There's something downright magical about the first spoonful of Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding—the way the creamy cheesecake layer blends with ripe bananas, sweet strawberries, and soft vanilla wafers is pure dessert bliss. This dreamy no-bake treat is cool, fruity, and just the right amount of indulgent.

I first whipped this up on a summer afternoon when I had overripe bananas and a craving for something nostalgic but with a twist. What began as a happy kitchen experiment quickly turned into a family favorite, making appearances at backyard BBQs, potlucks, and even birthday parties.

Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleaser, a make-ahead dessert, or a sweet treat that screams "comfort food," this layered pudding has got you covered. Let's dive into why this Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding deserves a spot in your dessert rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding

Get ready to meet your new go-to dessert for every season. This pudding brings together the best of both worlds—cheesecake richness and banana pudding nostalgia—with a strawberry twist that makes it feel extra special.

It’s incredibly easy to make. No oven, no water bath, no complicated steps. If you can stir and layer, you can make this dessert. It’s perfect for beginner bakers or when you need something low-stress that still looks impressive.

It’s make-ahead friendly. In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours or overnight. The flavors meld, the wafers soften just enough, and the texture becomes beautifully creamy and cohesive.

It’s budget-friendly and feeds a crowd. Using pantry staples like instant pudding mix, cream cheese, and bananas means this recipe won’t break the bank. It’s ideal for potlucks, holidays, or family gatherings.

It’s beautifully customizable. Don’t love strawberries? Swap in raspberries or blueberries. Prefer homemade pudding over instant? Go for it. You can tweak this dessert to fit whatever you have on hand—or what your cravings demand.

The best part? It disappears fast. One scoop leads to another, and before you know it, the dish is scraped clean.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding lies in its simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in the flavor and texture of the final dish.

Let’s start with the bananas. You’ll want bananas that are ripe but not mushy—just starting to spot. Their natural sweetness and creamy texture pair perfectly with the tangy cheesecake layer and soft wafers.

Strawberries bring a burst of freshness and vibrant color to each bite. Slice them thin so they layer easily and evenly. If strawberries are out of season, feel free to use thawed frozen ones or sub in another berry you love.

Cream cheese is what gives this pudding that rich, cheesecake-like base. Make sure it's softened to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps. It balances the sweetness of the pudding and fruit beautifully.

For the pudding base, we use instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk. The pudding thickens quickly and gives the dessert a silky texture. If you want an extra banana kick, banana pudding mix can be used instead, but vanilla keeps it balanced.

And then, of course, there are the vanilla wafers. They’re the classic choice for banana pudding, and they absorb just enough moisture during chilling to become soft and cake-like. For a twist, you can use shortbread cookies or graham crackers.

You’ll also need a stand mixer or hand mixer to whip the cream cheese and pudding into a smooth, fluffy filling. A 9x13-inch dish or trifle bowl works great for layering and serving.

How To Make This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding

Making this dessert is as fun as it is simple. With just a bit of layering and mixing, you’ll have a show-stopping pudding that tastes like it came straight from a bakery.

Start by making the pudding. In a large bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk until smooth and thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Let it chill while you move on to the cream cheese layer.

In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add a bit of sugar and vanilla extract for flavor, then fold in the prepared pudding. This creates a rich, cheesecake-like base that brings the whole dessert together.

Next, it’s time to assemble. In a 9x13 baking dish, start with a layer of vanilla wafers, followed by a layer of sliced bananas and strawberries. Spoon over a generous layer of the cheesecake pudding mixture, smoothing it out to cover the fruit completely.

Repeat the layers—wafers, fruit, pudding—until you’ve used everything up. Finish with a final layer of pudding on top, and if you like, a few extra strawberries and crushed wafers for garnish.

Cover the dish and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. The wafers will soften, the flavors will meld, and the pudding will firm up to the perfect consistency.

From start to finish, you’re looking at about 25 minutes of active prep time and several hours of chill time—easy enough for a weekday, special enough for a celebration.

Storage Options

This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding stores beautifully, making it a dream for meal prep or party planning.

For best results, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, though it’s best enjoyed within the first 48 hours when the wafers still have a bit of bite.

If you’re making this in advance for a party, you can assemble the night before and keep it chilled until serving. The flavors deepen as it sits, and the texture becomes wonderfully cohesive.

While this dessert doesn’t freeze well due to the bananas and pudding texture, you can prep the components ahead of time. Mix the pudding and cream cheese layer in advance, and slice the fruit just before layering for ultimate freshness.

To re-serve, simply scoop into bowls or trifle glasses and enjoy straight from the fridge—no reheating necessary.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best parts of this recipe is how easy it is to customize. With just a few swaps, you can tailor this dessert to fit your preferences or use up what’s already in your kitchen.

Want to amp up the flavor? Try using banana pudding mix instead of vanilla. It adds extra banana goodness and pairs beautifully with the strawberries.

Not a fan of cream cheese? You can substitute mascarpone for a milder, slightly sweeter flavor. Or, for a lighter version, try folding in whipped topping for an airy, mousse-like texture.

Feel free to switch up the fruit. Blueberries, raspberries, or even diced mango work wonderfully in place of strawberries. You can also add a drizzle of strawberry or caramel sauce between layers for extra richness.

Looking for a gluten-free option? Swap the vanilla wafers for a certified gluten-free cookie or shortbread. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free (just double-check your pudding mix to be sure).

And if you’re feeling fancy, serve it in individual mason jars or parfait glasses. It’s a fun twist that makes this already-gorgeous dessert even more party-ready.

No matter how you mix it up, you really can’t go wrong. This recipe is all about layers of flavor, creamy textures, and fruity brightness—so don’t be afraid to get creative.