Ingredients:
For the Banana Pudding Layer:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 package Nilla wafers (or your favorite vanilla wafer cookies)
For the Strawberry Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped (or strawberry jam if you prefer)
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (optional for texture)
For Garnish:
- Additional sliced bananas
- Fresh strawberries, whole or sliced
- Crushed Nilla wafers or graham cracker crumbs (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Banana Pudding Layer:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk and instant vanilla pudding mix until it thickens (about 2 minutes).
- In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form (about 3-5 minutes).
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until combined. This creates a light, fluffy pudding layer.
- Set aside and prepare the rest of the dessert layers.
2. Prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Layer:
- Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form (like for the banana pudding layer).
- Gradually fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, adding vanilla extract and sour cream as you go, until everything is well combined and creamy.
- Stir in the chopped strawberries (or strawberry jam) for that fresh, fruity kick.
- If you like a bit of texture, you can fold in some graham cracker crumbs for that cheesecake crust vibe.
3. Assemble the Trifle:
- Use a large trifle dish or individual clear glasses (this way you can see the beautiful layers!).
- Start with a layer of vanilla wafer cookies on the bottom of the dish, slightly breaking them if necessary to cover the bottom.
- Spoon a layer of banana pudding over the wafers.
- Add a layer of sliced bananas on top of the pudding layer.
- Repeat the process until you reach the top, alternating between the banana pudding and cheesecake layers. Make sure to end with a generous layer of strawberry cheesecake mixture on top.
4. Garnish & Chill:
- Garnish with extra sliced bananas, fresh strawberries, and a sprinkle of crushed Nilla wafers or graham cracker crumbs for some crunch.
- Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight works best!) so all the flavors can meld together.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
- Scoop into individual servings and enjoy this dreamy, layered dessert!
Enjoy!