There's something magical about the way creamy cheesecake and sweet banana pudding come together in this dreamy dessert. With layers of velvety filling, ripe bananas, juicy strawberries, and vanilla wafers, this Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is a cool, creamy crowd-pleaser that never lasts long once served.

I first made this on a whim for a summer barbecue, thinking it might be a fun twist on the classic. The result? A table full of guests sneaking back for seconds (and thirds). It’s easy to make, perfect for sharing, and doesn’t require turning on the oven — a big win in warm weather or when you just want a low-effort treat.

Let’s dive into why this layered beauty deserves a spot in your dessert rotation.

Why You'll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding

Get ready to meet your new favorite no-bake dessert. This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding is as easy as it is indulgent, with layers of flavor that taste like a Southern summer in every bite.

First and foremost, this dessert is effortless to make. With no baking required and just a few simple steps, you can pull this together in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect last-minute option when you need something impressive in a pinch.

It’s also a great make-ahead dessert. In fact, it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge when the flavors have had a chance to mingle and the cookies soften into that classic pudding texture.

This recipe is super budget-friendly, using pantry staples like instant pudding mix, cream cheese, and vanilla wafers. You can feed a crowd without making a dent in your grocery budget.

And of course, it's bursting with flavor. The combination of tangy cheesecake filling, naturally sweet bananas, and ripe strawberries gives every bite a fresh, fruity pop. It’s like strawberry shortcake and banana pudding had a baby — and we’re all better for it.

Now that you’re craving a spoonful, let’s break down the ingredients that make this treat truly special.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dessert lies in the contrast between the rich, creamy layers and the fresh fruit. Each ingredient brings its own charm, creating a dessert that’s nostalgic yet new.

Let’s start with the cream cheese. It forms the base of that cheesecake-like filling. Make sure it’s fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps and ensure a silky-smooth texture. The tanginess balances beautifully with the sweetness of the pudding and fruit.

The bananas are key to getting that classic Southern pudding vibe. Choose bananas that are just ripe — yellow with a few brown speckles. Too green and they’ll taste chalky; too ripe and they’ll go mushy quickly.

Strawberries add a fresh, juicy twist that elevates the entire dessert. Slice them thin so they layer easily and distribute throughout the pudding. If strawberries aren’t in season, you can also use frozen (just thaw and drain well first).

For the pudding layer, you’ll need instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk. This forms the soft, creamy backbone of the dessert. You can also use banana pudding mix if you want to double down on banana flavor.

Finally, vanilla wafers are the classic choice for that familiar banana pudding texture. They soften just enough in the fridge to become almost cake-like while still holding their shape. You could also try shortbread cookies or graham crackers for a slightly different twist.

No special equipment is needed for this recipe — just a hand mixer, a few mixing bowls, and a trifle dish or large glass bowl for layering. You’ll also want a rubber spatula for folding and smoothing the layers neatly.

How To Make This Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding

This layered dessert is simple to assemble, but the key is in the order and texture of each layer. Here’s how to make it step by step.

Start by making the pudding. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cold milk and instant vanilla pudding mix. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly. It should be creamy and spoonable — not runny.

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a little sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until smooth. Then gently fold in the whipped topping. This creates that luscious cheesecake filling that makes this dessert stand out from traditional banana pudding.

Once all your components are ready — pudding, cheesecake layer, sliced bananas, strawberries, and vanilla wafers — it’s time to assemble. Start with a thin layer of the cheesecake mixture on the bottom of your dish. This keeps the wafers from sliding around.

Next, add a layer of vanilla wafers, followed by sliced bananas and strawberries. Spoon on a layer of pudding, then a layer of the cheesecake mixture. Repeat the layering until you reach the top of the dish, finishing with a swirl of the cheesecake layer and a few strawberry slices for garnish.

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours — overnight is even better. This gives the wafers time to soften and the flavors to meld into creamy perfection.

When you're ready to serve, scoop generously and enjoy the beautiful layers in each spoonful. The total time, including chilling, is around 4-6 hours, but your active prep time will be under 30 minutes.

Storage Options

This dessert stores beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers — if you’re lucky enough to have any.

Keep the banana pudding covered tightly in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, though the bananas may start to brown a bit after the first day. For best presentation, serve within 24 hours of assembling.

If you’re prepping ahead, you can slice the strawberries and make the pudding and cheesecake layers up to a day early. Store them separately and assemble a few hours before serving.

Freezing isn’t recommended due to the dairy and fresh fruit — the texture will suffer once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the fridge.

To re-serve, just spoon into bowls straight from the dish. No reheating necessary, making it the perfect hassle-free dessert for any time of year.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this dessert is how adaptable it is. You can swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or tailor it to your preferences.

Not a fan of strawberries? Try blueberries or raspberries for a slightly different fruity punch. They pair just as well with the creamy filling and bring a fun pop of color.

If you're looking for something even more decadent, swap out the vanilla pudding for banana cream or cheesecake pudding. It’ll take the richness to the next level and amplify the dessert’s creamy profile.

Want to lighten things up? Use light cream cheese and whipped topping instead of the full-fat versions. You can even use unsweetened almond milk for the pudding if you’re dairy-sensitive — just make sure your pudding mix sets properly with non-dairy milk.

For a fun twist, layer in chocolate chips or crushed chocolate cookies between the layers. It turns the dessert into a banana split-inspired treat with a touch of crunch.

Don’t be afraid to get creative — this dessert is meant to be played with. Whether you’re feeding kids, impressing guests, or treating yourself to a spoonful of nostalgia, there’s room to make it your own.