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!