Irresistible Strawberry Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe

Nothing says comfort quite like cheesecake… except maybe cheesecake with bananas and strawberries. This Strawberry Banana Pudding Cheesecake is a little retro, a little fancy, and a whole lot of yum. Whether you grew up sneaking spoonfuls of pudding while your mom stirred the stovetop or you’re just here for the fruity flair, this creamy dream of a dessert brings all the nostalgic vibes wrapped in a decadent hug of cream cheese and graham cracker goodness.

The best part? It looks like it came from a bakery window but bakes up in your own cozy kitchen. Plus, it’s that magical trifecta—sweet, tangy, and just a hint of fruity freshness that doesn’t overpower. Trust me, after one bite, you’ll be planning a reason to make it again… Sunday brunch, birthday party, Tuesday night?

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Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Banana Pudding Cheesecake

• Banana pudding vibes, but make it elevated
• Luscious cheesecake texture meets fruity freshness
• No need for a water bath (bless!)
• Perfect make-ahead dessert
• Kid and crowd-approved (seriously—no crumbs left behind)
• Gorgeous presentation with minimal effort

If you love my Strawberry Shortcake Bars or the Banana Cream Pie Overnight Oats, this one’s your next sweet obsession.

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Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• ¼ cup heavy cream

For the Topping:

• ½ cup strawberry jam or strawberry sauce
• 1 banana, sliced
• Whipped cream
• Crumbled graham crackers for garnish

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Instructions

1. Make the Crust:

• Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
• Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until combined.
• Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use a spoon (or your fingers!) to get it tight and even.
• Bake for 8–10 minutes. Set aside to cool.

2. Make the Filling:

• Beat softened cream cheese until fluffy and smooth.
• Add sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla; mix well.
• Beat in eggs one at a time.
• Fold in mashed bananas and heavy cream until just combined.
• Pour into the cooled crust and smooth the top.

3. Bake It:

• Bake at 325°F for 45–50 minutes. Center should be set but still jiggle slightly.
• Turn off the oven and let it cool inside for 1 hour.
• Transfer to the fridge and chill at least 4 hours or overnight.

4. Top It Off:

• Spread strawberry jam or sauce over the top.
• Garnish with banana slices, whipped cream, and graham cracker crumbles.

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Melania’s Tips for Perfect Banana Bread (and Cheesecake!)

• Use very ripe bananas—brown spots are a good thing!
• Don’t overmix once the eggs are in—this keeps your cheesecake velvety.
• Chill overnight if you can; the flavors really bloom.
• A hot knife = clean cheesecake slices. Dip in warm water and wipe between cuts.
• Want to skip the jam? Try this homemade strawberry sauce from Allrecipes for a fresher finish.

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Bake It With the Littles

• Let kids mash the bananas—they’ll love it (and it’s safe!).
• Make mini versions in muffin tins with liners. Adorable and portion-controlled.
• Have them decorate the top with strawberries and whipped cream. It’s like edible art class.

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Meal-Prep Magic

• Cheesecake actually gets better as it rests, so bake a day ahead.
• Store in the fridge (covered) for up to 5 days.
• Freeze slices for up to 3 months. Wrap individually and thaw in the fridge overnight.

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Healthier Swaps Without Losing the Magic

• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for added protein.
• Swap in low-fat cream cheese, but avoid fat-free (too rubbery).
• A gluten-free crust? Just use GF graham crackers.
• For a lower-sugar option, try a fruit-only strawberry spread or mash fresh berries on top.

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Leftover Remix

• Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Parfaits: Layer chunks with whipped cream in a glass.
• Cheesecake milkshakes (YES): Blend with vanilla ice cream and milk.
• Dice and add to pancakes or waffles for a dessert-for-breakfast twist.

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Gift It Like a Pro

• Mini cheesecakes in jars with gingham ribbon = instant hostess gift.
• Pop a slice into a cute bakery box with a note: “You’ve got good taste.”
• Share with neighbors or teachers. Because nothing says “you’re appreciated” like homemade dessert.

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FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, just thaw and drain excess liquid before mashing.

What’s the best strawberry topping?
Homemade strawberry compote or Bonne Maman preserves are lovely choices.

Do I need a water bath?
Nope! This recipe skips the water bath and still comes out creamy and crack-free.

Can I make this dairy-free?
You can try vegan cream cheese and coconut cream, but the texture will change slightly.

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Final Thought

This Strawberry Banana Pudding Cheesecake is a celebration of all the good things—fruity, creamy, and soul-soothing. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a hug from grandma but with just enough elegance to wow at your next get-together. So preheat that oven, mash those bananas, and let the sweet smell of nostalgia fill your kitchen. And if you sneak a bite before it’s fully chilled? Hey, I won’t tell.

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