Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake and Banana Pudding Cheesecake

This decadent dessert combines the best of two worlds: a creamy, dreamy cheesecake base topped with a luscious Strawberry Crunch Layer and a rich Banana Pudding Layer . Perfect for parties, potlucks, or special occasions, this dessert is as beautiful as it is delicious. With fresh fruit, crunchy toppings, and silky textures, it’s sure to impress every guest!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Two-in-One Delight: Enjoy the sweet-tart strawberry crunch and creamy banana pudding in one cake.
• Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite fruits, syrups, or cookies for a personalized touch.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Perfect for preparing in advance and chilling until ready to serve.

 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
• ½ cup fresh strawberries , chopped
• ½ cup strawberry glaze or strawberry preserves

For the Banana Pudding Layer:

• 1 cup banana pudding (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 banana , sliced
• ½ cup whipped cream

For the Toppings:

• Fresh strawberries , sliced
• Sliced bananas
• Strawberry syrup
• Crushed vanilla wafers

 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers , melted butter , and sugar . Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a foil-lined or greased 9×13-inch baking pan to form the crust.
4. Bake for 10 minutes , then remove from the oven and let cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Base

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
4. Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
5. Bake for 35–40 minutes , or until the center is set and the edges are slightly golden.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours , or until completely chilled and firm.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

🍓 For the Strawberry Crunch Side:

1. In a small bowl, mix the crushed golden Oreos with melted butter to form a crumbly topping.
2. Spread chopped fresh strawberries over half of the cheesecake.
3. Drizzle strawberry glaze or preserves generously over the strawberries.
4. Sprinkle the golden Oreo crumble on top for that signature crunchy texture.

🍌 For the Banana Pudding Side:

1. Spread a generous layer of banana pudding over the other half of the cheesecake.
2. Arrange banana slices evenly over the pudding layer.
3. Top with a dollop of whipped cream , spreading it gently to cover the pudding.

Step 4: Add Final Touches

1. Garnish the strawberry side with fresh strawberry slices , a drizzle of strawberry syrup , and extra crushed vanilla wafers for crunch.
2. Garnish the banana side with sliced bananas , a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers , or a light dusting of cinnamon for added flair.

Tips for Success:

• Prevent Browning: Toss banana slices in a little lemon juice before adding them to the cake to prevent browning.
• Make It Extra Sweet: Use homemade whipped cream for the banana pudding layer by whipping heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days . Avoid freezing, as the fresh fruit and pudding may not hold up well.

Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 12):

• Calories: ~380
• Protein: ~6g
• Carbohydrates: ~45g
• Fat: ~22g

Enjoy this Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake and Banana Pudding Cheesecake as a show-stopping dessert that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this two-in-one masterpiece is sure to delight!