There's something undeniably irresistible about the combination of strawberries, cheesecake, and banana pudding. This delightful dessert layers creamy cheesecake filling, ripe bananas, and sweet strawberries with luscious vanilla pudding and vanilla wafers. Every spoonful is a bite of pure indulgence!

I first made this Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding for a summer barbecue, and it was an instant hit. The velvety texture, fresh fruit, and crunchy cookies made it the most talked-about dessert of the evening. Since then, it has become a go-to treat for family gatherings and special occasions.

Why You'll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding

Get ready to fall in love with this unique twist on classic banana pudding. It's rich, creamy, and bursting with fresh fruit flavors!

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients and no baking required, you can whip this up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute desserts.

Second, it's a crowd-pleaser. The combination of strawberries, bananas, and cheesecake filling is universally loved, ensuring that everyone at the table will be reaching for seconds.

It’s also perfect for make-ahead preparation. The longer it chills, the better the flavors meld together, making it ideal for parties, potlucks, or meal-prepping your weekly sweet treats.

Finally, this dessert is beautifully layered. The vibrant red strawberries, soft bananas, and creamy cheesecake pudding create a visually stunning dish that's just as appealing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding comes from its fresh and creamy ingredients. Let’s break down what makes this dessert so special.

Strawberries bring a burst of natural sweetness and a pop of color. Fresh, ripe strawberries work best, but you can also use frozen ones if fresh aren’t in season—just be sure to thaw and drain them well.

Bananas add that signature banana pudding flavor. Choose bananas that are just ripe—firm with a slight give but without too many brown spots. Overripe bananas can become too mushy when layered in the pudding.

Cream cheese is the secret to the cheesecake-like richness in this dessert. Be sure to use full-fat cream cheese at room temperature for the creamiest texture when blending.

Vanilla pudding mix forms the base of the pudding layers. Instant pudding works best because it thickens quickly and blends smoothly with the cheesecake mixture.

Vanilla wafers provide the classic crunch and structure. They soften over time, soaking up the flavors of the pudding, making each bite wonderfully tender and delicious.

You'll also need milk, heavy cream, and powdered sugar to create the luscious cheesecake filling. A hand mixer or stand mixer is helpful for getting that perfectly whipped consistency.

How To Make This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding

Making this Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is a simple and rewarding process. Let’s walk through it step by step.

Start by preparing the cheesecake filling. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Once fully combined, fold in the whipped heavy cream until light and fluffy.

Next, make the vanilla pudding. In a separate bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk until thickened. Let it sit for a few minutes, then gently fold it into the cheesecake mixture. This combination creates the rich, velvety base for the dessert.

Now it's time to assemble the layers. Start with a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom of your serving dish. Top with a layer of sliced bananas, followed by a layer of sliced strawberries. Spread a generous amount of the cheesecake pudding mixture over the fruit. Repeat the layers until you reach the top, finishing with a final layer of pudding and a garnish of fresh strawberries.

Cover and chill the pudding for at least 4 hours (or overnight). This allows the flavors to meld and the vanilla wafers to soften, creating the perfect texture.

When ready to serve, add a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of decadence.

Storage Options

To keep your Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days before the bananas start to brown too much.

If you want to make it ahead, you can prepare the pudding and cheesecake mixture separately and assemble it just before serving. This keeps the fruit fresh and the wafers crisp for a more structured dessert.

Avoid freezing this pudding, as the texture of the bananas and cream cheese mixture can become grainy when thawed.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is flexible and can be adjusted based on dietary needs and preferences. Here are a few fun variations to try:

For a chocolate twist, swap the vanilla pudding mix for chocolate pudding and add a layer of crushed chocolate cookies instead of vanilla wafers.

If you’re dairy-free, use plant-based cream cheese, coconut whipped cream, and almond milk in place of dairy ingredients. The results will still be creamy and delicious.

Want extra crunch? Try using graham crackers instead of vanilla wafers for a more cheesecake-like experience.

For a berry mix-up, add blueberries or raspberries along with the strawberries for even more fruity goodness.

Experiment and make this dessert your own—it's hard to go wrong with these flavors!