Dreamy Banana Pudding Cheesecake Tres Leches Recipe For Dessert Lovers

Sweet dreams meet creamy reality in this banana pudding cheesecake tres leches marvel that blends comfort and indulgence.

Layers of silky cheesecake mingle with classic banana pudding notes, creating a dessert that whispers pure magic.

Condensed milk soaks through tender cake, infusing each bite with rich, decadent flavor.

Soft banana slices nestle between smooth cream cheese and delicate sponge, promising an unforgettable experience.

Delicate yet bold, this dessert breaks traditional boundaries with its ingenious combination of textures and tastes.

Crumbled vanilla wafers add delightful crunch, transforming every forkful into a celebration of culinary creativity.

Prepare to fall head over heels for a dessert that will become your new obsession.

Why Banana Pudding Cheesecake Tres Leches Is A Dream

• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Transform classic banana pudding into an irresistible cupcake experience that combines multiple beloved desserts in one delightful treat.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Easily create these luxurious cupcakes using basic ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques, perfect for home bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Party Showstopper: Impress guests at potlucks, birthdays, or family gatherings with these elegant individual desserts that blend creamy textures and rich flavors.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare these cupcakes in advance and refrigerate, allowing busy cooks to plan ahead and reduce last-minute dessert stress.

What Goes In Banana Pudding Cheesecake Tres Leches

• Nilla Wafer Crumbs: A classic cookie base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cupcakes.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust mixture.
• Melted Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients together and creates a rich flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure for the cake, providing a soft and tender texture.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweeteners that add depth and moisture to the cake.
• Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help bind the cake ingredients.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth cake batter.
• Butter: Contributes to the cake's rich flavor and tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.

• Whole Milk, Evaporated Milk, Condensed Milk: Create the signature tres leches soaking liquid that makes the cupcakes incredibly moist.
• Cinnamon, Vanilla Extract: Add warm, aromatic flavors to the milk blend.
• Heavy Whipping Cream, Cream Cheese: Form the base of the creamy cheesecake topping.
• Banana Pudding Mix: Provides a smooth, banana-flavored layer between the cake and topping.
• Banana Slices, Nilla Wafers: Garnish that adds extra flavor and visual appeal.

How To Make Banana Pudding Cheesecake Tres Leches

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Cupcake Cups

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Spray cupcake liners with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Wafer Crust

Combine crushed Nilla wafers, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Press the mixture firmly into each cupcake liner, creating a solid base.

Step 3: Mix Cake Batter

• Milk
• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Whisk wet ingredients in a large bowl until smooth. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.

Step 4: Bake Cupcake Base

Scoop batter into prepared cupcake liners using an ice cream scoop.

Bake for 18-20 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should come out clean.

Step 5: Prepare Banana Pudding

Whip up instant banana pudding mix according to package instructions.

Add extra vanilla and ground cinnamon for deeper flavor. Chill in refrigerator until needed.

Step 6: Create Tres Leches Liquid

• Whole milk
• Evaporated milk
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon

Stir until ingredients are completely incorporated.

Step 7: Saturate Cupcakes

Allow cupcakes to cool completely.

Use a fork to create small holes across the surface. Slowly pour tres leches mixture over each cupcake, allowing them to absorb liquid gradually.

Refrigerate for 4-6 hours or overnight.

Step 8: Whip Cheesecake Topping

• Heavy whipping cream
• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whip until stiff peaks form and mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Step 9: Assemble Cupcake Layers

Spread banana pudding over each cupcake. Arrange fresh banana slices.

Pipe cheesecake topping generously on top.

Step 10: Final Garnish

Decorate with crumbled Nilla wafers and additional banana slices.

Keep refrigerated until serving time.

Helpful Tips For Banana Pudding Cheesecake Tres Leches

• Ensure cupcake cups are evenly coated with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
• For a smoother cake texture, sift dry ingredients thoroughly and mix wet and dry components gently to avoid overmixing.
• Chill cupcakes completely before adding milk blend to help them absorb liquid more effectively without falling apart.
• Use ripe bananas for the most intense flavor in pudding and topping, selecting those with brown spots for maximum sweetness.
• When piping cheesecake topping, keep a consistent motion for an elegant and professional-looking finish on each cupcake.

Fun Twists On Banana Pudding Cheesecake Tres Leches

• Tropical Paradise Edition: Replace banana pudding with mango or passion fruit custard for a vibrant, exotic flavor profile. Swap banana slices with fresh tropical fruit garnishes.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Incorporate cocoa powder into the cake batter and use chocolate pudding instead of banana. Garnish with chocolate shavings and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Mix chopped pecans or almonds into the crust. Use caramel sauce instead of milk blend and top with caramelized nuts for added texture and richness.
• Seasonal Berry Blast: Substitute banana pudding with mixed berry compote. Add fresh berries as toppings and sprinkle with crushed graham crackers for a summer-inspired version.

What Pairs With Banana Pudding Cheesecake Tres Leches

• Tropical Banana Bliss Pairing: Match these decadent cupcakes with a cold, crisp piña colada that echoes the banana and creamy notes, creating a perfect Caribbean-inspired flavor harmony.
• Sweet Wine Complement: Select a moscato d'asti, which offers light sweetness and subtle bubbles that beautifully balance the rich, creamy texture of the tres leches cheesecake cupcakes.
• Coffee Flavor Enhancer: Brew a smooth, medium-roast Colombian coffee with hints of caramel and nuts, cutting through the dessert's sweetness while highlighting its complex banana and vanilla undertones.

How To Keep Banana Pudding Cheesecake Tres Leches Fresh

• Refrigerator Storage: Place cupcakes in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Freezing Method: Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheating Technique: Warm cupcakes gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds at 50% power to prevent soggy texture. Alternatively, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften naturally.
• Quick Serving Tip: Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop and achieve optimal texture and taste.

Banana Pudding Cheesecake Tres Leches Questions

• Can I use homemade pudding instead of boxed pudding mix?

Yes, you can make homemade banana pudding from scratch. Just ensure it has a similar consistency to boxed mix and includes vanilla and cinnamon for the best flavor profile.

• Is it necessary to refrigerate the cupcakes after adding milk blend?

Absolutely. Refrigeration allows the cupcakes to absorb the milk blend completely and helps develop the rich, creamy texture that defines tres leches desserts.

• How do I prevent my cupcakes from becoming too soggy?

Use a fork to poke small holes and pour milk blend slowly. Stop adding liquid if cupcakes start looking overly saturated to maintain a perfect texture.

• Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, these cupcakes can be prepared a day in advance.

Banana Pudding Cheesecake Tres Leches Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 4-6 hours (chill time included)
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy banana pudding cheesecake tres leches blends Mexican and Southern dessert traditions into one irresistible sweet masterpiece. Layers of banana-infused goodness and milky richness promise pure indulgence that will transport you straight to dessert paradise.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients:

• 1 box Duncan Hines Classic White Cake Mix
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) melted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 tablespoon vanilla

Crust Ingredients:

• 2 1/3 cups Nilla cookie crumbs
• 10 tablespoons (142 grams) unsalted melted butter
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Milk Blend Ingredients:

• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 can evaporated milk
• 2 cans condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Pinch of cinnamon

Cheesecake Topping Ingredients:

• 6 ounces (170 grams) cream cheese
• 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Banana Pudding Ingredients:

• 1 box banana pudding
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F and coat cupcake liners with non-stick spray.
2. Create the crust by thoroughly blending Nilla crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into each cupcake cup.
3. Whisk together wet ingredients in a large mixing bowl: milk, butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla. Separately sift dry ingredients, then gently fold into the wet mixture until smooth.
4. Fill cupcake cups using an ice cream scoop, ensuring even distribution. Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean.
5. Cool cupcakes completely. Prepare banana pudding according to package instructions, enhancing with vanilla and cinnamon. Refrigerate until chilled.
6. Craft the milk blend by whisking whole milk, evaporated milk, condensed milk, vanilla, and cinnamon until thoroughly integrated.
7. Use a fork to puncture small holes in cooled cupcakes. Gradually pour milk mixture over each, allowing complete absorption without overflow. Refrigerate 4-6 hours or overnight.
8. Whip cheesecake topping by beating heavy cream, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks develop.
9. Layer each cupcake with banana pudding, fresh banana slices, then pipe the cheesecake cream on top.
10. Decorate with crushed Nilla wafers and additional banana slices. Keep chilled until serving.

Notes

• Adjust oven temperature slightly lower if using dark-colored cupcake liners to prevent burning.
• Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smoother cake batter and better mixing.
• Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture to maintain a light, fluffy texture and prevent overmixing.
• Use ripe bananas for more intense flavor in the pudding and when topping the cupcakes.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 497
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 316 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 102 mg