Banana Pudding Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

Dreamy Banana Pudding Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe for Dessert Lovers

My grandmother’s classic banana pudding meets a strawberry cheesecake in this decadent fusion dessert that promises pure indulgence.

Sweet layers of creamy goodness combine unexpected flavors into one spectacular treat.

Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness while fresh strawberries add vibrant color and tangy notes.

Delicate vanilla wafers create a delightful crunch between silky smooth cream cheese and custard layers.

Each bite reveals a perfect balance of textures and complementary tastes.

Smooth, rich, and utterly irresistible, this dessert will become your new favorite summer indulgence.

You cannot wait to slice into this magnificent creation and savor every single delectable moment.

FAQs

  • Can I use fresh bananas instead of mashed bananas in the cheesecake filling?

Yes, ripe fresh bananas work perfectly. Just mash them thoroughly before mixing into the cream cheese mixture to ensure smooth consistency.

  • How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

Choose bananas that are very ripe with dark spots, as they provide the most intense banana flavor and natural sweetness for the cheesecake.

  • Is it necessary to use a springform pan?

A springform pan is recommended because it allows easy removal of the cheesecake without damaging its delicate layers. If you don’t have one, a regular cake pan with removable bottom can work, but might be more challenging.

Banana Pudding Strawberry Cheesecake Best Parts

  • Indulge in Layered Delights: This recipe offers a mouthwatering combination of creamy cheesecake, sweet banana pudding, and tangy strawberry topping that creates an irresistible dessert experience.
  • Craft a Crowd-Pleasing Showstopper: Perfect for special gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations, this dessert impresses with its stunning layers and complex flavor profile that looks professionally made.
  • Master Multiple Techniques: Home bakers can elevate their skills by practicing different cooking methods like baking a crust, creating a smooth cheesecake filling, preparing pudding, and cooking a fruit topping – all in one recipe.
  • Customize with Ease: Adaptable for various preferences, this dessert allows creative modifications like using different fruits, adjusting sweetness levels, or adding extra garnishes to make it uniquely yours.

What Goes Into Banana Pudding Strawberry Cheesecake

Crust Ingredients:
  • Vanilla Wafer Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust.
  • Melted Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients together and creates a rich flavor.
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary component that gives the cheesecake its smooth and creamy texture.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness to balance the tanginess of cream cheese.
  • Eggs: Act as a binding agent and help create the cake's structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the cheesecake.
  • Mashed Bananas: Contribute a natural banana flavor and moisture to the filling.
  • Sour Cream: Enhances the richness and adds a subtle tangy note to the cheesecake.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Instant Banana Pudding Mix, Cold Milk: Creates a smooth and creamy pudding layer with intense banana flavor.
  • Strawberries, Sugar, Lemon Juice: Form a vibrant and sweet strawberry topping with a slight citrus brightness.
  • Cornstarch, Water: Helps thicken the strawberry sauce and give it a glossy appearance.

Make Banana Pudding Strawberry Cheesecake Easily

Step 1: Create Crunchy Crust

Combine vanilla wafer crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.

Bake in a preheated oven at 325F (163C) for 10 minutes.

Allow the crust to cool completely before moving to the next step.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Cheesecake Filling

Grab your electric mixer and beat cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth.

Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.

Fold in vanilla extract, mashed ripe bananas, and sour cream until the mixture is perfectly blended.

Pour the luscious filling over the cooled crust.

Step 3: Bake To Perfection

Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes.

The center should be slightly jiggly but set.

Remove from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.

Step 4: Create Banana Pudding Layer

Whisk instant banana pudding mix with cold milk until the mixture thickens beautifully.

Spread the creamy pudding evenly over the chilled cheesecake.

Step 5: Craft Strawberry Topping

In a saucepan, combine:
  • Sliced strawberries
  • Sugar
  • Lemon juice

Cook over medium heat until strawberries soften.

Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the strawberry mixture.

Continue cooking until the sauce thickens.

Allow the topping to cool completely.

Step 6: Finish And Chill

Spread the cooled strawberry topping over the pudding layer.

Refrigerate the entire cheesecake for one additional hour to set completely.

Slice and serve this decadent dessert to eager guests!

Tips for Banana Pudding Strawberry Cheesecake

  • Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling that blends perfectly.
  • Press the vanilla wafer crust firmly and evenly into the pan to create a solid base that won't fall apart when slicing.
  • Place a pan of water on the bottom oven rack while baking to create humidity and prevent surface cracks in your cheesecake.
  • Adjust cornstarch amount to achieve your desired thickness – less for a runnier sauce, more for a thicker compote.
  • Use overripe, very ripe bananas for a more intense, natural banana taste in the cheesecake filling.

Fun Mix-Ins for Banana Pudding Strawberry Cheesecake

  • Gluten-Free Banana Berry Cheesecake: Replace vanilla wafer crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Tropical Cheesecake: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut milk instead of eggs, and replace butter with coconut oil for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Banana Pudding Cheesecake: Use sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and opt for sugar-free instant pudding mix to reduce overall sugar content.
  • Chocolate Banana Cheesecake Variation: Add cocoa powder to the cheesecake batter and replace strawberry topping with chocolate ganache for a rich, decadent dessert.

Serving Banana Pudding Strawberry Cheesecake Suggestions

  • Fruity Garnish Paradise: Top each slice with fresh sliced strawberries and banana chips for a vibrant, crunchy texture contrast.
  • Whipped Cream Wonder: Pipe delicate swirls of homemade vanilla whipped cream around the edges for an elegant, creamy finish.
  • Nutty Crunch Delight: Sprinkle toasted chopped pecans or crushed vanilla wafers over the strawberry topping to add a delightful crackle and nutty undertone.
  • Chocolate Drizzle Magic: Melt dark or white chocolate and create artistic zigzag patterns across the cheesecake surface for a decadent touch.

Storing Banana Pudding Strawberry Cheesecake Properly

  • Store the banana pudding strawberry cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the flavor.
  • Carefully wrap the entire cheesecake or individual slices in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place in the refrigerator overnight to thaw before serving.
  • Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power. Alternatively, let the slice sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before serving.
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Banana Pudding Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

Banana Pudding Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe


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4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Creamy banana pudding strawberry cheesecake blends southern comfort with elegant dessert craft. Rich layers of sweet strawberries and silky cheesecake promise delightful indulgence that will satisfy your most discerning dessert cravings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
  • 1 pound (454 grams) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Filling and Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 package (3.4 ounces/96 grams) instant banana pudding mix
  • 2 cups cold milk
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. Craft the foundation by combining crushed vanilla wafer crumbs with sugar and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch springform pan, then bake at 325F (163C) for 10 minutes until set. Allow the crust to cool completely.
  2. Create the creamy filling by whipping softened cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough blending after each addition. Fold in vanilla extract, mashed ripe bananas, and sour cream until well integrated.
  3. Pour the luscious filling over the cooled crust, spreading evenly. Bake for 60-70 minutes at 325F until the center is slightly jiggly but set.
  4. Remove from oven and allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours to ensure complete chilling and structural integrity.
  5. Prepare the banana pudding layer by whisking instant pudding mix with cold milk until achieving a thick, creamy consistency. Spread the pudding evenly across the chilled cheesecake surface.
  6. Develop the strawberry topping by simmering sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat until softened. Combine cornstarch with water, then integrate into the strawberry mixture to create a glossy, thickened sauce.
  7. Once the strawberry sauce cools, carefully spread it over the pudding layer, creating a vibrant and glossy finish.
  8. Return the completed cheesecake to the refrigerator for one additional hour to set completely. Slice and serve chilled for a decadent dessert experience.

Notes

  • Swap vanilla wafers with gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly crust, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert.
  • Use ripe, spotty bananas for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor in the cheesecake filling, creating a more intense banana experience.
  • Prevent cheesecake cracking by placing a water bath underneath during baking, which helps maintain even temperature and creates a silky smooth texture.
  • Make the strawberry topping less sweet by using fresh, slightly tart strawberries and adjusting sugar levels to balance the richness of the cheesecake.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 362
  • Sugar: 32 g
  • Sodium: 174 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 86 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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