There's nothing quite like the delightful combination of strawberries, cheesecake, and banana pudding in one creamy, dreamy dessert. Layers of rich, velvety pudding, fresh bananas, and strawberries come together with a luscious cheesecake filling to create a no-bake treat that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

I first made this recipe for a summer picnic, hoping to put a fun twist on traditional banana pudding. It was an instant hit! The sweet strawberries add a burst of freshness, while the cheesecake layer gives it that indulgent, creamy texture that makes every bite irresistible.

Why You'll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding

Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is an easy, crowd-pleasing treat that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor.

First, it's completely no-bake, making it perfect for warm-weather gatherings or when you just don’t feel like turning on the oven. You can whip this up in minutes and let the fridge do the work.

Second, it's layered with flavor and texture—silky vanilla pudding, fresh fruit, rich cheesecake filling, and crunchy vanilla wafers come together for the ultimate bite.

Third, it's easy to customize. You can swap in different fruits, add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate, or even use flavored pudding for a new twist.

Finally, this dessert is perfect for make-ahead prep. The flavors meld together beautifully after a few hours in the fridge, making it even more delicious the next day.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding lies in its simple yet well-balanced ingredients. Each one plays an important role in achieving that perfect blend of sweetness, creaminess, and texture.

Vanilla pudding mix is the base of this dessert. It provides a smooth, creamy consistency that blends effortlessly with the cheesecake layer. Instant pudding works best for convenience, but homemade pudding is an option if you prefer.

Cream cheese gives this pudding its rich, tangy cheesecake flavor. Softened cream cheese whips up beautifully, adding a velvety texture that balances the sweetness of the pudding and fruit.

Sweetened condensed milk enhances the pudding with an extra layer of sweetness and creaminess. It also helps the cheesecake layer achieve the perfect consistency.

Bananas and strawberries add a natural sweetness and refreshing contrast to the creamy pudding and cheesecake layers. For the best results, use ripe but firm bananas and fresh, juicy strawberries.

Vanilla wafers provide that classic banana pudding texture. They soften slightly as the dessert chills, becoming delightfully cake-like while maintaining a bit of crunch.

A large trifle dish or glass bowl is ideal for layering and showcasing the beautiful ingredients in this dessert.

How To Make This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding

Creating this delicious dessert is easier than you might think. Follow these steps for a foolproof, crowd-pleasing treat.

Start by preparing the vanilla pudding. Whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk until thick and smooth. Let it set in the refrigerator for a few minutes while you prepare the cheesecake layer.

In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk together until light and creamy. Fold in the whipped topping to create a fluffy, luscious cheesecake mixture that blends perfectly with the pudding.

Now, it's time to assemble the layers. Begin with a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom of your trifle dish. Next, spread a layer of sliced bananas and strawberries on top. Add a generous layer of the cheesecake mixture, followed by a layer of pudding. Repeat the layers until you reach the top.

For a stunning finish, top with additional whipped topping, crushed vanilla wafers, and extra sliced strawberries and bananas. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld together.

Once chilled, serve with a big spoon and watch this creamy, fruity dessert disappear in no time!

Storage Options

This pudding is best enjoyed within 24-48 hours for the freshest flavor and texture. Since the bananas tend to soften over time, you can brush them with a little lemon juice to help prevent browning.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The wafers will continue to soften, making the pudding even more cake-like as it sits.

Freezing is not recommended, as the pudding and fruit may become watery when thawed. However, if you’re making individual servings, you can freeze the cheesecake layer separately and assemble the dessert fresh when needed.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few delicious variations to try:

For a chocolate twist, swap vanilla pudding for chocolate pudding and add chocolate shavings on top for an extra indulgence.

Want a tropical vibe? Try using coconut pudding instead of vanilla, and add shredded coconut between the layers.

If you're a fan of Nutella, swirl a few tablespoons into the cheesecake mixture for a chocolate-hazelnut surprise.

For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the cream cheese and use sugar-free pudding mix to cut back on sugar without sacrificing flavor.

However you decide to make it, this Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is sure to be a hit. Get creative and make it your own!