Strawberry Cheesecake with Banana Pudding and Strawberry Crunch

This Strawberry Cheesecake with Banana Pudding and Strawberry Crunch is the ultimate layered dessert — rich, creamy, fruity, and completely irresistible. It brings together all my favorite flavors in one over-the-top treat: silky cheesecake, sweet banana pudding, and that classic strawberry crunch topping that takes me straight back to childhood. It’s the kind of dessert that wows at parties but is easy enough to make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dessert because it’s packed with flavor and texture in every bite — creamy cheesecake, soft banana pudding, fresh strawberries, and that sweet, crumbly crunch on top. It’s nostalgic and decadent all at once. Whether I’m making it for a celebration or just because I’m in the mood for something special, this layered cheesecake never disappoints.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust:

• Graham cracker crumbs

• Melted butter

• Granulated sugar

For the cheesecake layer:

• Cream cheese (softened)

• Granulated sugar

• Eggs

• Vanilla extract

• Sour cream

For the banana pudding layer:

• Instant banana pudding mix

• Cold milk

• Sliced ripe bananas

• Whipped topping or whipped cream

For the strawberry crunch topping:

• Golden Oreos or vanilla sandwich cookies

• Freeze-dried strawberries

• Melted butter

For topping/garnish:

• Fresh strawberries (sliced)

• Whipped cream or more crushed crunch topping (optional)

Directions

1. I start by combining graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, then press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan. I bake it at 325°F for 10 minutes and let it cool.

2. For the cheesecake filling, I beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then mix in eggs one at a time, followed by sour cream and vanilla. I pour the mixture over the crust and bake at 325°F for about 45–50 minutes, or until just set. I let it cool completely, then chill it for several hours or overnight.

3. While the cheesecake chills, I prepare the banana pudding by whisking the mix with cold milk until thick. I fold in some whipped topping and layer in sliced bananas.

4. I spread the banana pudding layer over the chilled cheesecake and chill again to set.

5. For the strawberry crunch, I pulse vanilla sandwich cookies and freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor until crumbly, then stir in melted butter to make the topping.

6. I sprinkle the strawberry crunch generously over the top, then garnish with fresh strawberries and whipped cream if I want to take it over the top.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 servings.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Bake time: 50 minutes
Chill time: 4 hours or overnight
Total time: about 5½ hours (including chilling)

Variations

Sometimes I swap the graham cracker crust for a shortbread or vanilla wafer base. If I want even more fruit flavor, I add sliced strawberries between the cheesecake and pudding layers. I’ve also made a no-bake version using a no-bake cheesecake filling when I’m short on time. For extra richness, I stir some cream cheese into the banana pudding.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 4 days. Since this dessert is best chilled, I serve it straight from the fridge. I don’t recommend freezing it because the pudding and fresh bananas can change texture when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use homemade banana pudding instead of instant?

Yes, I can use homemade banana pudding if I prefer. I just make sure it’s thick enough to hold up as a layer and let it cool before assembling.

Do I have to bake the cheesecake?

For the classic version, yes — but I’ve made a no-bake version with a chilled cream cheese filling, and it works well if I’m in a hurry.

What can I use instead of freeze-dried strawberries?

I’ve used strawberry Jello powder or crushed strawberry wafers for a similar effect when I don’t have freeze-dried strawberries.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes, I usually make it the day before so the layers can set up perfectly. It’s even better the next day once chilled.

Can I skip the fresh bananas?

If I’m not a fan of fresh bananas, I leave them out and just use the banana pudding layer — it still tastes amazing.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Cheesecake with Banana Pudding and Strawberry Crunch is a show-stopping dessert that brings together creamy, fruity, and crunchy layers in the most delicious way. It’s fun to make, impressive to serve, and absolutely unforgettable. When I want something decadent, beautiful, and bursting with flavor, this is the dessert I reach for every time.