Description

This luscious Banana Pudding Cheesecake brings together creamy cheesecake, sweet mashed bananas, and a delightful banana pudding cream layer all atop a crunchy vanilla wafer crust. Perfectly baked to silky perfection and chilled for a refreshing finish, this dessert offers a wonderful blend of textures and rich flavors that banana and cheesecake lovers will adore.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

1 1/2 cups crushed vanilla wafers
1/3 cup melted butter

Cheesecake Filling

3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Banana Cream Topping

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup banana pudding mix

Garnish

Sliced bananas
Additional vanilla wafers

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.
Make the cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate fully. Fold in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract, mixing gently until combined.
Prepare the banana cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, indicating it’s light and fluffy. Gradually fold in the banana pudding mix, blending gently until smooth and well combined without deflating the whipped cream.
Combine mixtures: Carefully fold the banana cream mixture into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated, maintaining as much airiness as possible. Pour this combined filling over the prepared crust in the springform pan, smoothing the top.
Bake the cheesecake: Place the springform pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles when you gently shake the pan. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set fully.
Garnish and serve: Before serving, garnish the cheesecake with sliced bananas and additional vanilla wafers for added texture and flavor. Slice and enjoy this creamy, banana-infused dessert.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth batter.
Use ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
Chill the cheesecake thoroughly to achieve the perfect set and texture.
If you prefer, substitute banana pudding mix with homemade pudding for a fresher taste.
Store leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.