Description

This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is a luscious, no-bake dessert that layers creamy cheesecake-flavored pudding with fresh bananas, strawberries, and crunchy vanilla wafer cookies. Perfectly chilled for a refreshing treat, it combines smooth cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and instant vanilla pudding for a rich, indulgent flavor reminiscent of classic cheesecake with a fruity twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheesecake Pudding Mixture

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
1 ½ cups cold milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed

Fruit and Cookies

3 cups sliced fresh strawberries
3–4 ripe bananas, sliced
1 box vanilla wafer cookies (about 11 oz)
Extra strawberries and crushed cookies for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Beat Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps for the best texture in the pudding.
Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Incorporate the sweetened condensed milk into the cream cheese and mix until well combined, creating a rich and sweet base.
Prepare Pudding Mix: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Combine Mixtures: Add the thickened pudding mixture and vanilla extract to the cream cheese blend, then beat until smooth and fully integrated.
Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the pudding mixture to add lightness and creaminess without deflating the mixture.
Layer Ingredients: In a trifle dish or 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the vanilla wafers evenly on the bottom, then add a layer of banana slices followed by a layer of strawberries.
Add Pudding Mixture: Spread about one-third of the pudding mixture over the layered fruit and cookies. Repeat the layering process two more times, finishing with the pudding mixture on top.
Chill: Cover the assembled pudding and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the cookies to soften.
Garnish and Serve: Before serving, optionally garnish with extra fresh strawberries and crushed vanilla wafers for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

For a stronger cheesecake flavor, use an additional block of cream cheese.
You can substitute vanilla wafer cookies with shortbread cookies or graham crackers for a different texture and flavor.
This dessert is best served chilled and consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.