Imagine the creamy richness of cheesecake, the nostalgic comfort of banana pudding, and the decadent moisture of tres leches cake all in one heavenly dessert. That’s exactly what this Banana Pudding Cheesecake Tres Leches delivers – a fusion of three beloved desserts that creates something truly magical. This showstopper combines the best elements of each dessert while maintaining a surprisingly approachable preparation process.
Perfect for special occasions or weekend family gatherings, this dessert strikes the perfect balance between impressive and achievable. The layers of flavor build upon each other – from the vanilla wafer base to the banana-infused cheesecake and the sweet milk soak that brings it all together. Trust me, this is one dessert your guests will be talking about long after the last crumb is gone!
Why You’ll Love This
- No baking required – this is an entirely no-bake cheesecake that sets up beautifully in the refrigerator
- Make-ahead friendly – actually improves when prepared a day in advance
- Crowd-pleasing flavor combination that appeals to both kids and adults
- Impressive presentation despite the relatively simple preparation
- Customizable to your sweetness preference and banana intensity
Ingredients
- 1 box Duncan Hines Classic White Cake Mix
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup melted butter
- 3 eggs
- ½ tablespoon vanilla
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 2 cans condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Pinch of cinnamon
- 6 oz cream cheese
- 1¼ cups heavy whipping cream
- ⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2⅓ cups Nilla cookie crumbs
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 box banana pudding mix
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Fresh bananas for layering and garnish
- Nilla wafers for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 18 3.5-inch disposable cupcake cups with non-stick spray.
- Mix Nilla crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press 2 tablespoons into bottom of each cup.
- Mix wet ingredients until combined. Sift dry ingredients, add to wet ingredients, and mix until combined.
- Scoop one ice cream scoop of batter into each cup. Bake 18-20 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Make banana pudding according to box directions, adding vanilla and cinnamon. Refrigerate.
- Mix milk blend ingredients. Poke holes in cooled cakes and pour milk mixture over until filled but not overflowing. Refrigerate 4-6 hours or overnight.
- Beat cream cheese, cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Layer banana pudding and banana slices on soaked cakes. Pipe cheesecake topping using 1M tip. Garnish with Nilla wafers and banana slices.
Tips & Variations
- For a firmer texture, add 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin (bloomed in 3 tablespoons of water) to the cheesecake mixture
- Substitute chocolate wafers for vanilla wafers for a chocolate-banana variation
- Add 1/4 cup of rum to the tres leches mixture for an adult version
- Ensure bananas are ripe with brown spots for the best flavor, but avoid overripe bananas that have turned black
- For extra banana flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of banana extract to the cheesecake mixture
- Make individual portions in small jars or glasses for an elegant presentation
Serving Suggestions
This Banana Pudding Cheesecake Tres Leches is delicious on its own, but can be elevated with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg. For a more indulgent presentation, drizzle with caramel sauce or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pair with a cup of strong coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness, or serve with a glass of dessert wine like Moscato d’Asti for special occasions.
Notes
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- The dessert is ready when the milk mixture has been mostly absorbed and the texture is set but still creamy
- Add banana slices just before serving to prevent browning
- For best results, bring cream cheese to room temperature before mixing
FAQs
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes! This dessert actually improves when made 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and the milk mixture to fully absorb.
Can I freeze this dessert?
While you can freeze it, the texture of the bananas may change upon thawing. If you need to freeze it, do so before adding the fresh banana garnish.
What if I don’t have all three types of milk?
You can substitute with what you have on hand. The key is maintaining the creamy richness, so full-fat options are best.
Why is my cheesecake layer too soft?
Make sure to thoroughly chill the dessert for at least 4 hours. If it’s still too soft, next time try adding the optional gelatin mentioned in the tips section.
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