Description
This Banana Pudding Cheesecake combines the creamy richness of classic cheesecake with the nostalgic flavors of banana pudding and vanilla wafers. Featuring a buttery wafer crust layered with a smooth banana-infused cheesecake filling, topped with whipped cream and garnished with bananas and wafers, this dessert is perfect for any occasion where a luscious, crowd-pleasing treat is desired.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup salted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant banana cream pudding mix (dry)
- ½ cup sour cream, at room temperature
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¾ cup mashed ripe bananas
Layering
- 1-2 bananas, sliced (for layering)
- ½ cup crushed vanilla wafers (for layering)
Whipped Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Garnish (optional)
- Whole vanilla wafers
- Banana slices
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan thoroughly and line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cheesecake later.
- Make Crust Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs and granulated sugar. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand, ensuring the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Form Crust: Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom and halfway up the sides of the prepared springform pan, creating an even layer that will hold during baking.
- Pre-Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to set it. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before adding the filling.
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium-high speed until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes, to avoid lumps.
- Add Sugar and Flour: Add the granulated sugar and all-purpose flour to the cream cheese and mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Incorporate Banana Pudding Mix: Mix in the dry instant banana cream pudding mix thoroughly into the cream cheese mixture until completely combined.
- Add Sour Cream and Vanilla: Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract on low speed until the mixture is uniform and well combined.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until combined to avoid overmixing which could cause cracks.
- Fold in Mashed Bananas: Gently fold in the mashed ripe bananas into the cheesecake batter to evenly distribute the banana flavor.
- Layer Filling and Bananas: Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust, then arrange a layer of sliced bananas evenly over the filling.
- Add Crushed Wafers Layer: Sprinkle half a cup of crushed vanilla wafers over the sliced bananas to add texture and flavor.
- Add Remaining Filling: Pour the remaining cheesecake filling over the banana and wafer layer, smoothing the top evenly.
- Prepare Water Bath: Place a large roasting pan on the lower oven rack and fill it halfway with hot water to create steam which will help the cheesecake bake evenly and prevent cracking.
- Bake Cheesecake: Place the springform pan with cheesecake batter on the middle oven rack above the water bath. Bake for 70-75 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Cool Gradually in Oven: Turn off the oven, crack the oven door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour to prevent sudden temperature changes.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Remove cheesecake from oven and let it cool completely to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture and flavor melding.
- Make Whipped Topping: In a chilled bowl, beat the cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed until stiff peaks form, creating a light and fluffy topping.
- Remove from Pan: Carefully remove the chilled cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving platter.
- Top with Whipped Cream: Spread or pipe the whipped topping evenly over the surface of the cheesecake for a beautiful finish.
- Garnish: Decorate with whole vanilla wafers and banana slices if desired to enhance presentation and add extra flavor.
- Serve: Slice the cheesecake and serve chilled. Enjoy the creamy, banana-infused delight!
Notes
- Ensure all dairy ingredients like cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter and to avoid lumps.
- Using a water bath (bain-marie) during baking helps prevent cracks in the cheesecake by maintaining a moist heat.
- Allow the cheesecake to chill overnight when possible, as it enhances flavor and texture significantly.
- If bananas brown quickly during layering or garnish, brush them with a little lemon juice to keep them fresh-looking.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and reduce sugar slightly.
- Make sure to use cold heavy whipping cream for the best volume and stability in the whipped topping.
