The Dreamiest Layered Pudding Shortcake Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Summer’s sweet symphony finds its perfect harmony in this decadent layered pudding shortcake that promises pure indulgence.

Creamy textures and delicate flavors dance together in every delightful bite.

Each layer reveals a careful blend of soft cake and silky pudding that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Fresh ingredients combine to create a dessert that feels both elegant and comforting.

The shortcake serves as a tender foundation, absorbing the luscious pudding with grace.

Soft, light, and utterly irresistible, this dessert will become your new favorite summer treat.

Prepare to be enchanted by a dessert that turns ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

Banana Pudding Shortcake Benefits

• Combine two beloved desserts into one spectacular treat that will wow your guests and family.
• Despite multiple layers, this recipe breaks down into simple, manageable steps that even novice bakers can successfully execute.
• Merges classic banana pudding and strawberry shortcake flavors, ensuring something delicious for every dessert lover's palate.
• Delivers a stunning visual centerpiece that looks professionally made but can be crafted right in your home kitchen.

Dessert Combo Bar Ingredients

• Vanilla Wafers: A classic cookie that creates a crunchy foundation for the dessert.
• Pecans: Nuts that add a rich, nutty texture and depth of flavor to the base.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the base layer and helps bind the ingredients.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps the base layer hold together when baked.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the cheesecake its smooth and creamy texture.
• Bananas: Provide a natural sweetness and distinctive banana flavor to the cheesecake.
• Eggs: Help bind the cheesecake ingredients and provide structure.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps create a creamy, rich texture.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Contributes to the light and airy consistency of the cheesecake.
• Flour: Helps stabilize the cheesecake and prevent cracking.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cheesecake.

• Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates a light and fluffy whipped cream topping.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the whipped cream.
• Strawberries: Fresh fruit that adds color, freshness, and a burst of flavor.
• Vanilla Wafers: Used for garnish to add extra crunch and visual appeal.

Dessert Combo Bar Tools

• Springform Pan: Essential for creating layered desserts with removable sides.
• Mixing Bowls: Large bowls needed for combining ingredients and preparing layers.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Crucial for beating cream cheese, whipping cream, and mixing batter smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Baking Sheet: Optional for placing under springform pan to catch any potential drips.
• Spatula: Helps spread and smooth layers evenly.
• Cooling Rack: Allows cheesecake to cool without condensation.
• Knife: For slicing strawberries and garnishing.

Dessert Combo Bar Directions

Step 1: Create Strawberry Crunch Base

Warm up the oven to 350F.

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in crushed vanilla wafers, chopped pecans, and sugar.

Drizzle melted butter over the dry ingredients and mix everything thoroughly.

Press this delightful crumbly mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.

Bake until the base turns a gorgeous golden brown, about 10-12 minutes.

Let the crust cool down for 10 minutes.

Once cooled, lovingly arrange fresh strawberry slices across the entire surface.

Step 2: Whip Up Banana Pudding Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, whip cream cheese until silky smooth.

Add sugar and vanilla, blending until perfectly combined.

Gently incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed.

• Mashed bananas
• Sour cream
• Heavy whipping cream
• Flour

Pour this luscious batter over the strawberry layer.

Bake for 60-70 minutes until the edges turn light brown and the center sets firmly.

Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before removing from the pan.

Step 3: Finish With Dreamy Topping

Carefully transfer the cooled cheesecake to a serving platter.

• Heavy whipping cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whip these ingredients until they form beautiful stiff peaks.

Generously spread the whipped cream across the top of the cheesecake.

For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle additional sliced strawberries and crushed vanilla wafers on top.

Tips for Dessert Combo Bars

• Choose ripe, sweet bananas and fresh, bright red strawberries for maximum flavor and natural sweetness in your dessert.
• Bake the cheesecake in a water bath to create even heat distribution and reduce the chances of surface cracks during cooking.
• Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight to help the cheesecake set properly and enhance the flavor melding.
• Pat strawberries dry before layering to prevent excess liquid from making the crust soggy and compromising the texture.
• Chill the mixing bowl and whisk beforehand to help the heavy cream whip faster and create more stable, fluffy peaks.

Dessert Combo Bar Ideas

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace vanilla wafers with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Alternative: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream, and replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use fresh berries sparingly to reduce overall sugar content.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use coconut cream cheese, almond milk-based whipping cream, and coconut oil instead of butter for a lactose-free adaptation.

Serving Dessert Combo Bars

• Berry Sweet Party Platter: Create a stunning dessert display by surrounding the cake with fresh strawberries and banana slices, adding elegance and color to your presentation.
• Chilled Delight Serving: Refrigerate the cake for 2-3 hours before serving to enhance the flavor and create a firmer, more refreshing texture that guests will love.
• Decadent Topping Twist: Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over individual slices to add an extra layer of indulgence and make each serving feel special and personalized.
• Coffee Companion Pairing: Serve alongside a hot espresso or cappuccino to complement the rich, creamy dessert and provide a delightful contrast in temperature and taste.

Dessert Combo Bar Storage

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire cake securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power to maintain texture. Let sit for a minute to distribute heat evenly and prevent soggy edges.
• Remove from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the cake to soften slightly and enhance flavor. Enjoy within 2 hours at room temperature.

FAQs

• How do I know if my banana pudding cheesecake layer is fully baked?

Look for lightly browned edges and a set center. When you gently shake the pan, the middle should have a slight wobble but not appear liquid. The internal temperature should reach around 150-160°F for a perfectly baked cheesecake.

• Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture and flavor. Frozen strawberries contain more moisture and might make your crust soggy. If you must use frozen, thaw and drain them completely before using, and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess liquid.

• What if my cheesecake cracks during baking?

Cracks can happen due to overmixing, sudden temperature changes, or overbaking.

Layered Pudding Shortcake Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Classic layered pudding shortcake merges creamy textures with sweet pastry delights. Homemade dessert perfection combines rich custard, fluffy cake, and delicate crumb for an irresistible culinary experience you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) mashed ripe bananas
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sliced fresh strawberries

Crust and Sugar Components:

• 2 cups (240 grams) crushed vanilla wafers
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/4 cups (250 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour

Dairy and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 2 1/2 cups (600 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Craft the strawberry crunch foundation by blending crushed vanilla wafers, pecans, and sugar with melted butter. Spread this mixture evenly into a 9-inch springform pan and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until golden. Cool for 10 minutes, then artfully arrange fresh strawberry slices across the crisp base.
2. Create the banana pudding cheesecake filling by whipping cream cheese until smooth. Gradually incorporate sugar, vanilla, eggs, mashed bananas, sour cream, heavy cream, and flour into a silky, homogeneous batter. Gently pour this luxurious mixture over the strawberry layer. Bake for 60-70 minutes at 350°F, watching for lightly browned edges and a set center. Allow complete cooling before unmolding.
3. Transform the cooled cheesecake into an elegant dessert by preparing a cloud-like whipped cream. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Lavishly spread the cream across the cheesecake’s surface. Embellish with additional sliced strawberries and a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers for a stunning presentation.

Notes

• Crust Customization: Swap vanilla wafers with graham crackers or gluten-free cookies for alternative texture and dietary needs.
• Banana Ripeness Matters: Use overripe bananas for deeper, sweeter flavor and smoother pudding consistency.
• Temperature Control: Allow cream cheese and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing to prevent lumpy cheesecake batter.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert a day in advance to enhance flavor melding and simplify serving preparation.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 384
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 202 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg