This Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Mousse Dessert is a layered treat that combines creamy cheesecake mousse, sweet vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and juicy strawberries. Perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or a special family dessert, this no-bake dessert is visually stunning and irresistibly tasty. Using simple ingredients, you can create a show-stopping layered dessert that everyone will love.

Recipe Origin & Story

Cheesecake desserts have been a beloved treat for centuries, with roots in ancient Greece where cheese and honey were combined for sweet treats. The modern layered mousse desserts we enjoy today evolved in Europe and America, combining creamy textures and fruit flavors. Bananas add natural sweetness and potassium, while strawberries bring bright color and antioxidant benefits. This dessert draws inspiration from classic American layered desserts and the nostalgic charm of banana pudding, creating a hybrid that’s both indulgent and visually impressive. Layering allows each bite to have a mix of flavors and textures—from smooth mousse to soft pudding, tender bananas, and crisp vanilla wafers—making it perfect for summer gatherings, holidays, or celebratory events.

Ingredient Benefits & How They Work

Cream cheese is the star of the cheesecake mousse, providing a rich, creamy texture and tangy flavor. Heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks, lightens the mousse, giving it a fluffy consistency. Powdered sugar adds sweetness without graininess, and a hint of vanilla enhances the dessert’s depth. Bananas are a natural sweetener and provide potassium, fiber, and vitamins, while strawberries add antioxidants, vitamin C, and a refreshing tartness. Vanilla pudding adds a smooth, creamy layer that complements the mousse and binds the fruit and wafers together. Vanilla wafers act as a base and provide a delicate crunch. Together, these ingredients create layers that balance sweet, creamy, and fruity notes while maintaining structure and stability, especially when chilled properly.

Why You’ll Love This Dessert

This Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Mousse Dessert is a crowd-pleaser for its creamy texture, layered presentation, and fresh fruit flavors. Each bite offers a combination of soft vanilla wafers, smooth pudding, airy mousse, and fresh, juicy strawberries and bananas. The dessert is versatile—you can serve it in an 8×8 dish for taller, prettier layers or a 9×13 dish for easier portioning. It’s ideal for family gatherings, birthdays, holiday tables, or potlucks. With optional tips like lightly toasting wafers or stabilizing the mousse with gelatin, you can adapt it for longer events without losing texture. Plus, it’s no-bake, making it simple to prepare ahead of time while still impressing guests.

Ingredients

Cheesecake Mousse Layer

• 1 (8 oz / 226 g) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled
• ½ cup (about 60 g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pudding Layer

• 1 (5.1 oz / ~144 g) box vanilla instant pudding mix
• 2 cups (480 ml) cold milk

Dessert / Assembly

• 1 box vanilla wafers (10–12 oz / ~300–350 g)
• 2 medium bananas, sliced (optional: toss with 1 tsp lemon juice)
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• Crushed strawberry wafers (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Mousse

1. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla.
2. Whip cold heavy cream to soft-stiff peaks.
3. Fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture in three additions until airy.
   Optional: Dissolve 1 tsp gelatin in 2 tbsp warm water and fold in for firmer mousse.

Step 2: Prepare the Pudding

1. Whisk vanilla instant pudding into cold milk for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
2. Let set for 2–5 minutes while preparing layers.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

1. Line the dish with a layer of vanilla wafers.
2. Add half the banana slices, followed by half the pudding, then half the mousse.
3. Sprinkle half the strawberries on top. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
4. Cover and chill at least 2–4 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve

1. Top with extra strawberries or whole wafers.
2. Slice with a hot, dry knife for clean portions.

Recipe Timing & Nutrition

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Chill Time: 2–4 hours
• Total Time: 2 hr 25 min – 4 hr 25 min
• Servings: 8
• Estimated Calories: 350 per serving

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes! This dessert is perfect for make-ahead preparation. Assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. The layers will set, flavors will meld, and it’s even better after a few hours of chilling.

Can I use other fruits instead of bananas and strawberries?

Absolutely! Raspberries, blueberries, or peaches work beautifully. Just adjust the sweetness if needed. The dessert remains creamy and layered regardless of fruit choice.

How do I prevent the wafers from getting soggy?

Lightly toast wafers in the oven or brush with a thin layer of melted butter. Chill fully before slicing. The mousse naturally softens them slightly while keeping layers structured.

Can I make the mousse without gelatin?

Yes. Gelatin is optional. If serving the dessert within a few hours and keeping it chilled, it will hold its shape without gelatin. Gelatin helps for longer events or transportation.