Let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: strawberry cheesecake banana pudding! This delightful treat is a heavenly combination of creamy cheesecake and luscious banana pudding, all layered up with fresh strawberries. I first whipped this up for a summer picnic, and it disappeared faster than I could say “seconds, please!” The flavors meld together so beautifully, and the texture is just divine—smooth, creamy, and perfectly balanced. Plus, it’s a no-bake dish, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the sunshine! Trust me, once you try making this strawberry cheesecake banana pudding, you’ll want to share it with everyone you know!
Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup fresh strawberry puree (made from blended strawberries)
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
How to Prepare Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Yes, I know it’s a no-bake dessert, but we need to toast those graham crackers a bit for the crust!
- In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers with the melted butter. Mix until it resembles wet sand. Then, press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish to create a lovely crust. It should be firm and even!
- Now, grab another bowl and beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. I like to use an electric mixer for this—it makes it super smooth. Once it’s creamy and well combined, gently fold in the whipped cream. This adds that airy texture we love!
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust. Take your time with this step; the smoother, the better!
- Next, layer on those beautiful banana slices right on top of the cream cheese layer. Don’t be shy—more bananas mean more flavor!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until it thickens up nicely. This should take just a couple of minutes. Pour this creamy goodness over the bananas, spreading it out evenly.
- Finally, drizzle that gorgeous strawberry puree over the top. You can create fun swirls if you like; it adds a pop of color!
- Cover your dish with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. This is crucial for letting all those flavors meld together beautifully. Trust me, the wait will be worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a delicious fusion of strawberry cheesecake and banana pudding flavors.
- No-bake, so you can whip it up without turning on the oven!
- Perfect for gatherings—everyone will ask for the recipe!
- Easy to customize with your favorite fruits or toppings.
- Rich, creamy texture that will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds!).
Tips for Success with Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding
To make sure your strawberry cheesecake banana pudding turns out perfectly, here are some of my top tips! First, use fresh, ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture; they’ll add that lovely sweetness. When making the strawberry puree, blend fresh strawberries for a vibrant taste—frozen berries just don’t compare! Also, be gentle when folding in the whipped cream; you want to keep that light, airy texture. Finally, don’t skip the chilling time! Allowing it to set in the fridge is key for those amazing flavors to meld together. Trust me, you’ll love the results!
Variations of Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding
One of the best things about this strawberry cheesecake banana pudding is how easily it can be customized! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the bananas for sliced peaches or even fresh mangoes for a tropical twist. You could also mix in some crushed pineapple for a fun flavor combo! Want to amp up the cheesecake vibe? Add a touch of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a citrusy kick. And if you’re a chocolate lover, consider drizzling some chocolate sauce over the top before chilling. The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding
To store any leftovers of your delicious strawberry cheesecake banana pudding, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but trust me when I say it’s best enjoyed fresh! There’s no need to reheat this dessert; serve it chilled straight from the fridge for the perfect creamy treat. Enjoy every last bite!
Nutritional Information
Each slice of this scrumptious strawberry cheesecake banana pudding is approximately 300 calories, making it a delightful treat without going overboard. It contains about 15g of sugar, 15g of fat (with 8g being saturated fat), and 4g of protein. Plus, you’ll get around 40g of carbohydrates and 2g of fiber. Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on standard ingredients, so they may vary slightly depending on what you use. Enjoy every creamy, dreamy bite!
FAQ Section about Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it a day in advance. The longer it chills, the better the flavors meld together, making every bite even more delicious.
Can I use frozen strawberries for the puree?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for that vibrant taste, you can use frozen ones. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before blending to avoid excess liquid.
What if I don’t have graham crackers?
No worries! You can substitute with crushed cookies like vanilla wafers or even chocolate cookies for a fun twist. Just adjust the amount of sugar if your cookies are sweetened.
How do I know when it’s set?
After chilling for at least 4 hours, the pudding should be firm to the touch and hold its shape. If it jiggles slightly, that’s okay—just give it a bit more time in the fridge!
Can I add other fruits?
Definitely! This strawberry cheesecake banana pudding is super versatile. Try adding blueberries, raspberries, or even some kiwi slices for a fruity explosion. Just remember to keep the balance of flavors in mind!
Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding That Will Dazzle You
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious dessert combining strawberry cheesecake and banana pudding flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 1 cup strawberry puree
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix crushed graham crackers and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish.
- In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
- Fold in whipped cream.
- Spread cream cheese mixture over the crust.
- Layer sliced bananas on top.
- In another bowl, whisk pudding mix with milk until thickened.
- Pour pudding over bananas.
- Drizzle strawberry puree on top.
- Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for the puree.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Can substitute bananas with other fruits.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: strawberry cheesecake banana pudding