The Ultimate Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe with Crunchy Twist

Banana pudding meets decadent cheesecake in this ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert that bridges comfort and indulgence.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated these creamy combinations with passionate enthusiasm.

Sweet bananas nestle between layers of smooth cream cheese and crunchy graham cracker crust.

Dreamy textures dance across your palate with each delightful bite.

Nostalgic flavors blend seamlessly, creating a dessert that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

Our simple approach ensures even novice bakers can craft this showstopping treat.

Prepare to impress everyone at your next gathering with this irresistible fusion of classic favorites.

What Makes Ultimate Banana Pudding Crunchy Cheesecake

• Conquer Complex Flavors: Blend the creamy richness of cheesecake with the classic comfort of banana pudding, creating a dessert that surprises and delights your taste buds.
• Master Quick Assembly: No baking required for the filling, making this recipe perfect for home cooks who want a showstopping dessert without complicated techniques.
• Celebrate Crowd-Pleasing Potential: The combination of banana pudding, cheesecake, and crunchy vanilla wafers appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family gatherings and potlucks.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add personal touches like extra banana slices or a drizzle of caramel to make this dessert uniquely yours.

Ingredients for Banana Pudding Crunchy Cheesecake

• Vanilla Wafers: Crunchy cookies that form the base of the cheesecake.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients together and adds richness.

• Cream Cheese: Provides a creamy and tangy base for the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the cream cheese.
• Whipped Cream: Creates a light and airy texture in the filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet notes.

• Bananas: Bring natural sweetness and classic banana pudding flavor to the dessert.
• Banana Pudding Mix: Adds intense banana flavor and helps create a smooth pudding layer.
• Milk: Activates the pudding mix and provides a creamy consistency.
• Vanilla Wafers, Bananas: Provide a crunchy and fresh topping for extra texture and flavor.

How to Prepare Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Step 1: Crush and Blend the Wafer Base

Grab a bunch of vanilla wafers and smash them into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin. Melt some butter and mix it thoroughly with the wafer crumbs until they stick together like wet sand.

Press this delicious mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, creating an even layer. Pop the pan into the refrigerator and let it chill for half an hour to set firmly.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until they become silky smooth and free of lumps. Gently fold in whipped cream and a splash of vanilla extract, creating a cloud-like, dreamy mixture that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Create Delicious Layers

Spread half of the luscious cheesecake filling over the chilled wafer crust. Arrange a beautiful layer of sliced bananas across the surface.

Prepare the banana pudding by mixing pudding mix with milk, then pour this over the banana slices. Top everything with the remaining cheesecake filling, smoothing it out with a spatula to create a perfect, even surface.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Place the assembled dessert in the refrigerator and let it sit for at least 4 hours or, even better, overnight. This waiting time allows all the flavors to mingle and the texture to become perfectly set.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers on top for an extra crunch. Add some fresh banana slices for a burst of fruity freshness.

Slice this magnificent dessert and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Tips for Perfect Banana Pudding Cheesecake

• Use a food processor or place wafers in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin for consistent, fine crumbs that bind well with melted butter.
• Toss sliced bananas in a bit of lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent discoloration when layering in the cheesecake.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and beat thoroughly to avoid lumps, creating a silky-smooth cheesecake texture.
• Let the cheesecake set overnight for maximum flavor melding and firmer consistency that's easier to slice.
• Add crushed wafers just before serving to maintain their crispy texture and prevent sogginess.

Delicious Twists on Banana Pudding Cheesecake

• Tropical Paradise: Replace vanilla wafers with coconut cookie crust, add toasted coconut flakes on top for extra tropical flair.
• Chocolate Banana Blast: Mix cocoa powder into cheesecake filling, drizzle melted chocolate between layers, garnish with chocolate-covered banana chips.
• Caramel Banana Dream: Swirl caramel sauce through cheesecake layers, sprinkle sea salt on top, add caramelized banana slices for rich, deep flavor.
• Nutty Banana Crunch: Incorporate chopped pecans or almonds into the crust, mix ground nuts into cheesecake filling, top with roasted nut pieces for added texture.

Pairing Suggestions for Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Elevate Flavor Harmony: Perfect Pairings

• Sip Creamy Chardonnay: A buttery white wine complements the rich cheesecake's smooth texture, balancing its sweet banana notes with elegant sophistication.
• Brew Smooth Coffee: A medium roast or caramel-infused coffee creates delightful contrast, highlighting the dessert's creamy layers and enhancing its vanilla undertones.
• Sprinkle Toasted Nuts: Scatter chopped toasted almonds or pecans on top to add a delightful crunch that amplifies the vanilla wafer base and provides nutty depth.
• Pour Caramel Liqueur: A small shot of caramel-flavored liqueur drizzled alongside offers a decadent companion that intensifies the dessert's sweet banana and creamy cheesecake profile.

Storing Banana Pudding Cheesecake Correctly

Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the cheesecake away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.

Wrap individual slices or the entire cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Place in the refrigerator overnight to thaw slowly.

Bring refrigerated cheesecake to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. For a slightly warm treat, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds on low power.

Avoid leaving the cheesecake at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Always use a clean utensil when serving to prevent bacterial growth and maintain freshness.

FAQs

• Can I use graham crackers instead of vanilla wafers for the crust?

Yes, graham crackers work perfectly as a substitute and will give a similar crunchy texture to the base of the cheesecake.

• How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

Choose bananas that are yellow with a few brown spots, which indicates they are sweet and soft but not overly mushy, ideal for layering in the cheesecake.

• Is it possible to make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire cheesecake up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated, which actually helps the flavors meld together even better.

Ultimate Banana Pudding Crunchy Cheesecake Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent banana pudding cheesecake merges classic Southern comfort with creamy decadence. Layers of vanilla wafer crust, silky cream cheese filling, and fresh bananas create a dessert sure to delight you at every sweet, nostalgic bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 blocks (226 grams / 8 ounces) cream cheese
• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 cup banana pudding mix
• 2 cups milk

Crust and Binding Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups crushed vanilla wafers
• 0.5 cup melted butter
• 0.5 cup sugar
• 2 cups whipped cream

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Additional crushed vanilla wafers (for topping)
• Additional sliced bananas (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Craft a buttery foundation by pulverizing vanilla wafers and blending with melted butter. Press the crumbly mixture firmly into a springform pan’s base, creating an even layer. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to solidify the crust.
2. Whip cream cheese and sugar in a large mixing bowl until silky and uniform. Gently incorporate whipped cream and vanilla extract, folding delicately to maintain a light, airy texture.
3. Carefully spread half of the velvety cheesecake mixture over the chilled crust, ensuring a smooth surface. Arrange banana slices in an attractive, even layer across the filling.
4. Prepare banana pudding by whisking pudding mix with cold milk until thickened and creamy. Drizzle the pudding mixture evenly over the banana layer.
5. Delicately top with remaining cheesecake filling, using a spatula to create a pristine, level surface. Eliminate any air pockets by gently tapping the pan.
6. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, allowing the dessert to set completely and flavors to meld.
7. Prior to serving, garnish with additional crushed vanilla wafers and fresh banana slices. Slice with a clean, sharp knife and serve chilled for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

• Replace vanilla wafers with gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt to reduce calories without compromising the creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Prevent banana browning by tossing sliced bananas in a bit of lemon juice before layering, keeping them fresh and visually appealing.
• Create individual mini cheesecakes in mason jars for a cute, portable dessert perfect for potlucks and summer gatherings.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 407 kcal
• Sugar: 29 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg