Can I make this in one large dish?
Yes! Use a 9 × 13-inch dish and layer the cookies, fruit and cheesecake pudding just as you would in individual cups.

Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Absolutely. Whip 1 cup cold heavy cream with 2–3 tablespoons powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.

Can I use fresh strawberries in the pudding?
Yes. Finely diced strawberries can be folded into the cheesecake mixture for extra fruit flavor.

How long does it last in the refrigerator?
It’s best enjoyed within 2 days. The bananas will gradually soften and darken, while the cookies become softer.

Can I make it without bananas?
Yes. Simply increase the strawberries or add another fruit such as blueberries or raspberries.

Can I use strawberry pudding instead of vanilla?
Yes. Strawberry pudding gives the dessert an even stronger berry flavor.

Can I freeze banana pudding?
Freezing isn’t recommended because the bananas and creamy pudding can change texture after thawing.

Can I make it ahead for a party?
Yes. Assemble it several hours ahead and refrigerate. For the freshest appearance, add the banana slices and final cookie crumbs shortly before serving.