Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding Recipe 🍓🍌🍰
This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding combines three beloved desserts into one ultimate treat—cheesecake, banana pudding, and strawberry shortcake. It’s a rich, creamy dessert that brings together the comforting flavors of vanilla pudding, the smooth richness of cheesecake, and the fresh sweetness of strawberries and bananas. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday, a family gathering, or just because, this indulgent dessert is sure to impress everyone who gets a taste!
Ingredients:
For the Banana Pudding Layer:
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 (5.1 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- ½ cup heavy cream, whipped (for extra fluffiness)
For the Strawberry Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers (for a cheesecake-like crust effect)
For Assembly:
- Vanilla wafer cookies (for layering)
- Sliced fresh strawberries (for garnish)
- Banana slices (for garnish)
- Extra graham cracker crumbs (for sprinkling on top)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Banana Pudding Layer
- Make the Pudding:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk and instant vanilla pudding mix. Stir until the pudding thickens, which should take about 5 minutes. Set the pudding aside. - Add the Cream Cheese and Condensed Milk:
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well incorporated and smooth. - Combine the Pudding and Cream Cheese Mixture:
Gently fold the thickened pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula to carefully combine them, creating a smooth, rich consistency. - Whip the Heavy Cream:
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This will help create a light, airy texture for the pudding layer. - Add the Whipped Cream:
Gently fold the whipped heavy cream into the pudding mixture to give it a light and fluffy texture. - Add the Bananas:
Fold in the sliced bananas, leaving a few slices aside for garnish later. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the next layer.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Layer
- Whip the Cream:
In a separate bowl, beat 1 cup of heavy cream with the powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. This will create a thick, creamy texture for the cheesecake layer. - Mix the Cream Cheese:
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and diced fresh strawberries. Mix until the strawberries are well incorporated into the cream cheese, creating a smooth, creamy mixture. - Combine the Whipped Cream with Cream Cheese Mixture:
Gently fold the whipped cream into the strawberry cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream, as this will keep the layer fluffy and light. - Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust:
In a small bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers with a bit of melted butter (optional). Stir until the crumbs are coated and ready for layering. If you want a cheesecake-like crust effect, you can layer the graham cracker crumbs at the bottom of your serving dish.
Step 3: Assemble the Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding
- Layer the Vanilla Wafers:
Begin by placing a layer of vanilla wafer cookies at the bottom of your serving dish. The cookies will serve as the base layer for this dessert. - Add the Banana Pudding Layer:
Spoon the banana pudding mixture on top of the layer of vanilla wafers. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, ensuring the wafers are covered. - Add the Strawberry Cheesecake Layer:
Spoon the strawberry cheesecake mixture on top of the banana pudding layer. Spread it evenly to create a smooth surface. - Repeat the Layers:
If you have enough ingredients, repeat the layering process until you reach the top of your dish. Ensure that the top layer is the strawberry cheesecake layer. - Garnish:
Decorate the top of the dessert with extra sliced bananas, fresh strawberries, and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs. You can also add a few extra vanilla wafers for texture. - Chill:
Cover the dessert with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set.
Notes and Tips:
- Make Ahead: This dessert can be made a day ahead of time, which helps the flavors deepen and allows the dessert to firm up properly.
- Customize the Layers: You can add more layers of vanilla wafers, bananas, or strawberries depending on your preferences. Feel free to adjust the sweetness and amount of graham crackers to your taste.
- Whipped Cream Tip: For best results, make sure your heavy cream is cold before whipping it. This will help it reach stiff peaks more easily.
- Substitutions: If you prefer a lighter dessert, you can substitute the heavy cream with whipped coconut cream or use a lower-fat cream cheese for the cheesecake layer.
Serving Suggestions:
- Perfect for Holidays: This dessert is a great option for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
- Perfect for Parties: Serve it in individual cups for a fun and easy-to-serve dessert at parties or family gatherings.
- Top with Extra Fresh Strawberries: For added freshness, top each serving with additional fresh strawberries or a drizzle of strawberry sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 220mg
Benefits:
- Rich in Calcium: Thanks to the cream cheese, heavy cream, and milk, this dessert provides a good amount of calcium for bone health.
- Antioxidants from Strawberries: The fresh strawberries offer antioxidants that help fight free radicals and promote healthy skin.
- Energy Boost: The bananas and condensed milk provide natural sugars and carbohydrates that offer a quick energy boost.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A):
Q: Can I make this recipe without bananas?
A: Yes, you can substitute the bananas with other fruits like peaches, raspberries, or even blueberries for a different twist.
Q: Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
A: Yes, this dessert is great for make-ahead recipes. It needs to chill for at least 4 hours to set properly, so making it the day before is ideal.
Q: Can I use a different type of pudding mix?
A: While this recipe calls for vanilla pudding, you can experiment with chocolate, butterscotch, or even banana pudding mix for a different flavor profile.
This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is a delightful combination of creamy, fruity, and comforting flavors. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just because, this dessert is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection!