Why choose just one when you can have two? This ultimate dessert duo combines creamy, classic cheesecake with the fruity sweetness of strawberry crunch and the nostalgic comfort of banana pudding.
📝 Recipe Card
Hook
Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake & Banana Pudding Cheesecake – A two-in-one cheesecake recipe with buttery crust, creamy filling, and decadent toppings. Perfect for special occasions or when you can’t decide between fruity and creamy desserts.
Servings & Timing
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours (minimum)
- Total Time: ~5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12–14 slices
Dietary Badges
🍓 Crowd-Pleaser | 🍌 Kid-Friendly | 🌾 Can Be Made Gluten-Free (use GF cookies)
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers
- ½ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup sugar
For the Cheesecake Base:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
For the Strawberry Crunch Layer:
- 1 cup crushed golden Oreos
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- (Optional: 2 tbsp freeze-dried strawberries, crushed, for stronger flavor)
For the Banana Pudding Layer (Variation):
- 1 cup vanilla wafers, crushed
- 1 banana, sliced thinly
- ½ cup whipped cream (or Cool Whip)
- Optional: banana pudding mix (dry, 2 tbsp) for stronger banana flavor
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease or line a springform pan.
- Make the Crust: Mix crushed wafers/graham crackers with melted butter and sugar. Press into bottom of pan. Bake 10 minutes, then set aside.
- Prepare Cheesecake Batter: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla and sour cream until creamy.
- Bake Cheesecake: Pour batter into prepared crust. Bake 40–45 minutes until edges are set but center is slightly jiggly. Cool completely, then refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
- Strawberry Crunch Topping: Mix golden Oreos (and crushed freeze-dried strawberries, if using) with melted butter. Sprinkle over cooled cheesecake.
- Banana Pudding Variation: Top cheesecake with thin banana slices, whipped cream, and crushed vanilla wafers. Dust lightly with banana pudding mix if desired.
- Serve: Slice with a warm knife for clean cuts. Serve chilled.
Brief Introduction
This recipe brings together two dessert favorites — the Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake, inspired by those nostalgic strawberry shortcake ice cream bars, and the Banana Pudding Cheesecake, layered with bananas, wafers, and cream. You can make them separately or as a dessert duo for the ultimate party platter.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1 – Crust Base: Bake the cookie crust until golden.
- Step 2 – Cheesecake Layer: Whip up the creamy filling and bake low and slow.
- Step 3 – Flavor Finish: Add either the strawberry crunch topping or banana pudding topping — or make both on separate halves for a “split” cheesecake.
Ingredient Details & Substitution Tips
- Cookies: Graham crackers work, but vanilla wafers keep it Southern-style. Use gluten-free cookies for a GF-friendly version.
- Strawberry Flavor: For stronger strawberry crunch, add freeze-dried strawberries or strawberry gelatin powder to the crumb layer.
- Banana Layer: Fresh bananas work best. Avoid overly ripe ones as they can get mushy.
- Cream Cheese: Always use full-fat for best texture.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Split Cheesecake: Divide topping in half for a “duo” cheesecake — one side strawberry, one side banana.
- Mini Cheesecakes: Use muffin tins with liners for individual servings.
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Serving Pairings:
- With fresh strawberries 🍓
- With whipped cream and caramel drizzle 🍌
- Alongside coffee or champagne for a celebration
Storage & Make-Ahead Info
- Fridge: Keeps 4–5 days in airtight container.
- Freezer: Freeze (without toppings) up to 2 months. Add toppings fresh before serving.
- Make-Ahead: Best made a day before serving so it has time to chill and set.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this no-bake?
A: Yes — use a no-bake cheesecake base (cream cheese + whipped cream) and chill overnight.
Q: Can I use flavored cream cheese?
A: Yes, strawberry or banana cream cheese can enhance the flavor, but it will alter sweetness.
Q: How do I prevent cracks in cheesecake?
A: Bake in a water bath or don’t overmix the eggs. Chill completely before slicing.
Personal Note
Cheesecake is one of my all-time favorite desserts, but deciding between flavors is impossible. That’s why I love this dessert duo — it satisfies both fruity and creamy cravings in one.
Call to Action
If you make this Strawberry Crunch & Banana Pudding Cheesecake Duo, let me know which side disappeared first in your house! ⭐ Share your creations and help other bakers get inspired.
