The Ultimate Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe You’ll Adore

Creamy banana pudding meets classic cheesecake in a dreamy dessert that promises pure indulgence.

Sweet bananas mingle with rich cream cheese, creating a luscious harmony of flavors.

Layers of smooth filling nestle between crumbly graham cracker crust and billowy whipped topping.

Each bite tells a story of comfort and nostalgia.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this decadent treat that blends traditional pudding with modern cheesecake style.

Delicate banana slices add a fresh, vibrant touch to the creamy landscape.

Whip up this irresistible dessert and watch smiles bloom around the table.

Banana Pudding Cheesecake: Southern Charm Dessert

• Craft Delightful Dessert: A perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and classic banana pudding that transforms an ordinary treat into an extraordinary experience.
• Wow Guests Easily: Impress friends and family with a showstopping dessert that looks professionally made but requires minimal baking skills.
• Celebrate Comfort Flavors: Combines beloved nostalgic tastes of banana pudding and rich cheesecake, creating a crowd-pleasing dessert that sparks childhood memories.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Uses common pantry staples like cream cheese, bananas, and vanilla wafers, making this recipe accessible and budget-friendly for home bakers.

Cheesecake Ingredient Checklist

• Vanilla Wafer Crumbs: A classic cookie base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and creates a rich, golden texture.

• Cream Cheese: The primary component that gives the cheesecake its creamy and tangy character.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tanginess to the cheesecake.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps stabilize the cheesecake filling and prevent cracking.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cheesecake ingredients together.
• Banana Pudding Mix: Infuses the cheesecake with a rich banana flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.
• Ripe Bananas: Contribute natural sweetness and a soft banana flavor to the cheesecake.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a light and fluffy whipped topping.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a delicate flavor to the whipped cream.
• Fresh Bananas: Provide a fresh garnish and additional banana flavor.
• Vanilla Wafers: Offer a decorative and crunchy garnish that complements the cheesecake.

Make Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Step 1: Preheat The Oven

Get your oven ready by setting it to a cozy 350F (175C).

This warmth will help create the perfect golden base for your delightful dessert.

• Oven

Step 2: Create The Crumbly Crust

Grab a mixing bowl and combine vanilla wafer crumbs with sugar and melted butter.

Stir everything until it looks like delicious sandy mixture.

Press this into the bottom of a springform pan, creating a solid foundation.

Pop it in the oven for 8-10 minutes, then let it cool down and rest.

• Vanilla wafer crumbs
• Granulated sugar
• Melted butter

Step 3: Whip Up The Creamy Filling

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until they become smooth as silk.

Blend in sour cream and flour, making sure everything is perfectly combined.

• Cream cheese
• Granulated sugar
• Sour cream
• Flour

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs And Banana Magic

Gently add eggs one by one, mixing on low speed.

Sprinkle in banana pudding mix and vanilla extract.

Fold in those soft, mashed bananas for extra flavor.

• Eggs
• Banana pudding mix
• Vanilla extract
• Mashed bananas

Step 5: Pour And Settle

Carefully transfer your dreamy cheesecake batter over the cooled crust in the springform pan.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Lower the oven temperature to 325F (163C).

Bake for 50-60 minutes until the center looks set and edges have a slight puff.

Step 7: Gentle Cooling Process

Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake rest inside with the door slightly open for one hour.

After that, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 8: Whip Up A Fluffy Topping

Beat heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla until it forms beautiful, stiff peaks.

• Heavy cream
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract

Step 9: Decorate With Flair

Remove the chilled cheesecake from the pan.

Spread or pipe the whipped cream across the top in elegant swirls.

Step 10: Final Touches And Serving

Garnish with fresh banana slices and crispy vanilla wafers.

Slice and serve this heavenly dessert to your delighted guests.

Pro Tips for Creamy Pudding Cheesecake

• Use a food processor or rolling pin to create fine, even crumbs for a perfect crust texture that holds together well.
• Select bananas with brown speckles for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor in your cheesecake filling.
• Avoid overmixing eggs and use a water bath to create a smooth, crack-free cheesecake surface during baking.
• Always use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth blending and consistent cheesecake texture.
• Allow cheesecake to refrigerate overnight for best flavor development and firm, sliceable consistency.

Banana Pudding Swaps and Twists

• Gluten-Free Banana Pudding Cheesecake: Replace vanilla wafer crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or almond flour. Use gluten-free pudding mix to ensure the entire dessert is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Banana Cheesecake Alternative: Swap cream cheese for cashew-based cream cheese. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Replace eggs with silken tofu or flax eggs. Utilize coconut condensed milk for sweetness.
• Low-Sugar Banana Pudding Cheesecake: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use sugar-free pudding mix. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining rich banana flavor and creamy texture.
• No-Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake: Skip baking process entirely.

Serve Cheesecake with Banana Topping

• Banana Bliss Plating: Create a stunning dessert presentation by arranging fresh banana slices in a circular pattern on top of the whipped cream, adding a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers for extra crunch.
• Dessert Companion Pairing: Serve a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cheesecake to complement the banana flavor and provide a cool, creamy contrast to the rich dessert.
• Sweet Beverage Match: Offer a warm cup of coffee or a chilled glass of banana smoothie to enhance the dessert experience and balance the creamy cheesecake texture.
• Brunch Showstopper: Present the cheesecake as a decadent centerpiece for a weekend brunch, cutting elegant slices that showcase the beautiful layers of banana and creamy filling.

Store Banana Cheesecake Chilled

• Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the whipped cream topping separate until serving to maintain its texture.
• Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut individual slices and wrap each in plastic wrap. Place in a freezer-safe container for easy grab-and-go portions that last up to 2 weeks.
• Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power to prevent overcooking. Alternatively, let the slice sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use instant banana pudding mix?

Yes, instant banana pudding mix works perfectly in this recipe and provides the same delicious banana flavor.

• Do I need to use a water bath for this cheesecake?

No water bath is required for this banana pudding cheesecake. The recipe uses a standard baking method that ensures a creamy texture.

• How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven with the door slightly open and avoid overmixing the batter to prevent cracks from forming.

• Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cheesecake can be prepared up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Southern charm meets creamy indulgence in this Banana Pudding Cheesecake, blending classic comfort with luxurious dessert innovation. Layers of silky cream cheese and ripe bananas create a delightful experience that will transport you straight to grandmother’s kitchen.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup heavy cream (for cheesecake filling)

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs (about 40–45 wafers, crushed)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar (for cheesecake filling)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup banana pudding mix (instant)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream (for whipped topping)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for whipped topping)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipped topping)
• Sliced bananas (for garnish)
• Extra vanilla wafers (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a crisp vanilla wafer foundation by blending crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, then compress into a 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 350F for 8-10 minutes and allow to cool completely.
2. Whip cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth, integrating sour cream and flour seamlessly into the mixture.
3. Incorporate eggs gently, one at a time, ensuring minimal mixing to maintain a delicate texture. Fold in banana pudding mix, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas with precision.
4. Transfer the luscious cheesecake batter over the prepared crust, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
5. Reduce oven temperature to 325F and bake for 50-60 minutes, watching for a set center and slightly puffed edges.
6. After baking, leave the cheesecake inside the oven with the door slightly ajar for one hour, allowing gradual temperature reduction.
7. Refrigerate the cheesecake for minimum 4 hours or overnight to achieve optimal setting and flavor development.
8. Prepare luxurious whipped topping by whisking heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff, glossy peaks form.
9. Carefully unmold the chilled cheesecake and embellish with billowy whipped cream, using either spreading or piping techniques.
10. Complete the presentation by artfully garnishing with fresh banana slices and crisp vanilla wafer fragments just before serving.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter and even mixing.
• Crush vanilla wafers finely for a perfect, compact crust that holds together without crumbling.
• Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter to prevent air bubbles and cracking during baking.
• Use ripe, soft bananas for maximum flavor and natural sweetness in the dessert.
• Create a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger pan with hot water to prevent cracks and ensure even baking.
• Substitute gluten-free vanilla wafers and gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version of the dessert.
• Reduce sugar content by using sugar-free pudding mix and natural sweeteners for a lighter alternative.
• Chill the cheesecake thoroughly to allow flavors to meld and achieve the perfect creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 31 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg