Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding

Start by beating the cream cheese in a bowl until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fully combined. Next, whisk in the vanilla pudding mix and some milk. Once everything is incorporated, fold in the whipped heavy cream. The whipped cream helps to give the filling its airy, cheesecake-like consistency.

2. Layer the Dessert:

Now comes the fun part—layering! In a trifle dish or a 9×13-inch glass dish, start by placing a layer of Nilla wafers at the bottom. Add a layer of sliced bananas on top of the cookies. Then, spread a generous layer of the cheesecake filling over the bananas. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of cheesecake filling on top.

3. Add Fresh Strawberries:

Top the final layer of cheesecake filling with fresh, sliced strawberries. You can arrange them in a decorative pattern, or simply scatter them across the top. The strawberries add a pop of color and a burst of fruity freshness that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the cheesecake filling.

4. Chill and Serve:

Once all the layers are assembled, cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dessert to firm up, making it easier to serve. The longer it chills, the more the flavors will develop.

Before serving, you can garnish the pudding with extra whipped cream or more fresh strawberries for a little extra flair.

Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding

• Banana Placement: Bananas tend to brown quickly, so be sure to layer them in the pudding just before serving. You can also try tossing the banana slices in a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
• Customize the Flavor: Feel free to play with the fruit layers. You could add raspberries, blueberries, or even a drizzle of strawberry or caramel syrup for extra flavor.
• Texture Variation: For a bit of crunch, you can swap out some of the Nilla wafers for graham crackers or shortbread cookies.
• Make Ahead: This dessert can be made ahead of time, which is a big plus when hosting a gathering. It only gets better as it sits and allows the flavors to combine.

Why You’ll Love It

This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is a versatile, no-bake dessert that works for a variety of occasions. The combination of creamy cheesecake filling, fresh strawberries, and the classic banana pudding flavors is irresistible. Plus, the layers are so visually appealing that it will make a stunning centerpiece at your next party or family dinner.

Whether you’re a cheesecake lover, a banana pudding aficionado, or just a fan of fresh, fruity desserts, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Light yet decadent, this dessert delivers the perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite.

So the next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, give this twist on the traditional banana pudding a try. Your taste buds will thank you!

Enjoy!