Banana Pudding Cheesecake – A Creamy Southern-Inspired Dessert Everyone Loves

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Banana Pudding Cheesecake is the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts: classic baked cheesecake and old-fashioned banana pudding. This recipe delivers a smooth, rich cheesecake filling infused with real banana flavor, layered over a buttery cookie crust that instantly evokes comfort and nostalgia. What makes this dessert truly special is its balance. The cheesecake is creamy without being heavy, sweet without being overwhelming, and full of natural banana flavor rather than artificial notes. When I first tested this recipe, I used very ripe bananas, and the depth of flavor was remarkable. It instantly reminded me of homemade banana pudding served at family gatherings. This cheesecake is elegant enough for special occasions yet familiar enough to please traditional dessert lovers. It slices beautifully, holds its shape, and still melts in your mouth. Whether you are serving guests or preparing a make-ahead dessert for the weekend, this Banana Pudding Cheesecake is reliable, impressive, and deeply satisfying.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Vanilla wafer cookies create the base of the crust and provide a nostalgic flavor that immediately connects this cheesecake to traditional banana pudding. When finely crushed, they form a sturdy yet tender foundation.

Unsalted butter binds the cookie crumbs together and adds richness. Melted butter ensures the crust presses firmly into the pan and bakes evenly.

Cream cheese is the core of the cheesecake filling. When fully softened, it blends into a silky-smooth batter that bakes into a creamy, luxurious texture.

Granulated sugar sweetens the filling while helping create a smooth consistency. It balances the tanginess of the cream cheese and enhances the banana flavor.

Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and aroma. The riper they are, the deeper and more authentic the banana flavor will be.

Large eggs give structure to the cheesecake. Added one at a time, they help the filling set properly while staying creamy.

Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang that prevents the cheesecake from tasting overly dense or sweet.

Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor and complements both the banana and cream cheese beautifully.

Heavy cream contributes to the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture and helps the filling bake evenly.

Cornstarch stabilizes the cheesecake, reducing the risk of cracks and ensuring clean slices.

Salt sharpens the flavors and balances the sweetness of the dessert.

Directions

Begin by preheating your oven to 165°C and preparing a springform pan by greasing it lightly. Combine the crushed vanilla wafers with melted butter and press the mixture firmly into the base of the pan. Bake the crust briefly, then allow it to cool.

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and free of lumps. Gradually add the sugar and mix until creamy. Blend in the mashed bananas, followed by the sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cornstarch, and salt. Mix until fully combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition.

Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top. Bake until the edges are set and the center still has a slight wobble. Turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually with the door slightly open. Once cooled, refrigerate for several hours before serving.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This cheesecake serves approximately 10 to 12 slices. Preparation time is about 25 minutes, baking time is 60 minutes, cooling time is 1 hour, and chilling time is at least 4 hours.

Storage/reheating

Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. Serve chilled for best texture. Reheating is not recommended.

Variations and Customizations

This Banana Pudding Cheesecake is highly adaptable. For added texture, sliced bananas can be layered over the crust before adding the filling. A whipped topping spread over the chilled cheesecake creates a more traditional banana pudding presentation. You may also garnish with crushed vanilla wafers just before serving.

For extra flavor depth, a small amount of cinnamon can be added to the crust mixture. If you prefer a lighter cheesecake, reduced-fat cream cheese may be used, though the texture will be slightly less rich. When I tested this recipe with a touch of banana extract, it amplified the banana flavor beautifully without overpowering the dessert. Each customization allows you to tailor the cheesecake while keeping its classic character intact.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

This dessert contains dairy, eggs, and gluten. It is rich and best enjoyed in moderation. Gluten-free vanilla cookies may be substituted for a gluten-free version.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Use Very Ripe Bananas
They provide the best sweetness and strongest banana flavor.

Avoid Overmixing
Mix gently once eggs are added to prevent cracks.

Chill Thoroughly
Extended chilling improves texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, it is ideal to prepare one day in advance.

Does banana cheesecake turn brown?

Proper chilling and storage prevent discoloration.

Can I freeze banana pudding cheesecake?

Yes, freeze without toppings and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Very ripe with brown spots for best flavor.

Can I use a different crust?

Yes, graham crackers work, but vanilla wafers are preferred.

Why did my cheesecake crack?

Overbaking or rapid cooling can cause cracks.

Can I use low-fat dairy?

Yes, but texture may be slightly less creamy.

How do I know it is done?

The center should gently wobble when shaken.

Can I add pudding mix?

It is not necessary and may affect texture.

Is this overly sweet?

No, it is balanced by cream cheese and sour cream.

Conclusion

Banana Pudding Cheesecake combines the comforting flavors of a classic dessert with the elegance of a baked cheesecake. Creamy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing, it is a dessert that feels both nostalgic and refined, making it perfect for any occasion.

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