Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake and Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining your favorite creamy desserts into one utterly irresistible treat, Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake and Banana Pudding Cheesecake is your wish come true. Imagine a buttery crust layered with silken cheesecake, crowned on one side with sweet strawberry crunch and on the other with lush banana pudding, all finished with vibrant garnishes. It’s colorful, nostalgic, and perfect for celebrations or whenever your sweet tooth calls for something extraordinary!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things beautifully simple, letting classic flavors and careful layering do the heavy lifting. Every ingredient was picked to add its unique note—crunch, creaminess, or a burst of fruitiness—so nothing here is extra, but everything is essential.

• Crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers: Either creates a lovely, sturdy base; choose your favorite for the crust.
• Melted butter: The glue for your crust and strawberry crunch—plus, it’s the source of that irresistible richness.
• Sugar: Just enough to sweeten the crust and cheesecake layers perfectly.
• Cream cheese, softened: The backbone of every cheesecake—ultra-creamy and tangy.
• Granulated sugar: Blends seamlessly into the cheesecake filling, balancing tart and sweet.
• Large eggs: Create structure and silkiness in the cheesecake base.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors with its warm, comforting scent.
• Sour cream: Adds that signature smooth, slightly tangy finish to each bite.
• Crushed golden Oreos: This is the secret to a playful, nostalgic strawberry crunch topping.
• Fresh strawberries, chopped: Juicy and bright, making the strawberry layer burst with real fruit flavor.
• Strawberry glaze or preserves: Binds the crunch topping while giving a glossy, sweet finishing touch.
• Banana pudding (store-bought or homemade): Velvety, comforting, and adds a playful Southern twist.
• Banana, sliced: Nothing beats the instant banana flavor and soft texture fresh banana brings.
• Whipped cream: Lightens up the banana layer and adds an airy contrast to the cheesecake.
• Fresh strawberries and sliced bananas (for toppings): For a final flourish of color and fruitiness.
• Strawberry syrup: Drizzle to add that delicious pop of color and fruity tang.
• Crushed vanilla wafers: Sprinkle these on top for extra crunch and a nostalgic touch.

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake and Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Step 1: Make the Crust

Begin by stirring together the crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar in a mixing bowl until every crumb is coated and the mixture feels like damp sand. Press this firmly into the bottom of a foil-lined cake or tart pan, using your fingers or the back of a spoon to get it even—a solid base is the secret to a no-fuss slice. Bake the crust at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, then let it cool completely before moving on.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Base

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until velvety smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, incorporating each fully, then mix in vanilla extract and sour cream to bring that luscious tang and silkiness. Pour this cheesecake mixture over your cooled crust and smooth it out. Bake again for 35 to 40 minutes until the center has just a slight jiggle. Cool completely—patience pays off here!

Step 3: Assemble the Strawberry Crunch Layer

To make the head-turning strawberry side of your Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake and Banana Pudding Cheesecake, combine the crushed golden Oreos with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter in a bowl. Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries and strawberry glaze or preserves until you have a crumbly, sticky mixture bursting with color and aroma. Heap this onto half of your cooled cheesecake base, pressing lightly to adhere.

Step 4: Build the Banana Pudding Layer

Spread the banana pudding over the remaining half of the cheesecake in a thick, even layer. Arrange banana slices on top, pressing them in lightly so they stick, and then dollop whipped cream across this side for a soft, pillowy finish. This creamy, fruity layer is what makes the other half of your Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake and Banana Pudding Cheesecake so memorable.

Step 5: Add the Final Touches

Once assembled, top the entire cheesecake with fresh chopped strawberries and additional banana slices for a fresh, juicy bite in every forkful. Drizzle with strawberry syrup for a glossy, tempting look, and don’t forget to sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers all over for that extra crunch and classic dessert flavor. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight so everything sets beautifully before slicing and serving.

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake and Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Garnishes

The beauty of this dessert is how inviting it looks when crowned with simple, vibrant garnishes. A generous scattering of freshly sliced strawberries and bananas, along with a bright drizzle of strawberry syrup, makes each slice pop. Finish with a handful of crushed vanilla wafer crumbs just before serving for that signature crunch and homemade touch.

Side Dishes

With a showstopper like Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake and Banana Pudding Cheesecake, you’ll want sides that are simple, like a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk. If you’re feeling extra, serve with a scoop of vanilla bean or strawberry ice cream—the creamy, cold contrast is a dreamy pairing for the rich layers.

Creative Ways to Present

Having a party? Try cutting the cheesecake into small bars for a colorful dessert tray, or use a piping bag to add whipped cream and extra fruit for a bakery-style finish. You can even make individual jars with spoonfuls of each layer, perfect for picnics or special treats on the go. The split strawberry and banana layers also make for a playful, eye-catching look!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake and Banana Pudding Cheesecake store beautifully in the fridge. Wrap the pan snugly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. The dessert stays fresh, creamy, and flavorful for up to 4 days—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

For longer keeping, freeze slices on a baking sheet until solid, then wrap individually and store in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw your slice overnight in the fridge, and it’ll taste just as dreamy as the day it was made.

Reheating

No need to heat this cheesecake, but if you prefer it closer to room temperature, let your slice sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving. This softens the filling and brings out the flavors, making it as luscious as possible.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the crunch layer?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain frozen strawberries well before chopping and combining with the Oreos and glaze, so your crunch layer stays pleasantly crumbly rather than watery.

Do I need a water bath to bake the cheesecake layer?

No water bath required here! The recipe’s moderate baking temperature and creamy, plush texture mean you can skip the water bath, making things a bit easier while still getting silky results.

How do I make homemade banana pudding for this recipe?

If you want to make banana pudding from scratch, whisk together milk, sugar, egg yolks, a bit of cornstarch, and vanilla over gentle heat until thickened and creamy. Chill before layering onto your cheesecake for the best flavor.

Can I make Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake and Banana Pudding Cheesecake gluten-free?

Definitely! Use your favorite gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust and layers, and double-check all other ingredient labels to ensure they’re gluten-free.

What’s the best way to slice this cheesecake neatly?

For picture-perfect slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe it clean, and slice—then repeat for each cut. This keeps your layers defined and your plate tidy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about the playful split of flavors and colors in Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake and Banana Pudding Cheesecake. It’s the kind of treat that surprises and delights, perfect for gathering friends and family around the table. Give it a go—you’ll be amazed how quickly it disappears!

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