Sweet Symphony: Irresistible Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe

Creamy banana pudding meets decadent cheesecake in a dessert that breaks all the traditional rules.

Southern comfort takes an unexpected twist with this crowd-pleasing mashup.

Layers of velvety cream cheese blend seamlessly with sweet banana notes.

Crushed vanilla wafers create a nostalgic crunch that adds texture and depth to every bite.

Smooth and rich, this dessert combines classic flavors in a way that surprises and delights.

Home cooks can easily master this impressive treat with just a few simple ingredients.

Prepare to wow everyone at your next gathering with this irresistible fusion of classic desserts.

What Makes Banana Cheesecake Extra Special

• Craft Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Transforms classic banana pudding into an indulgent cheesecake that wows guests with its luxurious layers and nostalgic flavors.
• Master Layered Complexity: Combines multiple textures and tastes through intricate steps of creating crust, cheesecake base, banana pudding, and strategic assembly for a show-stopping finale.
• Create Make-Ahead Magic: Perfect for preparing in advance, this dessert allows stress-free entertaining by chilling overnight and maintaining stunning presentation without last-minute rushing.
• Customize with Comfort: Offers flexible garnishing options with whipped cream, wafer crumbs, and fresh banana slices, letting home bakers personalize their delectable creation to individual preferences.

Ingredients in Banana Pudding Cheesecake

• Nilla Wafers: A classic cookie that provides a sweet and crunchy base for the cheesecake.
• Butter: Helps bind the cookie crumbs and creates a solid foundation for the dessert.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the cheesecake its rich and creamy texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tangy cream cheese.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor to the cheesecake.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and help create a smooth, set texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tanginess to the cheesecake.
• Bananas: Introduce a natural sweetness and fruity flavor to the dessert.

• Sugar, Flour, Salt: Create the base for the pudding's thickening process.
• Eggs: Help to thicken and stabilize the pudding.
• Milk, Heavy Cream: Provide the creamy liquid base for the pudding.
• Butter, Vanilla Extract: Enhance the pudding's flavor and richness.
• Bananas, Whipped Cream, Nilla Wafers: Used for garnishing and adding extra texture and flavor.

Simple Steps for Banana Cheesecake

Step 1: Craft the Crumbly Base

Preheat your oven to a toasty 325°F. Grab your food processor and pulverize those Nilla wafers into fine, sandy crumbs.

Stash aside a handful of crumbs for later decoration. In a mixing bowl, combine the cookie crumbs with melted butter until they stick together like best friends.

Press this mixture firmly into a 9-inch springform pan, covering the bottom and climbing halfway up the sides. Set this delicious foundation aside.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Filling

Fire up your stand mixer and beat cream cheese with sugar until silky smooth. Splash in vanilla extract, then gently introduce eggs one by one, mixing just until they’re incorporated.

Fold in sour cream until velvety, then tenderly mix in mashed bananas. Pour this luscious batter into your prepared crust.

Wrap the pan’s exterior with two layers of foil like a protective blanket. Nestle the pan into a large roasting pan and surround with boiling water halfway up the sides.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges look set but the center still does a little wiggle dance.

Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool leisurely for an hour. Remove from the water bath and allow to reach room temperature completely.

Step 4: Create the Silky Banana Pudding

• Sugar
• Flour
• Salt

Add eggs and blend until smooth. Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly.

Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and bubbles gently. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.

Let the pudding cool for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Assemble Your Dreamy Dessert

Slice fresh bananas and create a golden layer across the cooled cheesecake.

Generously pour the banana pudding over the fruit. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor development.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Fluffy whipped cream
• Crushed Nilla wafers
• Fresh banana slices

Slice, serve, and watch everyone swoon!

Tips to Help With Banana Cheesecake Success

• Use a food processor or place cookies in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin for consistent, fine crumbs that create a stable cheesecake base.
• Toss sliced bananas with a bit of lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent quick discoloration when layering on the cheesecake.
• Beat cream cheese at room temperature and mix eggs one at a time to avoid lumps, ensuring a silky-smooth texture.
• Wrap springform pan tightly with foil and use boiling water to create even baking and prevent cracks in the cheesecake surface.

Banana Cheesecake Takes to Try Next Time

• Tropical Paradise: Replace standard bananas with caramelized plantains for a richer, deeper flavor profile and add toasted coconut flakes on top.
• Chocolate Banana Fusion: Incorporate dark chocolate ganache between cheesecake and pudding layers, then sprinkle chocolate-covered banana chips for extra crunch.
• Nutty Banana Bliss: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the crust, drizzle caramel sauce over the final pudding layer, and garnish with candied nut pieces.
• Southern Comfort: Infuse bourbon into the banana pudding, add a graham cracker crust instead of Nilla wafers, and top with bourbon-spiked whipped cream.

Banana Cheesecake Matches You Might Enjoy

• Brew Perfect Coffee Match: Select a medium roast Colombian coffee with caramel undertones that complement the dessert's creamy banana profile. The coffee's slight acidity will cut through the richness and enhance the cheesecake's sweetness.
• Sip Sweet Wine Delight: Choose a Moscato d'Asti, a light, sparkling Italian dessert wine with delicate peach and honeysuckle notes. Its subtle sweetness and low alcohol content create a harmonious balance with the banana pudding cheesecake's decadent texture.

Storing Banana Cheesecake the Right Way

Transfer leftover cheesecake to an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated for up to 4-5 days, maintaining its creamy texture and preventing moisture loss.

Slice cheesecake into individual portions, wrap each piece securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months without losing quality or flavor.

Remove cheesecake from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Let it sit at room temperature to restore its smooth, creamy consistency.

Move frozen cheesecake to the refrigerator overnight. Allow it to thaw gradually, preventing condensation and maintaining its original texture and taste.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Yes, graham crackers or shortbread cookies work well as alternatives to Nilla wafers. Just ensure they’re finely crushed and mixed with melted butter.

• How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

Use a water bath, avoid overmixing the batter, and let the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven with the door cracked open to prevent sudden temperature changes.

• Is it necessary to use a springform pan?

A springform pan is ideal for cheesecakes as it allows easy removal without damaging the cake. If you don’t have one, use a deep cake pan and line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

The Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy banana pudding cheesecake combines Southern comfort with luxurious dessert indulgence. Silky layers of banana-infused cheesecake and classic pudding create a nostalgic treat you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 24 ounces (680g) cream cheese
• 1 cup (240g) mashed ripe bananas
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 11-ounce box (312g) Nilla wafers
• 4 large eggs
• 3 large eggs

Sugars and Sweeteners:

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar

Supplementary Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons (23g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (60g) sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 bananas, sliced

Garnish (Optional):

• Whipped cream
• Nilla wafers
• Banana slices

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Instructions

1. Craft the Foundation

Ignite the oven to 325°F (160°C). Pulverize Nilla wafers into delicate crumbs using a food processor. Extract and preserve a half-cup of crumbs for final decoration. Combine remaining crumbs with melted butter, creating a cohesive mixture. Press this blend firmly into a 9-inch springform pan, covering bottom and partial sides.

1. Construct the Creamy Core

Utilize a stand mixer to whip cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth. Incorporate vanilla extract. Introduce eggs individually, mixing minimally after each addition. Blend in sour cream until uniform. Gently fold mashed bananas into the batter. Transfer mixture into prepared crust.

1. Prepare for Water Bath Baking

Encase springform pan with double aluminum foil layers, preventing water infiltration. Position pan inside a larger roasting dish. Pour boiling water halfway up springform pan’s exterior. Bake 50-60 minutes until edges stabilize and center remains slightly jiggly.

1. Cooling Protocol

Switch off oven, partially open door. Allow cheesecake to rest inside for one hour. Extract from water bath, permitting complete room temperature cooling.

1. Develop Pudding Layer

In a saucepan, combine sugar, flour, and salt. Whisk eggs until seamless. Gradually introduce milk and cream, stirring continuously. Cook over medium heat, monitoring until mixture thickens and gently bubbles. Remove from heat, fold in butter and vanilla. Allow 15-minute cooling period.

1. Final Assembly

Arrange fresh banana slices across cooled cheesecake surface. Cascade prepared pudding over banana layer. Refrigerate minimum 4 hours or overnight for optimal texture.

1. Presentation

Before serving, adorn with whipped cream, reserved Nilla wafer crumbs, and additional banana slices.

Notes

• Choose ripe, spotty bananas for maximum sweetness and deeper banana flavor in the pudding and cheesecake.
• Prevent cheesecake cracking by avoiding overmixing eggs and using a water bath during baking.
• Add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the crust or pudding for a warm, subtle spice that complements banana’s natural sweetness.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute Nilla wafers with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour-based cookie crumbs.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg