🛒 Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Layer:
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks (or use 1 cup Cool Whip)
For the Pudding Layer:
1 (5.1 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold milk (whole or 2% for creaminess)
For the Base & Fruit:
1 box (11.7 oz) vanilla wafers (about 30–40 cookies)
3 medium bananas, sliced
1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Optional Garnish:
Whipped cream
Extra wafer crumbs
Drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce
🔥 Pro Tip: Toss banana slices in 1 tsp lemon juice to prevent browning.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Cheesecake Layer
In a bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Gently fold in whipped heavy cream (or Cool Whip) until light and fluffy.
Set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Vanilla Pudding
In another bowl, whisk pudding mix and cold milk for 2 mins.
Let sit 5 mins until thickened.
3️⃣ Assemble the Layers
In a clear glass trifle bowl or 9x13 dish, layer in this order:
Bottom Layer:
A single layer of vanilla wafers (break to fit)
Banana + Strawberry Layer:
Evenly spread sliced bananas and strawberries
Pudding Layer:
Spread half of the vanilla pudding over fruit
Repeat:
Wafers → Bananas & Strawberries → Remaining Pudding
Top with Cheesecake Layer:
Gently spread the cheesecake mixture on top
Final Touch:
Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
4️⃣ Serve & Smile
Garnish with extra whipped cream, wafer crumbs, or fruit.
Serve chilled!
🍽️ Serving Ideas:
At picnics or BBQs
As a birthday surprise
With coffee or iced tea
🌈 Variations & Pro Hacks
🌱 Gluten-Free? Use GF vanilla wafers (like Kinnikinnick)
🍌 No Bananas? Try peaches or blueberries instead
🍓 Frozen Strawberries? Thaw and drain well before using
🧊 Make-Ahead Magic: Keeps 3–4 days in the fridge — flavors deepen!
❄️ Freeze It? Not recommended — texture changes after thawing
🍪 Cookie Swap: Try shortbread or graham crackers for a twist
🧠 Why This Works So Well
Whipped cream + cream cheese = ultra-light, airy filling (no heavy buttercream needed)
Overnight chill = layers meld, pudding firms, flavors marry
Clear dish = beautiful rainbow of colors — perfect for parties
Vanilla wafers absorb moisture = soft, cake-like texture
It’s not magic — it’s dessert-layering genius. ✨
❤️ Final Thought: Sometimes, the Best Things Are Layered & Sweet
You don’t need a long ingredient list or hours in the kitchen to make something truly special.
Just good fruit, real cream, and love.
This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding proves that the most memorable desserts are often the simplest — where every bite tastes like home, comfort, and care.
So next time you want to bake something beautiful…
Skip the oven.
Grab that mixing bowl.
And let your kitchen fill with the scent of vanilla, fruit, and joy.
Because great food doesn’t have to be hard —
It just has to taste like it came from the heart. 💛