Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Here’s a rich and creamy Banana Pudding Cheesecake recipe that combines the classic flavors of banana pudding with the indulgence of cheesecake!

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups vanilla wafer crumbs (from Nilla wafers or similar cookies)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
  • 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • ½ cup heavy cream

For the Banana Topping:

  • 2-3 bananas (sliced)
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream (cold)
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • Vanilla wafers (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a medium bowl, mix the vanilla wafer crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture is well combined and holds together when pressed.
  • Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form a crust.
  • Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
  • Add the mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition until just combined.
  • Add the pudding mix and heavy cream, and beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

3. Bake the Cheesecake:

  • Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
  • Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
  • Turn off the oven and crack the door slightly, allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually for 1 hour.
  • Remove the cheesecake from the oven and cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

4. Make the Whipped Cream Topping:

  • In a large bowl, whip the cold heavy cream and powdered sugar together until soft peaks form.
  • Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the top of the chilled cheesecake.

5. Assemble the Banana Pudding Cheesecake:

  • Before serving, layer the top with sliced bananas.
  • Garnish with whole or crushed vanilla wafers around the edges or on top of the whipped cream for extra texture.

6. Serve:

  • Slice and serve chilled. You can add more bananas and vanilla wafers as a garnish on each slice for a beautiful presentation.

This Banana Pudding Cheesecake combines the smooth creaminess of cheesecake with the comforting flavors of banana pudding and crunchy vanilla wafers for a dessert that’s as fun as it is delicious!

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