Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding

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Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding 🍓🍌🍰

A luscious dessert that combines the flavors of cheesecake, banana pudding, and fresh strawberries for a show-stopping treat.

Ingredients

For the Cheesecake Layer:

  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Pudding Layer:

  • 1 (5.1 oz) box vanilla instant pudding mix
  • 2 cups cold milk

For the Dessert:

  • 1 box vanilla wafers (or substitute with shortbread or butter cookies)
  • 2 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • Crushed strawberry wafers (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

  1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
  2. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated.
  3. In a separate bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream with a hand mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form (this may take 2-3 minutes).
  4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, using a spatula to avoid deflating the whipped cream. Set this creamy mixture aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Pudding Layer
5. In another bowl, whisk together the vanilla instant pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture thickens.
6. Allow the pudding to sit for a few minutes to set slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers
7. In a large serving dish, trifle bowl, or individual cups, begin with a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom.
8. Add a layer of banana slices and chopped strawberries on top of the wafers.
9. Spread a layer of the cheesecake mixture evenly over the fruit.
10. Add a layer of vanilla pudding, smoothing it over the cheesecake layer with a spatula.
11. Repeat the layers in the same order—cookies, fruit, cheesecake, and pudding—until the dish is full, ending with the cheesecake or pudding layer on top.

Step 4: Top and Chill
12. Garnish the top layer with extra fresh strawberries and, if desired, crushed strawberry wafers for added texture and color.
13. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to let the flavors meld and the layers firm up.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
14. Serve the dessert chilled, either by scooping into bowls or serving individual cups. Enjoy the creamy, fruity, and indulgent layers of this irresistible treat!

Tips for Success

  • Cream Cheese Texture: Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before beating to avoid lumps.
  • Whipped Cream: Use cold heavy cream and chilled beaters for the best whipped cream texture.
  • Make-Ahead: This dessert tastes even better the next day as the layers set and flavors meld together.

Variations

  • Berry Swap: Substitute or add raspberries or blueberries for extra fruity flavor.
  • Cookie Options: Try graham crackers, ladyfingers, or shortbread cookies instead of vanilla wafers.
  • Chocolate Twist: Drizzle melted chocolate or chocolate syrup between layers for a decadent touch.

This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is sure to impress with its stunning layers and irresistible flavor combination. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or a sweet family treat!

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