These Banana Pudding Cheesecake Tres Leches cups bring together the sweet flavors of banana pudding, rich cheesecake, and the iconic tres leches soaked cake. With a smooth cheesecake topping, banana slices, and a crunchy Nilla wafer garnish, this dessert is a perfect balance of creamy and indulgent textures.
The rich, milky flavor from the tres leches milk blend soaks into the fluffy cake, making each bite absolutely divine. The added layers of creamy banana pudding and velvety cheesecake create a dessert that’s not only visually stunning but also irresistibly delicious. Perfect for any celebration, or as a special treat just for yourself!
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:
- 6 oz 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:
- Box of Banana Pudding
- 1/2 Tsp Vanilla
- Pinch of Cinnamon
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare cupcake cups by spraying them with non-stick spray.
- To make the crust: Mix Nilla crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until combined. Divide mixture into the cupcake cups and press down firmly.
- To make the cake: In a large bowl, combine all wet ingredients: milk, butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla. In another bowl, sift together dry ingredients, then add them to the wet mixture and combine.
- Scoop batter into the prepared cupcake cups using a traditional ice cream scoop. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare the banana pudding by following the instructions on the box, adding vanilla and cinnamon. Chill in the refrigerator.
- For the milk blend: Combine whole milk, evaporated milk, condensed milk, vanilla, and cinnamon in a bowl. Stir until well mixed.
- Poke holes in the cooled cupcakes using a fork. Slowly pour the milk blend over each cupcake, allowing them to absorb the liquid. Repeat until the cupcakes are fully saturated but not overflowing. Cover and refrigerate for 4-6 hours or overnight.
- To make the cheesecake topping: In a bowl, beat heavy whipping cream, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form.
- Top each cupcake with 1 1/2 tablespoons of banana pudding. Add banana slices on top and pipe the cheesecake topping over the pudding.
- Garnish with Nilla wafers and banana slices. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 120 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 18 cupcakes
Banana Pudding Cheesecake Tres Leches: A Decadent Twist on Traditional Tres Leches Cake
The Banana Pudding Cheesecake Tres Leches is a mouthwatering dessert that combines the rich flavors of banana pudding, cheesecake, and the classic tres leches cake. This fusion of textures and tastes makes it a perfect treat for any occasion, especially when you’re looking for something indulgent and unique. The recipe is surprisingly simple to follow, yet it results in an impressive dessert that will wow your guests.
The Origins of Tres Leches Cake
Tres leches, or “three milks” cake, is a Latin American dessert that has gained worldwide popularity for its moist, sweet, and rich texture. Traditionally, the cake is made by soaking a sponge cake in a mixture of three types of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and whole milk. The result is a light yet decadently moist cake that absorbs the creamy milk blend, creating a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
The classic tres leches cake has inspired many variations, from tropical fruits to chocolate adaptations. The Banana Pudding Cheesecake Tres Leches takes this tradition to a new level by adding the beloved flavors of banana pudding and cheesecake, two desserts that are staples in American kitchens. By pairing the light, airy texture of a traditional tres leches cake with the creamy, comforting tastes of banana pudding and cheesecake, this dessert is sure to satisfy both your sweet tooth and your love for creative, show-stopping dishes.
Why This Recipe Works
The key to the Banana Pudding Cheesecake Tres Leches is the thoughtful layering of distinct textures: the crunchy Nilla wafer crust, the moist sponge cake soaked in the three milk blend, the creamy banana pudding, and the smooth cheesecake topping. Each layer serves a purpose, contributing to the overall flavor profile and mouthfeel of the dessert.
- The Nilla Wafer Crust: The crust is simple yet effective, made from crushed Nilla wafer cookies mixed with butter and sugar. It serves as the perfect base for the dessert, offering a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, moist layers above it. The light sweetness of the wafers also pairs perfectly with the richness of the milk soak and banana pudding.
- The Sponge Cake: The cake is light and fluffy, thanks to the use of ingredients like eggs, milk, and a hint of vanilla. The cake is not overly sweet on its own, which allows the milk mixture to absorb into it perfectly, creating the signature tres leches texture. The milk soak is what elevates this dessert, as it keeps the cake moist without overpowering it with sweetness.
- The Milk Blend: The three-milk mixture (whole milk, evaporated milk, and condensed milk) is the star of the traditional tres leches cake, and it does not disappoint in this recipe. The addition of a pinch of cinnamon enhances the warmth of the milk blend, making it even more indulgent. The cake absorbs the milk mixture over a few hours in the fridge, creating a soft, decadent treat that is both creamy and spongy.
- Banana Pudding: Adding banana pudding to the mix introduces an extra layer of flavor and creaminess. The banana pudding gives the cake a comforting, familiar taste that complements the banana flavor while still maintaining the integrity of the tres leches base. A dash of vanilla and cinnamon in the pudding enhances the overall richness of the dessert.
- Cheesecake Topping: The final touch is the cheesecake topping, made with cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, and sugar. This smooth and slightly tangy topping sits beautifully on top of the banana pudding, adding a rich, velvety layer that ties the entire dessert together. It’s the perfect balance to the milky, spongy cake below.
Tips for Perfecting Your Banana Pudding Cheesecake Tres Leches
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: To ensure a smooth and cohesive batter, make sure that your eggs, butter, and milk are all at room temperature. This will help them blend together easily and avoid any curdling or separation.
- Let the Cake Absorb the Milk Mixture: Once the cake has been baked and cooled, don’t rush the soaking process. Allow the milk blend to fully soak into the cake. If necessary, poke holes into the cake to help it absorb the milk more effectively.
- Chill the Cake: For the best texture, allow the cake to refrigerate for at least 4 to 6 hours, or even overnight. This ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully, and the cake will have the ideal texture when served.
- Customize the Pudding: While this recipe calls for boxed banana pudding, feel free to make your own homemade version for a more authentic touch. You can also substitute the banana pudding for other pudding flavors like vanilla or chocolate if you’re in the mood for something different.
- Top with Fresh Bananas: To make your Banana Pudding Cheesecake Tres Leches even more authentic and eye-catching, garnish with fresh banana slices and Nilla wafers before serving. This adds a fresh touch and an extra layer of flavor.
The Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion
The Banana Pudding Cheesecake Tres Leches is not only delicious, but it’s also versatile. It can be served for a variety of occasions, from casual family dinners to fancy gatherings. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser, and it’s a great way to impress your guests with your baking skills. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, holiday, or just because, this dessert will surely steal the show.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both indulgent and unique, the Banana Pudding Cheesecake Tres Leches should be at the top of your list. It combines the best of three beloved desserts—banana pudding, cheesecake, and tres leches cake—into one luxurious, irresistible treat. The layers of creamy pudding, rich cheesecake, and spongy, milk-soaked cake create a multi-sensory experience that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re a fan of traditional tres leches or love a good twist on classic desserts, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
So, next time you’re in the mood for something truly special, try making this Banana Pudding Cheesecake Tres Leches. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Banana Pudding Cheesecake Tres Leches
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
These Banana Pudding Cheesecake Tres Leches cups bring together the sweet flavors of banana pudding, rich cheesecake, and the iconic tres leches soaked cake. With a smooth cheesecake topping, banana slices, and a crunchy Nilla wafer garnish, this dessert is a perfect balance of creamy and indulgent textures.
The rich, milky flavor from the tres leches milk blend soaks into the fluffy cake, making each bite absolutely divine. The added layers of creamy banana pudding and velvety cheesecake create a dessert that’s not only visually stunning but also irresistibly delicious. Perfect for any celebration, or as a special treat just for yourself!
Ingredients
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:
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- 3 cups Whole Milk
- 1 Can Evaporated Milk
- 2 Cans Condensed Milk
- 1 Tsp Vanilla
- Pinch of Cinnamon
Cheesecake Topping:
- 6 oz 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:
- Box of Banana Pudding
- 1/2 Tsp Vanilla
- Pinch of Cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare cupcake cups by spraying them with non-stick spray.
- To make the crust: Mix Nilla crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until combined. Divide mixture into the cupcake cups and press down firmly.
- To make the cake: In a large bowl, combine all wet ingredients: milk, butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla. In another bowl, sift together dry ingredients, then add them to the wet mixture and combine.
- Scoop batter into the prepared cupcake cups using a traditional ice cream scoop. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare the banana pudding by following the instructions on the box, adding vanilla and cinnamon. Chill in the refrigerator.
- For the milk blend: Combine whole milk, evaporated milk, condensed milk, vanilla, and cinnamon in a bowl. Stir until well mixed.
- Poke holes in the cooled cupcakes using a fork. Slowly pour the milk blend over each cupcake, allowing them to absorb the liquid. Repeat until the cupcakes are fully saturated but not overflowing. Cover and refrigerate for 4-6 hours or overnight.
- To make the cheesecake topping: In a bowl, beat heavy whipping cream, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form.
- Top each cupcake with 1 1/2 tablespoons of banana pudding. Add banana slices on top and pipe the cheesecake topping over the pudding.
- Garnish with Nilla wafers and banana slices. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes