Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding

Creamy cheesecake, silky vanilla pudding, fresh strawberries, and sweet bananas come together in this irresistible layered dessert.

This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding takes classic banana pudding to the next level. Layers of creamy cheesecake filling, homemade-style vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, juicy strawberries, and crisp vanilla wafers create a dessert that’s rich, fruity, and wonderfully refreshing when chilled.

It’s perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, birthdays, holidays, and any occasion where you need an impressive dessert that’s easy to assemble.

⏱ Recipe Information

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 10–12
Difficulty: Easy
Method: No-Bake

Ingredients

Cheesecake Layer

16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
¾ cup powdered sugar
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Pudding Layer

2 boxes instant vanilla pudding mix, 3.4 oz each
3 cups cold whole milk

Fruit & Assembly

3–4 ripe bananas, sliced
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 box vanilla wafers, approximately 11 oz
½ cup fresh strawberries, for garnish
½ banana, sliced, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

Place the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl.

Beat with an electric mixer until completely smooth and creamy.

Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.

Beat again until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.

2. Whip the Cream

In a separate chilled bowl, beat the cold heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.

Do not overbeat.

The whipped cream should be thick enough to hold its shape.

3. Combine the Cheesecake Filling

Add approximately one-third of the whipped cream to the cream cheese mixture.

Gently fold it in with a spatula.

Add the remaining whipped cream in two additions, folding gently each time.

Continue until the mixture is light, fluffy, and completely combined.

Set aside.

4. Prepare the Vanilla Pudding

Pour the cold whole milk into a large bowl.

Add both packages of instant vanilla pudding mix.

Whisk vigorously for approximately 2 minutes, or according to the pudding package instructions, until the mixture becomes thick and smooth.

Allow the pudding to stand for approximately 5 minutes to fully set.

5. Prepare the Fruit

Hull the strawberries and slice them into thin pieces.

Peel the bananas and slice them into approximately ¼-inch rounds.

For the best appearance and texture, prepare the bananas shortly before assembling the dessert.

6. Choose Your Serving Dish

Use a large 9×13-inch baking dish, trifle bowl, or deep glass serving dish.

A glass dish is especially beautiful because it allows the colorful layers to be visible.

7. Create the First Cookie Layer

Arrange a layer of vanilla wafers across the bottom of the dish.

Break a few cookies into smaller pieces to fill any large gaps.

8. Add the Cheesecake Layer

Spoon approximately half of the cheesecake mixture over the cookies.

Spread it gently into an even layer.

9. Add the Fruit

Arrange a layer of sliced bananas over the cheesecake mixture.

Add a layer of sliced strawberries.

Try to distribute the fruit evenly so every serving contains both banana and strawberry.

10. Add the Pudding

Spoon approximately half of the vanilla pudding over the fruit.

Spread gently until the fruit is covered.

11. Repeat the Layers

Repeat the layers:

Vanilla wafers
Remaining cheesecake filling
Bananas
Strawberries
Remaining vanilla pudding

Smooth the top gently with a spatula.

12. Add the Final Garnish

Decorate the top with:

Fresh strawberry slices
Banana slices
Vanilla wafers
Crushed cookie crumbs

For a more elegant finish, pipe small swirls of whipped cream around the edge and place a strawberry on each swirl.

13. Chill

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate overnight.

The chilling time allows the cookies to soften slightly and absorb the creamy layers while still maintaining some texture.

14. Serve

Scoop the pudding into individual bowls or dessert glasses, making sure each serving contains multiple layers.

Serve cold.

Chef’s Tips

Use Ripe but Firm Bananas

Choose bananas that are sweet and ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape.

Avoid very soft or heavily spotted bananas, which can become mushy in the pudding.

Slice Bananas Just Before Assembly

Freshly sliced bananas are less likely to discolor.

For additional protection, toss the slices very lightly with lemon juice before layering.

Chill Overnight

While 4 hours is enough, overnight chilling gives the flavors more time to blend and creates an especially creamy texture.

Don’t Overwhip the Cream

Stop once stiff peaks form. Overwhipping can make the cream grainy and eventually turn it into butter.

Use a Clear Dish

A glass trifle bowl makes the layers especially attractive and turns this simple dessert into a beautiful centerpiece.

Optional Strawberry Cheesecake Sauce

For an extra strawberry flavor, prepare a quick sauce using:

1 cup chopped strawberries
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Combine in a small saucepan and cook over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cool completely before drizzling between the layers or over individual servings.

Variations

Chocolate Strawberry Version

Add a layer of chocolate pudding or chocolate cookie crumbs.

Nutella Version

Drizzle a small amount of warmed chocolate-hazelnut spread between the layers.

Graham Cracker Cheesecake Version

Replace some of the vanilla wafers with crushed graham crackers for a stronger cheesecake flavor.

Extra Strawberry Version

Add a layer of strawberry preserves or strawberry sauce between the cheesecake and fruit layers.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This dessert is perfect for preparing ahead.

Assemble it up to 24 hours before serving.

Keep tightly covered and refrigerated.

For the freshest appearance, add the final banana slices and strawberry garnish shortly before serving.

Storage

Keep the banana pudding refrigerated.

Refrigerator: Best enjoyed within 2–3 days.

The cookies will continue to soften over time, while the bananas may gradually darken.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dessert chilled with:

Extra whipped cream
Fresh strawberries
Vanilla wafers
Strawberry sauce
Caramel drizzle
White chocolate shavings

Individual dessert cups are perfect for parties because each guest gets their own beautiful layered serving.

Recipe Summary

This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding combines everything you love about classic banana pudding with the rich, creamy flavor of cheesecake and the fresh sweetness of strawberries.

Layers of vanilla wafers, fluffy cheesecake filling, silky vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, and juicy strawberries create a cool, creamy dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Creamy cheesecake + fresh strawberries + sweet bananas + vanilla wafers = pure dessert happiness.