Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding
Introduction
Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is a delicious and easy dessert that everyone will love. It combines creamy cheesecake, sweet bananas, and fresh strawberries in a fun layered treat. Perfect for family gatherings or just a cozy night at home, this dessert is sure to be a hit!
Why Make This Recipe
You should make Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding because it’s easy, quick, and requires no baking! It’s a great way to impress family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a lovely treat for warm days and makes any occasion special.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding
Let’s dive into how to whip up this delightful dessert!
Ingredients:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 (5.1 oz) box vanilla instant pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 box vanilla wafers (or cookies of choice)
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Crushed strawberry wafers (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth. Set this aside.
Prepare the Pudding Layer: In another bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until it thickens. Let it sit for a bit to firm up.
Assemble the Dessert: In a serving dish or individual cups, layer vanilla wafers at the bottom. Then, add a layer of banana slices and fresh chopped strawberries over the cookies. Spread a layer of the cheesecake mixture over the fruit. Add a layer of vanilla pudding, smoothing it out nicely. Repeat the layers as needed, alternating cookies, fruit, cheesecake, and pudding.
Top and Chill: Garnish with extra fresh strawberries and sprinkle crushed strawberry wafers on top if you like. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. This will let the layers set and the flavors mix.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve chilled, and enjoy the creamy and fruity layers of this simple dessert!
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding
Serve this delicious pudding in pretty cups or bowls. Make sure to add some garnish on top, like extra strawberries or crushed wafers, for a fun touch!
How to Store Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dessert is best enjoyed within 3-4 days for optimal flavor and texture.
Tips to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Feel free to use other fruits like blueberries or raspberries if you want to switch it up.
- You can prepare the layers ahead of time and assemble them just before serving.
Variation
If you want a chocolate twist, try adding chocolate chips to the cheesecake layer or drizzling chocolate sauce between the layers!
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese? Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the texture may be slightly different.
How long does this dessert need to chill? It should chill for at least 3 hours, but overnight is even better for flavor!
Can I make this dairy-free? Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and whip coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
