Description
Banana Pudding Cheesecake combines the creamy richness of classic cheesecake with the nostalgic flavors of banana pudding — layers of vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, and silky cheesecake filling topped with whipped cream.
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sour cream
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Crushed vanilla wafers and banana slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the outside with aluminum foil to prevent leaks.
- In a bowl, combine crushed vanilla wafers, sugar, and melted butter. Press mixture into the bottom of the pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix until creamy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by mashed bananas, vanilla extract, flour, and sour cream. Mix just until smooth.
- Pour the batter over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
- Place the pan in a larger roasting pan and add hot water halfway up the sides to create a water bath.
- Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
- Remove from oven, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely.
- Before serving, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe over the chilled cheesecake.
- Garnish with banana slices and crushed vanilla wafers before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent browning in the cheesecake.
- Let the cheesecake chill overnight for the best flavor and texture.
- Top just before serving to keep bananas and whipped cream fresh.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American