Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding 🍓🍌🍰

Imagine layers of rich cheesecake, ripe bananas, fresh strawberries, and creamy pudding all coming together in a dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing. Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is the perfect combination of flavors and textures—creamy, fruity, and utterly delicious. This twist on the classic banana pudding will make any occasion extra special, whether it's a family gathering, a potluck, or just a sweet treat to enjoy on your own.

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Ingredients:

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup sour cream

For the Pudding Layer:

• 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix (5.1 oz)

• 2 cups cold milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Fruit:

• 3 ripe bananas, sliced

• 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

For the Assembly:

• 1 package (about 12 oz) vanilla wafers

• 1/2 cup whipped cream (for topping, optional)

• Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:

• Start by beating the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. The mixture should be light and fluffy, with no lumps.

• Add in the vanilla extract and sour cream, and continue beating until combined.

• In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture. This will give the cheesecake layer a light and airy texture, making it feel just like a cheesecake in every bite.

2. Make the Pudding Layer:

• In another bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk and vanilla extract. Continue whisking for about 2 minutes, or until the pudding thickens. Once it has set to the proper consistency, set it aside.

3. Prepare the Fruit:

• Slice the bananas into 1/4-inch thick rounds and set aside.

• Hull and slice the strawberries, creating thin slices for easy layering. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can toss the strawberries in a little sugar to draw out some extra juice.

4. Assemble the Dessert:

• Start by arranging a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom of a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses.

• Spread half of the cheesecake layer over the wafers, smoothing it out to cover the surface evenly.

• Next, layer the sliced bananas and sliced strawberries over the cheesecake. Don’t be afraid to pile them high—this fruit layer will bring a refreshing balance to the richness of the cheesecake and pudding.

• Pour half of the vanilla pudding mixture over the fruit layer, spreading it gently with a spatula.

• Repeat the layers: another layer of vanilla wafers, the remaining cheesecake mixture, bananas, strawberries, and finally, the rest of the vanilla pudding. Finish by spreading it out evenly to cover the entire dessert.

5. Chill and Serve:

• Cover the dessert with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This helps the flavors to meld together and allows the wafers to soften, creating that signature banana pudding texture.

• Before serving, top with a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with fresh mint leaves for an added touch of color and freshness.

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Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding:

• Layering Tips: For a beautiful presentation, make sure your layers are evenly spaced and the edges are clean. Use a glass trifle dish to show off the vibrant layers!

• Banana Freshness: If you're worried about the bananas browning, toss them in a little lemon juice before layering them to keep them fresh longer.

• Customize the Fruit: You can switch up the fruit based on what’s in season. Try adding blueberries, blackberries, or peaches for a fun twist.

• Make it Ahead: This dessert tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld, so make it ahead for a hassle-free party dessert.

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Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 350-400

• Fat: 22g

• Carbs: 35g

• Sugar: 28g

• Protein: 4g

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Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is a decadent dessert that combines the best of both worlds: the creamy richness of cheesecake, the smoothness of pudding, and the light freshness of fruit. Every spoonful is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, and it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply enjoying a treat at home, this dessert is guaranteed to impress!