Description
This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is a luscious, no-bake dessert combining creamy cheesecake, fresh fruit, and classic vanilla pudding layered over crunchy vanilla wafers. Perfectly chilled for a few hours, this treat offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it an ideal dessert for gatherings or a sweet family indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Mixture
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Vanilla Pudding
- 1 (5.1 oz) box vanilla instant pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
Fruit and Layers
- 1 box vanilla wafers (or other cookies of choice)
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Crushed strawberry wafers (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a mixer until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue beating until everything is well combined and creamy.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated. Set this cheesecake mixture aside.
- Make the Vanilla Pudding: In another bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until the pudding thickens. Allow it to stand and firm up for a few minutes before layering.
- Layer the Dessert: In a serving dish, start by layering the vanilla wafers evenly at the bottom. Add a layer of sliced bananas and chopped strawberries over the cookies.
- Add Cream and Pudding Layers: Spread a generous layer of the cheesecake mixture over the fruit, followed by a layer of the vanilla pudding. Repeat these layers as needed, depending on your dish size and desired thickness.
- Garnish and Chill: Top the final layer with fresh strawberries and optionally crushed strawberry wafers for extra crunch. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to firm up completely before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe but firm bananas to avoid mushiness in layers.
- You can substitute vanilla wafers with any cookie of your choice, such as graham crackers or shortbread.
- Allowing the dessert to chill overnight enhances the flavor and texture considerably.
- Use fresh strawberries instead of frozen for optimal freshness and flavor.
- For a quicker version, chill for a minimum of 3 hours but overnight chilling is recommended.
