No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Pudding Dessert

This no-bake strawberry cheesecake pudding dessert is a creamy, fruity twist on our classic banana pudding. It keeps the same rich cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk base, then swaps vanilla wafers for graham crackers, bananas for fresh strawberries, and vanilla pudding for cheesecake pudding.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 3 cups cold milk
• 2 (3.4-ounce) packages instant cheesecake pudding mix
• 1 package graham crackers, about 14 ounces
• 1 1/2 to 2 pounds strawberries, hulled and sliced

Instructions

1. Prepare the cream cheese mixture. Beat the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until it is light and free of lumps. Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla, then mix again until smooth and evenly combined.
2. Add the whipped topping. Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Set the bowl aside while you prepare the pudding.
3. Mix the pudding. In a separate large bowl, combine the cold milk and instant cheesecake pudding mix. Beat with an electric mixer for approximately 3 minutes, or until the mixture begins to become thick and creamy.
4. Combine the fillings. Fold the cream cheese mixture into the prepared cheesecake pudding until no streaks remain.
5. Build the layers. Choose a 9-by-13-inch dish, trifle bowl, large serving bowl, or individual jars. Cover the bottom with graham crackers, spoon pudding over the crackers, and add a layer of sliced strawberries. Add another layer of graham crackers and repeat the sequence until the dish is filled. Finish with a smooth layer of pudding.
6. Chill. Cover the dessert and refrigerate it for 3 to 4 hours, giving the pudding time to set and the graham crackers time to soften.
7. Finish and serve. Just before serving, crush a few graham crackers over the top. Serve well chilled.

Mood Messy Tips

• Use strawberries that are ripe but still firm so they hold their shape in the layers.
• Crushed graham crackers give the dessert more of a strawberry cheesecake flavor than vanilla wafers.
• For the best texture, assemble the pudding several hours before serving rather than serving it immediately.
• Add the final graham cracker crumbs shortly before serving so they keep a little crunch.

Storage: Keep covered in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2 to 3 days.

Video: Watch the original Mood Messy Kitchen TikTok inspiration here.