The Banana Pudding Cheesecake Tres Leches cupcakes offer the best of both worlds, combining the beloved classic banana pudding flavor with the indulgence of cheesecake and tres leches cake.
Each bite is a soft and moist blend of rich vanilla cake, creamy banana pudding, and light cheesecake topping, crowned with a slice of fresh banana and crunchy Nilla wafer for added texture. These cupcakes are not just visually stunning but are also packed with layers of flavor, making them a perfect treat for any dessert lover.
Full Recipe:
Cake
- 1 Box Duncan Hines Classic White Cake Mix
- 1/2 Cup All Purpose Flour
- 1/4 Tsp Baking Powder
- 1/8 Tsp Salt
- 1 Cup Milk
- 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 Cup Melted Butter
- 3 Eggs
- 1/2 Tbsp Vanilla
Milk Blend
- 3 Cups Whole Milk
- 1 Can Evaporated Milk
- 2 Cans Condensed Milk
- 1 Tsp Vanilla
- Pinch of Cinnamon
Cheesecake Topping
- 6oz Cream Cheese
- 1 1/4 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1/3 Cup + 1 Tbsp Granulated Sugar
- 1 Tsp Vanilla
Crust
- 2 1/3 Cups Nilla Cookie Crumbs
- 10 Tbsp Unsalted Melted Butter
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
Banana Pudding
- 1 Box of Banana Pudding
- 1/2 Tsp Vanilla
- Pinch of Cinnamon
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine Nilla cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter to make the crust. Mix until it forms a wet, crumbly texture.
- Place 2 tablespoons of the crust mixture into greased cupcake cups and press down gently with a spoon.
- Prepare the cake mix by whisking together all wet ingredients (milk, butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla) in a separate bowl. Sift together dry ingredients (cake mix, flour, baking powder, and salt) and add to the wet ingredients, mixing well.
- Scoop cake batter into prepared cupcake cups, filling them halfway, and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the cakes bake and cool, prepare the banana pudding according to package instructions, adding vanilla and cinnamon. Refrigerate.
- In a bowl, mix together the milk blend (whole milk, evaporated milk, condensed milk, vanilla, and cinnamon) until combined.
- Once cupcakes have cooled, use a fork to poke holes in the top of each cake. Pour the milk blend over the cupcakes, allowing the cake to absorb the milk. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours or overnight.
- To make the cheesecake topping, beat heavy whipping cream, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Top the cupcakes with 1 1/2 tablespoons of banana pudding, followed by pieces of banana. Pipe the cheesecake topping over the banana pudding and garnish with Nilla wafers and sliced banana.
Prep Time: 120 minutes | Total Time: 120 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 450 kcal per serving | Servings: 18 servings
Banana Pudding Cheesecake Tres Leches: A Sweet Twist on Classic Desserts
The Banana Pudding Cheesecake Tres Leches is a stunning and decadent dessert that merges three beloved treats into one irresistible creation. Combining the creamy richness of banana pudding, the light and fluffy texture of tres leches cake, and the indulgent tang of cheesecake, this dessert offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. If you are a fan of Southern-style banana pudding and Mexican tres leches cake, this fusion is sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Why Choose Banana Pudding Cheesecake Tres Leches?
This dessert provides a delightful mix of familiar, comforting flavors with a few creative twists. Traditionally, tres leches cake is a spongy, milk-soaked cake that absorbs a sweet, creamy milk mixture, making it extra moist and rich. The banana pudding topping adds a playful, tropical touch, while the cheesecake layer offers a silky, smooth texture that elevates the dessert to the next level. The combination of textures—from the crunchy Nilla wafer crust to the creamy layers—is not only pleasing to the taste buds but also to the eyes, making it an ideal choice for special occasions or casual gatherings.
Easy to Make and Perfect for Sharing
Despite its indulgent nature, this dessert is relatively easy to prepare. The cake is made with a simple boxed cake mix, while the banana pudding is whipped up quickly with a few pantry staples. What makes this dessert stand out is the milk blend that soaks the cake, ensuring it remains moist and delicious long after being made. Additionally, the cheesecake topping is made with heavy cream and cream cheese, which provides the perfect amount of richness without overwhelming the other flavors. The crust is made from crushed Nilla wafers, adding a subtle crunch to every bite.
The fact that the Banana Pudding Cheesecake Tres Leches is served in individual cupcake-sized portions makes it perfect for serving at parties, gatherings, or family dinners. The mini cupcakes are easy to handle and offer a single serving of this indulgent dessert, allowing everyone to enjoy a portion without the hassle of cutting and serving slices from a large cake.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, the Banana Pudding Cheesecake Tres Leches is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed year-round. Its tropical banana flavor makes it a fantastic summer treat, while the rich creaminess and comforting texture make it an excellent choice for colder months as well.
This dessert’s versatility doesn’t just stop at flavor. You can customize it to suit your dietary preferences. For a lighter version, consider using fat-free or low-fat cream cheese, whipped topping, or even a sugar substitute. If you’re vegan or dairy-free, there are plenty of plant-based alternatives that can replace the traditional ingredients.
What Makes This Dessert Stand Out?
- Three Delicious Layers: The combination of cake, banana pudding, and cheesecake is a dream come true for dessert lovers. Each layer has its own distinct flavor and texture, making every bite a delightful experience.
- Moist and Creamy: The milk blend used to soak the cake ensures that each bite is incredibly moist, which is the hallmark of a great tres leches cake. The banana pudding adds a smooth, velvety finish, while the cheesecake topping gives a perfect balance of tang and sweetness.
- Nilla Wafer Crunch: The Nilla wafer crust provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy layers. This adds texture and an extra layer of flavor that complements the overall dessert.
- Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients like cake mix, milk, cream cheese, and banana pudding, this dessert is easy to make and doesn’t require advanced baking skills. Plus, it can be prepared ahead of time, making it an ideal dessert for busy hosts.
How to Serve and Store the Dessert
Once prepared, the Banana Pudding Cheesecake Tres Leches can be kept refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. The chilling process allows the flavors to meld together, making it even tastier the day after it’s made. Be sure to cover the dessert properly to prevent it from drying out and to keep it fresh. The individual cupcake-sized servings make it easy to store in containers, and they are portable enough for a picnic or potluck.
For a beautiful presentation, garnish the top of each cupcake with a slice of fresh banana and a Nilla wafer. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair. These little touches not only enhance the visual appeal but also add an extra layer of flavor that will have your guests coming back for more.
Conclusion
The Banana Pudding Cheesecake Tres Leches is a dessert that truly has it all—flavor, texture, and a visual appeal that will leave everyone impressed. Whether you’re a fan of banana pudding, cheesecake, or tres leches cake, this dessert brings the best of all three worlds into one delightful treat. Its easy preparation, versatility, and ability to be made in individual servings make it perfect for parties, family gatherings, or even a sweet end to a weeknight meal. With its rich flavors, creamy layers, and indulgent crunch, this dessert is sure to become a crowd favorite and an essential part of your baking repertoire.
Whether you are making it for a special occasion or just as a treat for yourself, this dessert will undoubtedly satisfy your sweet tooth and leave everyone asking for the recipe.