Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Base

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add powdered sugar and continue beating until creamy. This creates the rich, cheesecake-like foundation that makes this pudding special.

Step 2: Mix the Pudding Layer

Add the sweetened condensed milk and blend until fully incorporated. Slowly pour in the cold milk, followed by the vanilla pudding mix. Beat for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Add vanilla extract.

The mixture should look silky, slightly thick, and lump-free.

Step 3: Fold in the Cool Whip

Gently fold in the Cool Whip using a spatula. Don’t overmix—you want a light, airy texture. This creates the velvety, cloud-like pudding layer.

Step 4: Slice the Fruit

Slice the bananas and strawberries just before assembling to keep them fresh. Pat the strawberries gently with a paper towel to remove excess moisture so the pudding layers stay creamy and not watery.

Step 5: Assemble the Layers

Use a trifle dish, 9×13 baking pan, or deep glass bowl.

1. Layer 1: Cookies
2. Layer 2: Sliced bananas
3. Layer 3: Sliced strawberries
4. Layer 4: Cheesecake pudding mixture

Repeat these layers until ingredients are used, finishing with pudding on top.

Step 6: Add the Final Touches

Top with extra strawberries, crushed cookies, or a drizzle of strawberry sauce for presentation.

Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for best flavor.

 Variation

• Strawberry Crunch Topping:
  Mix crushed Golden Oreos with melted butter and strawberry Jell-O powder for a bakery-style crunch topping.
• All-Berry Version:
  Add blueberries and raspberries for a mixed berry cheesecake pudding.
• Chocolate Twist:
  Use chocolate wafers or chocolate pudding for a chocolate-covered strawberry vibe.
• No-Cookie Version:
  Layer with pound cake or ladyfingers for a strawberry shortcake banana pudding hybrid.

 Cooking Note

This is a no-bake dessert, but chilling time is essential.
The longer it chills, the more the flavors blend and the cookies soften into a cake-like texture.

Refrigerate at least 4 hours, but overnight is strongly recommended.

 Serving Suggestions

• Serve in mason jars for cute individual portions.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra richness.
• Drizzle with strawberry syrup before serving.
• Garnish with whole strawberries for a beautiful presentation.
• Pair with iced tea, lemonade, or coffee for a complete Southern dessert moment.

 Tips

See more on the next page

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