Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding: A Decadent Delight

strawberry cheesecake banana pudding

By:

Julia marin

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert—strawberry cheesecake banana pudding! It’s this glorious combination of creamy cheesecake, luscious banana pudding, and fresh strawberries that just sings summer to me! I remember the first time I made it; I was trying to impress friends at a picnic, and let’s just say, it was a hit! The layers of flavors and textures are to die for—smooth, fruity, and oh-so-satisfying. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked! It’s perfect for gatherings or just a cozy night in. You won’t regret it!

strawberry cheesecake banana pudding - detail 1

Ingredients List

  • 1 cup crushed graham crackers – These will form the crunchy base of your dessert.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – This binds the graham crackers together and adds richness.
  • 2 cups cream cheese, softened – Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy blending!
  • 1 cup powdered sugar – This will sweeten the cream cheese mixture without any grittiness.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of this adds depth to the flavor.
  • 2 cups heavy cream – You’ll whip this into stiff peaks for a light, fluffy texture.
  • 3 ripe bananas, sliced – Use perfectly ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
  • 2 cups strawberry puree – You can blend fresh strawberries for this; it adds vibrant flavor!
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced – These will be the beautiful garnish and add a fresh element.
  • 2 tablespoons gelatin powder – This helps the dessert set perfectly.
  • 1/4 cup cold water – This is used to bloom the gelatin before adding it to the puree.

How to Prepare Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding

Preparing the Crust

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers and melted butter until everything is evenly coated. Then, pour this mixture into a 9-inch springform pan. Use the back of a measuring cup or your fingers to firmly press the mixture into the bottom of the pan, making sure it’s packed tightly for a sturdy crust. Bake this delicious base for about 10 minutes, just until it’s lightly golden. Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool completely before adding the filling.

Making the Cream Cheese Mixture

While your crust is cooling, let’s whip up that creamy filling! In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer. Make sure to start on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud, then gradually increase to medium. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Now, in another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This is the secret to a light and fluffy texture! Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined. Be careful not to deflate the cream—you want to maintain that airy consistency!

Layering the Dessert

Now comes the fun part—layering! Start by spreading half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over your cooled graham cracker crust. Then, take those lovely sliced bananas and arrange them in a single layer over the cream cheese. Next, prepare your strawberry puree by dissolving the gelatin in the cold water, allowing it to bloom for a few minutes. After that, mix the gelatin into the strawberry puree until well combined. Pour this vibrant mixture over the banana layer, making sure to cover all the bananas. Finally, top this off with the remaining cream cheese mixture, smoothing it out with a spatula. It’s looking gorgeous already!

Chilling and Serving

It’s time to chill! Cover your springform pan with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (or overnight if you can wait!). This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and helps everything set up just right. When you’re ready to serve, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices on top for that beautiful, inviting presentation. Wow, your friends and family will be thrilled to dig into this stunning dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Deliciously unique flavor: The blend of creamy cheesecake, sweet bananas, and vibrant strawberries creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible!
  • Beautiful presentation: The layered look is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making it perfect for gatherings.
  • Easy to prepare: With simple steps and no baking required after the crust, you’ll be able to whip this up with minimal fuss.
  • Customizable: You can easily switch up the fruits or add a twist to the flavors, making it your own every time!
  • Make-ahead friendly: This dessert is perfect for prepping in advance, allowing you more time to enjoy with your guests.
  • Kid-approved: The combination of bananas and strawberries makes it a hit with kids, ensuring everyone at the table will love it.

Tips for Success

  • Use Quality Ingredients: Don’t skimp on the quality of your cream cheese and heavy cream. The better the ingredients, the richer and creamier your dessert will be. Aim for full-fat cream cheese for optimal flavor!
  • Perfectly Ripe Bananas: Choose bananas that are just ripe—think yellow with a few brown spots. They’re sweeter and will add a delightful flavor to your layers.
  • Chill Thoroughly: Patience is key! Make sure to chill the dessert for the full 4 hours (or longer if possible) to ensure it sets properly. The longer it chills, the better the flavors meld together.
  • Gelatin Technique: When blooming the gelatin, make sure it dissolves completely in the cold water before adding it to the strawberry puree. This will prevent any clumps and ensure a smooth layer.
  • Layering Carefully: When layering, be gentle to avoid disturbing the previous layers. Use an offset spatula to spread the cream cheese mixture evenly without pushing down too hard.
  • Presentation Matters: For a stunning finish, garnish with fresh strawberry slices right before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness that will wow your guests!

Variations

  • Berry Medley: Swap out the strawberries for a mix of your favorite berries like raspberries or blueberries. The tartness of these fruits will add a delightful contrast to the creamy layers!
  • Chocolate Swirl: For a chocolatey twist, fold in some melted chocolate or cocoa powder into the cream cheese mixture. You can also add chocolate shavings as a garnish for extra indulgence!
  • Peanut Butter Bliss: Add a layer of creamy peanut butter or a peanut butter-flavored yogurt between the banana and strawberry layers. It creates a rich and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the bananas!
  • Coconut Cream: Incorporate coconut cream into the whipped cream for a tropical vibe. You could also sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes on top for added texture and flavor!
  • Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving. The sweet, gooey caramel adds a luscious touch that complements the fruity layers wonderfully!
  • Seasonal Fruits: In the fall, try using sliced apples or pears with cinnamon for a warm, cozy flavor. Just imagine the deliciousness of apples and cream cheese mingling together!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your strawberry cheesecake banana pudding properly is key to keeping those delicious layers fresh and tasty! If you have leftovers (which is a rarity, trust me!), cover the dessert tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay good in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just make sure to keep it chilled to maintain that lovely texture.

Now, if you’re thinking about freezing it, you can definitely do that too! Slice individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever the craving strikes! It’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply transfer a slice to the fridge to thaw overnight. No reheating is needed; serve it chilled for the best experience!

One quick tip: If you notice any condensation forming on the dessert after thawing, just gently dab it with a paper towel before serving. This will help keep the layers looking pristine and delicious!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one slice of this delightful strawberry cheesecake banana pudding. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but they give a good idea of what to expect:

  • Calories: 400
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Protein: 5g

These values are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on your ingredient choices. Enjoy this delicious treat with a little knowledge of what’s in it! It’s all about balance, right?

FAQ Section

Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?
Absolutely! You can swap strawberries for other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches. Each fruit will bring its own unique flavor profile to the dessert, so feel free to get creative!

How do I know when the dessert is set?
You’ll know it’s set when the layers hold their shape and feel firm to the touch. It’s best to chill it for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better to let the flavors meld and the texture firm up perfectly.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this dessert is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Just remember to garnish with fresh fruit right before serving to keep it looking vibrant!

What can I do if my dessert is too soft?
If your dessert is too soft, it may need more gelatin. For next time, consider adding an extra tablespoon of gelatin to help it firm up. Also, ensure you’re allowing adequate chilling time—this really makes a difference!

Is there a way to make this dairy-free?
Definitely! You can use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream in place of heavy cream. Just make sure to check the consistency of the cream cheese to ensure it blends well and holds its shape!

Print
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strawberry cheesecake banana pudding

Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding: A Decadent Delight


  • Author: Julia marin
  • Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delightful blend of strawberry cheesecake and banana pudding, layered to create a rich dessert experience.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup crushed graham crackers
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 3 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 2 cups strawberry puree
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons gelatin powder
  • 1/4 cup cold water

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter and press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
  3. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool.
  4. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  5. In another bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks and fold into the cream cheese mixture.
  6. Layer half of the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust.
  7. Arrange banana slices evenly over the cream cheese layer.
  8. Prepare gelatin by dissolving it in cold water, then adding to the strawberry puree.
  9. Spread the strawberry mixture over the bananas.
  10. Top with the remaining cream cheese mixture and smooth the surface.
  11. Chill for at least 4 hours or until set.
  12. Garnish with fresh strawberries before serving.

Notes

  • Use ripe bananas for better flavor.
  • Strawberry puree can be made by blending fresh strawberries.
  • Adjust sweetness according to personal preference.
  • For a firmer dessert, increase gelatin by one tablespoon.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Layering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: strawberry cheesecake banana pudding

About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.

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