Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding

Last weekend, my niece came over for a sleepover, and like any food-loving aunt, I knew we needed something sweet to mark the occasion. After a movie marathon and a board game or two, she casually mentioned how much she loved both banana pudding and cheesecake.

That’s when the lightbulb moment happened. Why not blend the two into one glorious dessert—and toss in some fresh strawberries for a burst of color and flavor?

We spent the next hour in the kitchen—her stealing wafers while I tried to stay on task. We layered, we giggled, we snuck bites of whipped topping when we thought the other wasn’t looking.

What came out of the fridge a few hours later wasn’t just a dessert. It was the taste of joy layered in vanilla, banana, strawberry, and cream. This recipe brought our evening to life, and I promise, it’ll bring something special to your table, too.

Short Description

A creamy, fruity, no-bake dessert layered with banana pudding, fluffy cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and vanilla wafers. This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is light, comforting, and perfect for warm days or family get-togethers.

Ingredients

For the Pudding Layer:

• 1 box (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 cup sliced bananas

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 8 oz light cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sweetener (or regular powdered sugar)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup whipped topping or Greek yogurt

For the Strawberry Layer:

• 1 ½ cups sliced fresh strawberries
• 2 tbsp honey or sugar-free syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)

For the Assembly:

• 1 ½ cups light whipped topping
• 20-24 vanilla wafers (or graham crackers, if preferred)
• Extra banana and strawberry slices for garnish

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Electric hand mixer
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• 9×9-inch dish or trifle bowl (or individual jars)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pudding Layer
In a bowl, whisk together the banana pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened and smooth. Fold in sliced bananas. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
Beat softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth. Add powdered sweetener and vanilla extract; mix until well combined. Gently fold in whipped topping or Greek yogurt until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Layer
In a small bowl, toss sliced strawberries with honey or sugar-free syrup to boost sweetness, especially if berries are slightly tart. Set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Dessert
Layer vanilla wafers at the bottom of your dish or jars. Spread half of the banana pudding over the wafers.

Add half of the cheesecake mixture, then top with half the strawberries Repeat the layers with the remaining pudding, cheesecake, and strawberries.

Step 5: Finish and Chill
Top the final layer with light whipped topping and garnish with fresh banana and strawberry slices. Refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors combine and the layers set.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

– No baking required—perfect for warm days

– Combines classic flavors into one irresistible treat

– Naturally sweet and refreshing with fresh fruit

– Easy to customize and assemble

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Using overripe bananas
If your bananas are too soft or mushy, they’ll become slimy in the pudding. Choose firm, just-ripe bananas for best texture.

Skipping the chill time
Don’t rush it—refrigeration helps the layers meld and the wafers soften. Chill for at least 2 hours, ideally longer.

Overmixing cream cheese
If overmixed, cream cheese can turn runny. Mix just until smooth, and fold gently when adding the whipped topping or yogurt.

Layering warm pudding
Always make sure your pudding is cool before layering. Warm pudding can melt the whipped topping and ruin the texture.

Not tasting the strawberries
If your strawberries aren’t sweet enough, a quick toss in honey or syrup brings out their flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

– Serve chilled in a glass trifle bowl or mini mason jars for a pretty presentation

– Perfect for family-style potlucks or plated for a special dessert

– Pair with iced tea, lemonade, or a chilled rosé for adults

– Add a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side for extra protein

– Great as a light afternoon treat or post-dinner indulgence

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Cover tightly and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

No Freezing: This dessert doesn’t freeze well—the fruit and pudding may separate after thawing.

Serving again: Before serving leftovers, stir gently if the layers have shifted. Add fresh fruit on top for a refreshed look.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dessert the night before?
Yes! In fact, making it the night before allows the layers to set and flavors to develop even more.

2. What can I use instead of vanilla wafers?
Graham crackers or shortbread cookies work beautifully. Even crushed biscoff cookies can add a twist.

3. Is there a dairy-free version?
Yes, use plant-based cream cheese, non-dairy whipped topping, and almond or oat milk in the pudding.

4. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh is best, but if using frozen, thaw and drain well to avoid excess moisture in the layers.

5. How do I make it less sweet?
Use unsweetened Greek yogurt in the cheesecake layer and skip the honey or syrup in the strawberries.

Tips & Tricks

– Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing—it blends smoother.

– Use a piping bag for the cheesecake layer in jars for a neat presentation.

– Crumble a few cookies on top just before serving for extra crunch.

– For a firmer texture, chill overnight and serve with a firm spatula.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Strawberry Banana Pudding
Swap banana pudding for chocolate pudding. Keep all other layers the same for a chocolate-covered strawberry vibe.

Peach Cheesecake Pudding
Replace strawberries with sliced peaches and use vanilla pudding instead of banana. Add a touch of cinnamon to the cream cheese layer.

Low-Sugar Version
Use sugar-free pudding, stevia-based sweetener, and unsweetened almond milk. Opt for sugar-free wafers and whipped topping.

Tropical Twist
Use coconut milk in the pudding, add crushed pineapple with the bananas, and sprinkle shredded coconut on top.

Nutty Crunch Layer
Add chopped pecans or walnuts between the layers for extra texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This dessert has a way of turning any moment into something memorable. Between the creamy cheesecake layer and bursts of real fruit, every spoonful feels like a little reward at the end of a long day. I’ve made this recipe for family dinners, casual potlucks, and quiet weekends alike, and it never fails to disappear fast.

What I enjoy most is how customizable it is—you can play with flavors without losing the heart of the dish. It’s the kind of treat that invites you to experiment, layer by layer, until it fits your taste perfectly. And when shared, it somehow always sparks a smile. That’s the power of good dessert—it brings people together, one chilled bite at a time.