Description
This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is a luscious layered dessert combining creamy cheesecake filling, instant banana pudding, fresh strawberries, and bananas, all nestled between crunchy vanilla wafers. Chilled to perfection, it offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors, perfect for a refreshing and indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Banana Pudding
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant banana pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups cold milk
Layers and Garnishes
- 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 2 bananas, sliced
- ½ cup strawberry sauce or puree
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to create a light and fluffy cheesecake filling.
- Make the Banana Pudding: In another bowl, whisk together the instant banana pudding mix and cold milk until the mixture thickens. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to fully set, then gently fold the banana pudding into the prepared cheesecake mixture to create a rich and creamy banana cheesecake base.
- Layer the Dessert: In your chosen serving dish or individual cups, start by spreading a layer of crushed vanilla wafers. Spoon over a layer of the banana cheesecake mixture, drizzle with strawberry sauce or puree, then add fresh strawberries and banana slices on top. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing off with a top layer of fresh fruit and crumbled cookies for extra texture and visual appeal.
- Chill & Serve: Cover the assembled dessert and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to set properly. Just before serving, optionally top with additional whipped cream, extra fresh fruit, and more crumbled vanilla wafers for added decadence. Serve chilled and enjoy this creamy, fruity dessert!
Notes
- For best results, chill the dessert overnight to enhance flavor blending and texture.
- Use fresh ripe bananas and strawberries for optimal taste and freshness.
- The dessert can be made in individual serving cups for easy portioning and presentation.
- Substitute vanilla wafers with graham crackers if preferred for a slightly different flavor.
- To make it a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese and whipped topping instead of heavy cream.
