Luscious Strawberry Banana Pudding Cheesecake Cup Recipe

Dreamy Strawberry Banana Pudding Cheesecake Cup Recipe

Creamy layers of decadence blend perfectly in this strawberry banana pudding cheesecake cups that promise pure dessert bliss.

Sweet strawberries dance with ripe bananas in a symphony of flavors.

Silky smooth textures melt on your tongue with each spoonful.

Delicate crumbs form a perfect base for the dreamy filling.

Cool and refreshing, these individual dessert cups bring gourmet elegance to your table.

The combination of classic favorites creates an irresistible treat that disappears faster than you can serve them.

Every bite delivers a luxurious experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 230 kcal

Servings: 9

What You’ll Need for Strawberry Banana Pudding Cheesecake Cups

For Crust Layer:
  • Vanilla Wafer Crumbs: Provides a classic, crunchy foundation that adds nostalgic bakery-style texture and sweet undertones to the dessert.
  • Melted Butter: Binds the crumbs together, creating a sturdy and rich base that enhances the overall flavor profile.
For Cheesecake Layer:
  • Cream Cheese: Delivers a luxurious, tangy base that creates a silky smooth texture and rich taste.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the mixture while ensuring a perfectly smooth consistency without graininess.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds lightness and fluffy volume, making the cheesecake layer incredibly creamy and decadent.
  • Vanilla Extract: Introduces a warm, aromatic depth that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
For Pudding and Topping Layer:
  • Banana Cream Pudding Mix: Provides a quick, intense banana flavor and smooth texture to the dessert.
  • Cold Milk: Activates the pudding mix and creates a thick, creamy consistency.
  • Fresh Strawberries: Adds bright, juicy freshness and vibrant color to the dessert.
  • Fresh Banana Slices: Introduces natural sweetness and soft texture that pairs perfectly with the pudding.
  • Vanilla Wafer: Offers a crisp garnish that adds a classic, nostalgic crunch as a final touch.

Tools to Layer Strawberry Banana Pudding Cheesecake Cups Smoothly

  • Mixing Bowls: Medium-sized bowls for combining ingredients smoothly.
  • Electric Mixer: Essential for beating cream cheese until creamy and fluffy.
  • Whisk: Perfect for mixing pudding and ensuring no lumps.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients like sugar and milk.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for dicing strawberries and slicing bananas.
  • Serving Cups: Clear glasses or dessert cups to showcase beautiful layers.
  • Spoon: For layering pudding, cheesecake, and adding toppings neatly.

How to Build Strawberry Banana Pudding Cheesecake Cups

  • Create Delicious Base

Crush vanilla wafers and blend with melted butter. Press mixture firmly into serving cups, creating a crispy foundation for your dessert.

  • Whip Up Creamy Cheesecake

Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until silky smooth. Gently fold in whipped cream and vanilla, creating a dreamy, light texture that melts in your mouth.

  • Layer Banana

Mix banana cream pudding with cold milk, whisking until perfectly thickened. Carefully spread this luscious layer over the cheesecake, adding a burst of tropical flavor.

  • Decorate with Fruity Flair

Sprinkle fresh strawberry chunks and banana slices on top. Crown each cup with a classic vanilla wafer for a playful, eye-catching finish.

  • Chill and Savor

Pop these delightful cups into the refrigerator for one hour. Let the flavors mingle and layers settle, then dive into a refreshing, creamy dessert that’ll make taste buds dance.

Flavor Twists to Make Cheesecake Cups Unforgettable

  • Prepare these delightful cups up to 2 days in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator to maintain their fresh texture and vibrant flavors.
  • Swap traditional vanilla wafers with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour-based cookies to create a celiac-friendly version of this dessert.
  • Experiment with different berries like raspberries or blueberries instead of strawberries for a unique flavor profile that keeps the dessert exciting and versatile.
  • Replace full-fat cream cheese with low-fat or Greek yogurt cream cheese to reduce calories without sacrificing the creamy texture and delicious taste.

Serve Strawberry Banana Pudding Cheesecake Cups with Style

  • Berry Bliss Pairings: Fresh sliced strawberries and caramelized banana chunks create a vibrant topping that enhances the dessert's creamy texture and fruity flavor profile.
  • Crunch Factor: Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers or toasted almond slivers on top for an unexpected textural contrast that elevates the entire dessert experience.
  • Luxe Presentation: Serve these individual cups on small dessert plates with a delicate mint leaf or edible flower for an elegant, Instagram-worthy presentation that impresses guests.
  • Cool Companion: Pair with a chilled glass of moscato wine or sparkling rosé to complement the sweet, creamy layers and bring out the dessert's fruity undertones.

Chill and Store Cheesecake Cups for Anytime Treats

  • Keep these delightful cups tightly sealed in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Layered desserts stay fresh when protected from air exposure and stored flat.
  • Prepare individual components like crust and cheesecake layer a day before assembly. Store each ingredient separately in sealed containers to maintain texture and prevent soggy layers.
  • Wrap each cup individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. These treats can be frozen for 2-4 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to retain optimal taste and texture.
  • When transporting, use a cooler with ice packs to maintain the dessert's chill. Pack cups vertically and avoid jostling to keep those beautiful layers intact during travel.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make the cheesecake layer creamy?

The combination of softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, whipped heavy cream, and vanilla extract creates a smooth, light, and fluffy cheesecake layer that melts in your mouth.

  • Can I use instant pudding mix for the banana layer?

Yes, instant banana cream pudding mix works perfectly. Simply whisk it with cold milk for 2 minutes until it thickens, creating a delicious banana-flavored layer in the dessert cups.

  • Is this dessert easy to make for beginners?

Absolutely! This recipe requires no baking, simple mixing techniques, and basic layering. Even novice cooks can create these impressive-looking dessert cups with minimal cooking skills.

  • How do the layers contribute to the dessert's flavor?

Each layer brings a unique taste: the vanilla wafer crust adds crunch, the cream cheese layer provides richness, the banana pudding creates sweetness, and the fresh fruit topping offers a burst of natural flavor.

Print
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Luscious Strawberry Banana Pudding Cheesecake Cup Recipe

Luscious Strawberry Banana Pudding Cheesecake Cup Recipe


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4.6 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Creamy Strawberry Banana Pudding Cheesecake Cup merges classic dessert flavors in a delightful layered treat. Luscious cream cheese, ripe fruits, and graham cracker crumbs create a perfect balance that will satisfy sweet cravings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) vanilla wafer crumbs or graham cracker crumbs
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml) unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy whipping cream, whipped
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • 1 package (3.4 oz or 96 g) instant banana cream pudding mix
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) cold milk
  • 1 cup (150 g) fresh strawberries, diced
  • 1 banana, sliced
  • Additional vanilla wafers for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Base: Crush vanilla wafers into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter. Press mixture firmly into individual serving cups, creating a compact and even foundation.
  2. Create Cheesecake Layer: Whip cream cheese with powdered sugar until ultra-smooth. Gently fold in whipped cream and vanilla extract, maintaining a light, airy consistency. Spread evenly over the crumb base.
  3. Develop Pudding Layer: Whisk banana cream pudding mix with cold milk until thick and creamy. Pour smoothly over the cheesecake layer, ensuring a clean, even distribution.
  4. Garnish and Finish: Artfully arrange diced strawberries and sliced bananas across the top of the pudding. Strategically place a whole vanilla wafer as a decorative crown. Refrigerate for one hour to allow flavors to meld and layers to set completely.

Notes

  • Crush Wafers Uniformly: Use a food processor or rolling pin to create fine, even crumbs for a consistent and stable base that holds together perfectly.
  • Whip Cream Cheese Carefully: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a smooth, lump-free mixture without overbeating, which can lead to a dense texture.
  • Control Pudding Consistency: Whisk pudding mixture slowly and steadily to prevent lumps, and let it thicken naturally without adding extra liquid.
  • Chill for Optimal Flavor: Refrigeration is crucial for melding flavors and setting layers, so resist the temptation to serve immediately and allow at least an hour of chilling time.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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