Indulge in the creamy, fruity perfection of this Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding Layers of velvety cheesecake pudding, fresh strawberries, bananas, and vanilla wafers create a show-stopping no-bake dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding – The Ultimate No-Bake Dessert Dream
If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the creaminess of cheesecake, the sweetness of bananas, and the freshness of strawberries, this Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is exactly what you need. It’s cool, creamy, and irresistibly delicious — a no-bake treat that looks as beautiful as it tastes.
This dessert is a twist on the classic Southern banana pudding, but with a luscious cheesecake layer that elevates it to something truly special. Each spoonful gives you the perfect balance of flavors: tangy cream cheese, fresh fruit, and the nostalgic crunch of vanilla wafers softened to perfection.
Perfect for holidays, potlucks, family dinners, or summer get-togethers, this layered dessert requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Plus, it can be made ahead, making it a stress-free choice for entertaining.
Why This Recipe Works
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No Baking Required: Perfect for hot days or busy schedules — no oven needed!
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Creamy Cheesecake Base: A blend of cream cheese and pudding gives a rich, tangy flavor.
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Fresh and Fruity Layers: Strawberries and bananas add natural sweetness and freshness.
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Beautiful Presentation: The layered design makes it visually stunning for parties or gatherings.
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Customizable: You can use different fruits, cookies, or puddings to make it your own.
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Make-Ahead Dessert: It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Pudding Layer:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
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1 package (3.4 oz) instant cheesecake pudding mix (vanilla works too)
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2 cups cold milk
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
For the Layers:
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1 box (11 oz) vanilla wafers (Nilla Wafers or similar)
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3–4 ripe bananas, sliced
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2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
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Additional whipped topping, for garnish
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Crushed wafers or graham cracker crumbs, for topping
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Optional: strawberry sauce or preserves for drizzle
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Pudding Mixture
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
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Add the sweetened condensed milk and beat again until fully combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the cheesecake pudding mix, cold milk, and vanilla extract for about 2 minutes until thickened.
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Gently fold the pudding mixture into the cream cheese base.
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Finally, fold in the whipped topping until smooth and fluffy. This creates a creamy, mousse-like texture that holds up beautifully in layers.
Step 2: Prepare the Fruit and Cookies
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Wash and slice the strawberries into thin pieces.
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Slice the bananas just before assembling to prevent browning.
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Open your box of vanilla wafers — these will add crunch and structure to your dessert.
Step 3: Layer the Dessert
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In a 9×13-inch glass dish or a large trifle bowl, start with a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom.
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Add a layer of sliced bananas, followed by a layer of strawberries.
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Spoon a thick layer of the cheesecake pudding mixture over the fruit.
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Repeat the layers — wafers, bananas, strawberries, and cheesecake filling — until all ingredients are used, finishing with a smooth layer of cheesecake pudding on top.
Step 4: Garnish the Top
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Spread a final layer of whipped topping across the surface.
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Garnish with crushed wafers or graham cracker crumbs.
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Decorate with sliced strawberries or banana slices for a professional touch.
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Optional: drizzle a bit of strawberry sauce over the top for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Cover the dessert with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the cookies to soften and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Tips for Success
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Use Cold Ingredients: Cold pudding and milk help achieve a thick, creamy texture.
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Prevent Banana Browning: Toss banana slices in a bit of lemon juice before layering.
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Use a Glass Dish: The layers look stunning when visible through the sides.
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Make Ahead: Prepare the dessert a day in advance for the best flavor and texture.
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Avoid Overmixing: Fold gently to keep the cheesecake pudding light and airy.
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Stabilize for Travel: If transporting, freeze for 30 minutes before leaving to firm it up.
Variations
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Strawberry Shortcake Banana Pudding: Use shortbread cookies or pound cake instead of vanilla wafers.
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Chocolate Lovers’ Version: Add a layer of chocolate pudding or chocolate wafers.
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Tropical Twist: Substitute strawberries with mangoes or pineapple for a fruity island flavor.
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Oreo Cheesecake Banana Pudding: Use crushed Oreos in place of wafers and chocolate pudding instead of cheesecake mix.
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Sugar-Free Version: Use sugar-free pudding mix, light whipped topping, and reduced-sugar wafers.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve chilled as a dessert after dinner or at gatherings.
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Spoon into individual dessert cups or mason jars for parties or picnics.
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Top with whipped cream and a single strawberry slice for a restaurant-style look.
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerate: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Freeze: Not recommended, as bananas and pudding lose texture when thawed.
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Make Ahead: Prepare 24 hours in advance and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 350
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Fat: 14g
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Carbohydrates: 48g
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Protein: 5g
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Fiber: 2g
Why This Recipe Works (Bullet Points)
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Cream cheese adds a tangy, cheesecake-like richness.
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Sweetened condensed milk gives smooth, creamy consistency.
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Fresh strawberries and bananas bring natural sweetness and freshness.
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Vanilla wafers soak up flavor, becoming soft yet structured.
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Layers create visual beauty and texture variety.
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Whipped topping lightens the richness, keeping it fluffy.
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The make-ahead nature allows flavors to develop beautifully overnight.
Why This Recipe Works (Paragraph)
This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding works because it balances rich creaminess with fresh fruit flavor and light, airy texture. The combination of cream cheese, pudding, and condensed milk creates a luscious cheesecake base, while the layers of strawberries, bananas, and wafers provide sweetness, freshness, and crunch. As it chills, the flavors blend harmoniously, and the wafers soften into a cake-like texture. Every bite delivers the perfect contrast of creamy, fruity, and velvety goodness a dessert that’s easy, elegant, and utterly irresistible.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding isn’t just a dessert it’s a showstopper. With its layers of fruit, cookies, and cheesecake pudding, it’s creamy, dreamy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, potluck, or just because, this recipe will always leave a lasting impression.
No oven, no stress just pure, decadent comfort in every bite.
