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
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Whip cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth, integrating sour cream and flour seamlessly into the mixture.
- 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.
- Transfer the luscious cheesecake batter over the prepared crust, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Reduce oven temperature to 325F and bake for 50-60 minutes, watching for a set center and slightly puffed edges.
- After baking, leave the cheesecake inside the oven with the door slightly ajar for one hour, allowing gradual temperature reduction.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for minimum 4 hours or overnight to achieve optimal setting and flavor development.
- Prepare luxurious whipped topping by whisking heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Carefully unmold the chilled cheesecake and embellish with billowy whipped cream, using either spreading or piping techniques.
- 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