Introduction
Banana pudding cheesecake is a delicious fusion of two beloved desserts that come together to create a creamy, indulgent treat.
The smooth, velvety cheesecake base combined with the classic flavors of banana pudding creates a dessert that’s both comforting and decadent.
Whether served for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just because, this dessert is sure to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.
Ingredients
-1 ½ cups of Nilla wafer crumbs
-¼ cup of unsalted butter, melted
-3 8-ounce packages of cream cheese, softened
-1 cup of granulated sugar
-1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
-3 large eggs
-1 cup of sour cream
-2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
-½ teaspoon of cinnamon
-2 cups of heavy whipping cream
-1 box of instant vanilla pudding mix
-1 ½ cups of milk
Sliced bananas for topping
Instructions
Start by preparing the crust. In a medium bowl, combine the Nilla wafer crumbs and melted butter.
Stir until the crumbs are well coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer.
Set the pan aside to chill while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
Add in the sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, ensuring that everything is thoroughly incorporated.
Once the eggs are mixed in, fold in the mashed bananas and cinnamon. These ingredients will add the banana flavor and warmth to the cheesecake.
making it more indulgent. Pour this banana mixture over the prepared crust in the springform pan, spreading it out evenly.
Next, place the pan into a preheated oven set to 325°F. Bake the cheesecake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the center is mostly set with just a slight jiggle.
The top should be lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted should come out clean. Once baked, remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature for about an hour.
While the cheesecake is cooling, prepare the pudding topping. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and milk.
Once fully combined and thickened, fold in the heavy whipping cream, mixing until smooth and fluffy. This will create a luscious, light topping for your cheesecake.
Once the cheesecake has cooled completely, spread the pudding mixture evenly over the top.
Decorate with sliced bananas, arranging them in a decorative pattern for added visual appeal.
Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
How to Make
be sure to press the crumbs firmly into the bottom of the pan so that it holds together well during baking. A solid crust will ensure your cheesecake doesn’t become too soggy.
When preparing the cheesecake filling, don’t overmix after adding the eggs. Overmixing can cause air bubbles.
which might result in cracks while the cheesecake bakes. Add the mashed bananas carefully.
as the moisture from the bananas can affect the texture. The cinnamon will provide a subtle warmth, enhancing the banana flavor, so don’t skip it.
Baking the cheesecake requires patience. Be sure to monitor the baking time closely, as every oven is different.
The cheesecake is done when it has set around the edges but still has a slight jiggle in the center.
Let it cool completely before adding the topping, as this will help it hold its shape when sliced.
For the pudding topping, using instant pudding mix is a quick and easy way to achieve a creamy texture.
but make sure to allow it to set before folding in the whipped cream. This creates a fluffy, light consistency that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheesecake below.
If you want a bit more banana flavor in the topping, you can mash a small banana and fold it into the pudding mixture before adding the whipped cream.
This will enhance the banana taste without overpowering the cheesecake’s flavor.
Decorating the cheesecake with banana slices is both visually appealing and flavorful. However, it’s essential to add the bananas just before serving.
as they can brown if left on for too long. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or vanilla wafer crumbs for extra texture.
Tips
Using ripe bananas is key to achieving a full, rich banana flavor in both the cheesecake filling and topping.
Bananas that are too green or underripe won’t provide the same depth of flavor, so wait until they’re fully ripe for the best results.
For a smoother, creamier texture in the cheesecake, you can beat the cream cheese mixture on low speed initially.
then gradually increase the speed once it starts to combine. This prevents the cream cheese from over-whipping and creating a lumpy texture.
If you prefer a lighter, fluffier cheesecake, you can incorporate whipped egg whites into the batter.
Just beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form and gently fold them into the mixture before baking.
This can add an airy texture that complements the richness of the pudding topping.
To make sure your cheesecake doesn’t crack, avoid opening the oven door too early in the baking process, as sudden temperature changes can cause cracks.
Once the cheesecake is done, turn off the oven and leave the door slightly ajar for about an hour before removing it. This gradual cooling process can help prevent cracks from forming.
If you don’t have a springform pan, you can use a regular round cake pan, though it might be a bit more challenging to remove the cheesecake cleanly.
Lining the pan with parchment paper can help with easy removal.
For a different twist, you can try adding a layer of chocolate ganache or caramel sauce on top of the cheesecake before adding the pudding layer.
This adds richness and a complementary flavor to the banana pudding.
Conclusion
Banana pudding cheesecake is a dessert that brings comfort and joy to any occasion, combining the creamy richness of cheesecake with the nostalgic flavors of banana pudding.
The combination of textures—from the crunchy crust to the velvety filling and light topping—makes it a standout treat everyone will love.
Whether you’re making it for a holiday or just as a special dessert for your family, this cheesecake will undoubtedly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Enjoy the delicious blend of flavors and textures, and watch as everyone goes back for seconds!