Instructions
Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and beat until fully incorporated. Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract if using. Set aside.
Make the Pudding:
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until thick and smooth. Let it stand for 5 minutes to set completely. Once set, fold in half of the thawed whipped topping until well combined and no streaks remain.
Combine Cheesecake and Pudding:
Gently fold the cream cheese mixture into the pudding mixture until smooth and creamy. The texture should be thick, fluffy, and luxurious. Fold in the remaining whipped topping, reserving about 1 cup for topping if desired.
Layer the Dessert:
In a large trifle bowl or 9×13-inch dish, begin layering your dessert. Start with a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom, covering the entire surface. Add a layer of sliced bananas over the wafers, followed by a layer of sliced strawberries. Spread about one-third of the cheesecake pudding mixture over the fruit. Repeat these layers two more times, ending with the pudding mixture on top.
Chill and Garnish:
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This chilling time is essential for the wafers to soften and all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just before serving, top with additional whipped cream, arrange fresh strawberry slices decoratively on top, and add a few whole vanilla wafers for garnish.
Tips for Success
Banana Preparation: To prevent bananas from browning, slice them just before assembling and toss them gently with a tablespoon of lemon juice. This keeps them looking fresh and appetizing throughout the chilling period.
Strawberry Selection: Choose firm, ripe strawberries that aren’t overly juicy. Pat them dry after slicing to prevent excess moisture from making the dessert watery. Reserve the prettiest berries for the top layer.
Wafer Texture: The magic of this dessert happens during the chilling time when the vanilla wafers soften to a cake-like texture. Don’t skip the minimum 4-hour chill time, though overnight is even better for optimal texture.
Cream Cheese Temperature: Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened to room temperature before beginning. Cold cream cheese will create lumps that are difficult to smooth out, even with vigorous beating.
Variations and Modifications
Chocolate Lovers: Add a layer of chocolate ganache or drizzle melted chocolate between layers. Substitute chocolate wafers for vanilla wafers for a cookies-and-cream twist.
Berry Medley: Mix in blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries along with the strawberries for a mixed berry version with more complex flavor.
Tropical Twist: Add sliced kiwi, mandarin oranges, or pineapple chunks to the fruit layers for a tropical variation. Consider using coconut extract in place of almond extract.
Make It Boozy: Adults might enjoy adding a tablespoon of strawberry liqueur or banana liqueur to the pudding mixture for an elevated dessert.
Serving and Storage
This dessert serves 12-15 people generously and is best enjoyed within 2-3 days of preparation. The wafers will continue to soften over time, eventually becoming very cake-like. Some people prefer this texture, while others enjoy it when the wafers still have slight texture.
Store covered in the refrigerator at all times. If you’re transporting this to a party, keep it chilled in a cooler and avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than an hour, as the dairy-based ingredients require refrigeration for food safety.
For individual servings perfect for parties, layer the dessert in clear plastic cups or mason jars. This creates beautiful portable presentations and makes serving a breeze.
Serves: 12-15 | Prep Time: 30 minutes | Chill Time: 4+ hours | Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
