STRAWBERRY CRUNCH CHEESECAKE BANANA PUDDING CHEESECAKE

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INTRODUCTION

This recipe brings together two legendary Southern desserts — the nostalgic Strawberry Crunch Ice Cream Bar and the comforting Banana Pudding.
You’ll create two full-size cheesecakes, each about 9 inches, featuring creamy vanilla cheesecake bases, luscious layers of fruit flavor, crunchy toppings, and buttery crusts.

INGREDIENTS

For the Crusts (makes 2 crusts)

  • 3 cups crushed vanilla wafers (for banana pudding)
  • 3 cups crushed Golden Oreos or shortbread (for strawberry)
  • 1 ½ cups melted unsalted butter (¾ cup per crust)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (each)
  • Pinch of salt

For the Cheesecake Filling (shared for both)

  • 4 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened (total 32 oz)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup heavy cream

For the Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Add-ins

  • 1 package (3 oz) strawberry Jell-O powder
  • ½ cup crushed freeze-dried strawberries
  • 20 Golden Oreos, crushed
  • ½ stick butter, melted
  • ½ cup strawberry preserves or sauce
  • Optional: pink or red gel coloring for a vibrant hue

For the Banana Pudding Cheesecake Add-ins

  • 1 box (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix
  • 1 large banana, mashed
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups whipped topping (Cool Whip or whipped cream)
  • 15 vanilla wafers, crushed for garnish
  • Optional: fresh banana slices for decoration

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the Crusts

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. In two separate bowls, mix crust ingredients:
  • Strawberry crust: Golden Oreo crumbs + ¾ cup melted butter + sugar.
  • Banana crust: Vanilla wafer crumbs + ¾ cup melted butter + sugar.
  1. Press into the bottoms of two greased 9-inch springform pans.
  2. Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool completely.

2. Make the Cheesecake Base

  1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth (about 2–3 min).
  2. Add sugar, flour, sour cream, and vanilla; beat until creamy.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each just until combined.
  4. Mix in heavy cream until smooth.

3. Divide and Flavor

  • For Strawberry Cheesecake:
    Stir in 1 tbsp strawberry Jell-O powder and a few drops of gel coloring.
    Pour onto strawberry crust. Swirl in strawberry preserves lightly on top.
  • For Banana Cheesecake:
    Mix 1 box banana pudding mix + ½ cup heavy cream + mashed banana into half of the cheesecake batter.
    Pour onto banana crust.

4. Bake Both Cheesecakes

  1. Wrap the bottoms of pans with foil and place them in a roasting pan with 1 inch of hot water (water bath).
  2. Bake for 60–70 minutes, until centers are mostly set but slightly wobbly.
  3. Turn off oven and let cheesecakes cool in oven (door slightly open) for 1 hour.
  4. Chill in fridge at least 6 hours or overnight.

5. Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping

  1. Mix crushed Golden Oreos + freeze-dried strawberries + strawberry Jell-O powder.
  2. Drizzle melted butter and stir until crumbly.
  3. Sprinkle generously over the chilled strawberry cheesecake top.

6. Make the Banana Pudding Topping

  1. Spread a layer of whipped topping over the chilled banana cheesecake.
  2. Arrange vanilla wafers around the edges.
  3. Add banana slices if serving immediately (add just before serving to avoid browning).

SERVING IDEAS

  • Slice both cheesecakes and serve side-by-side for a duo dessert platter.
  • Top strawberry cheesecake with a drizzle of white chocolate or whipped cream.
  • Top banana cheesecake with caramel drizzle or extra wafers.

STORAGE

  • Refrigerate up to 5 days, covered tightly.
  • Freeze up to 1 month; thaw overnight in fridge before serving.

HISTORY

Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is inspired by the 90s strawberry shortcake ice cream bars, a nostalgic treat loved across America.
Banana Pudding Cheesecake roots back to classic Southern comfort — combining the creamy, banana-rich pudding with cheesecake’s rich texture.

Together, they merge nostalgia and indulgence in every bite.

BENEFITS

  • Calcium & Protein from cream cheese and dairy.
  • Mood Boosting — the natural serotonin lift from bananas and strawberries.
  • Energy Rich — perfect for celebrations and sweet cravings.

FOR THE LOVERS

Perfect for:

  • Strawberry lovers
  • Banana fans
  • Cheesecake addicts
  • Family celebrations, holidays, birthdays, or romantic dinners.

NUTRITION (per slice, approx.)

  • Calories: 520
  • Protein: 9g
  • Carbs: 45g
  • Fat: 32g
  • Sugars: 32g
  • Calcium: 10% DV

CONCLUSION

The Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake and Banana Pudding Cheesecake are dessert royalty — creamy, nostalgic, and luxuriously rich.
Each bite delivers comfort and celebration, blending fruity sweetness with velvety cheesecake perfection.

Whether you serve them separately or side-by-side, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert duo that’s impossible to resist

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