These Banana Strawberry Pudding Cheesecake Cups are the perfect combination of creamy cheesecake, fruity freshness, and a crunchy graham cracker crust. This no-bake dessert is simple to make and packed with delicious flavors, making it the ideal treat for summer gatherings, picnics, or whenever you want a light and indulgent dessert. The layers of banana pudding, fresh strawberries, and creamy cheesecake create a satisfying treat in every bite, all served in individual cups for easy portioning.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dessert combines some of the best flavors—banana, strawberry, and cheesecake—all in one easy-to-make treat. The graham cracker crust adds a satisfying crunch, while the creamy cheesecake and banana pudding filling provide a rich, velvety texture. Fresh strawberries on top bring a burst of sweetness and color, making it an appealing and refreshing dessert. It’s a crowd-pleaser, and because it’s served in individual cups, it’s perfect for portion control and easy to share!

Ingredients

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup melted butter
1 package instant banana pudding mix
1 1/2 cups cold milk
1 cup sliced strawberries
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Whipped cream, for topping

How to Make Banana Strawberry Pudding Cheesecake Cups

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir well to combine. Spoon the mixture into the bottom of individual serving cups and press it down gently to form an even crust. Place the cups in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Banana Pudding

In another bowl, whisk together the instant banana pudding mix and cold milk. Follow the instructions on the pudding mix package, whisking until it thickens. Set the pudding aside to firm up for a few minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step. Once smooth, gently fold in the banana pudding mixture and mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Layer the Dessert

Spoon the banana pudding cheesecake mixture over the graham cracker crust in each cup. Smooth out the top with a spoon or spatula to create an even layer. Refrigerate the cups for at least 2 hours, or until the mixture is set and firm.

Step 5: Add Fresh Strawberries

Once the pudding cheesecake cups are set, top each one with a few slices of fresh strawberries. Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra touch of sweetness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Banana Strawberry Pudding Cheesecake Cups chilled. They are perfect for a summer gathering, family dessert, or a sweet snack!

Tips for the Perfect Banana Strawberry Pudding Cheesecake Cups

Make ahead: These cups can be made a day in advance, making them a great option for meal prepping or preparing for a party.
Customize the fruit: While strawberries are a classic pairing with banana, you can substitute them with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even mango slices.
Make the crust thicker: If you prefer more crust, simply increase the amount of graham cracker crumbs and butter to suit your taste.
Use fresh, ripe fruit: Fresh, in-season strawberries are the best for this recipe, as they provide the best flavor and texture.
Smooth cheesecake filling: If you want an even smoother cheesecake layer, be sure to beat the cream cheese until it’s soft before mixing in the powdered sugar.

How to Serve

These individual Banana Strawberry Pudding Cheesecake Cups are perfect for serving at parties, picnics, or family dinners. They’re already portioned out, making them easy for guests to grab and enjoy. For a fun twist, you can add a few sprinkles of chocolate shavings, crushed graham crackers, or extra fruit on top for added texture and visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing leftovers: You can store these Banana Strawberry Pudding Cheesecake Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Make sure to add the whipped cream and fresh strawberries just before serving, to maintain their freshness.
Freezing: While the pudding cups can technically be frozen, the texture may change when thawed, particularly with the fruit and whipped cream. It’s best to serve them fresh or refrigerate them for a few days.
Reheating: Since this is a chilled dessert, there’s no need to reheat it. Just take it out of the fridge before serving for the best texture.

FAQs

1. Can I make these Banana Strawberry Pudding Cheesecake Cups ahead of time?

Yes! These cups are perfect for making ahead and refrigerating for up to 2-3 days.

2. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries are ideal for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid extra moisture.

3. Can I use a different type of crust?

Yes, you can use other types of cookies, like digestive biscuits or even graham crackers. The crust can be adapted to your preferences.

4. What if I don’t have banana pudding mix?

If you don’t have banana pudding mix, you can substitute it with vanilla pudding mix or make a homemade banana pudding using fresh mashed bananas.

5. Can I use whipped cream instead of making the cheesecake filling?

If you’re looking for a quicker version, you can skip the cheesecake filling and use just whipped cream with banana pudding and fruit.

6. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese and pudding mix with dairy-free alternatives like non-dairy cream cheese and plant-based pudding mixes.

7. Can I use a store-bought graham cracker crust?

Yes, if you prefer to skip the crust preparation, you can buy a pre-made graham cracker crust from the store and use it as the base.

8. How do I prevent the whipped cream from melting?

Be sure to add the whipped cream right before serving and store the cups in the refrigerator to keep the whipped topping fresh.

9. Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?

Absolutely! You can try vanilla, chocolate, or even caramel pudding for a different flavor profile.

10. Can I make this dessert in a large trifle dish instead of individual cups?

Yes, you can layer all the ingredients in a large trifle dish. Just ensure to chill it well before serving.

Conclusion

These Banana Strawberry Pudding Cheesecake Cups are a perfect treat for anyone craving a combination of creamy, fruity, and crunchy. With easy preparation and delicious layers, they’re sure to be a hit at any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet night at home, this dessert brings all the flavors you love into one delightful cup!