Dreamy Banana Split Cheesecakes Recipe: Sweet Homemade Joy

Creamy cheesecake meets classic banana split in this decadent dessert that blends nostalgic flavors.

Sweet banana split cheesecakes combine the best of two beloved treats.

Layers of rich cream cheese mingle with ripe bananas and a buttery graham cracker base.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of smooth, tangy, and fruity notes.

Chocolate drizzle and vibrant maraschino cherries crown these mini indulgences.

Guests will swoon over these elegant, bite-sized delights that transform a traditional dessert into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to serve these at every gathering, creating moments of pure culinary joy.

Banana Split Cheesecakes That Bring Back Memories

• Craft a Romantic Dessert: Create a showstopping treat that captures the spirit of love with vibrant Valentine's Day candies and heart-shaped peanut butter cups.
• Simplify Sweet Celebrations: Master this one-pan wonder that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum deliciousness, perfect for baking novices and experienced cooks alike.
• Customize with Love: Easily swap or add different candies to personalize the cookie pie, making it a flexible dessert for various tastes and preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Indulgence: Serve a dessert that combines the best of a cookie and pie, guaranteed to impress family and friends with its gooey texture and festive appearance.

Ingredients for Banana Split Cheesecakes

• Vanilla Wafer Crumbs: A classic base that provides a delightful crunch and sweet foundation for the cheesecake.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust and adds rich flavor.
• Sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the crust.

• Cream Cheese: The primary component that creates the smooth, creamy texture of the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tangy cream cheese.
• Flour: Helps stabilize the cheesecake filling and prevent cracking.
• Sour Cream: Provides extra moisture and tanginess to the cheesecake.
• Banana Extract: Intensifies the banana flavor throughout the dessert.
• Mashed Banana: Adds natural banana taste and moisture to the filling.
• Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients and create a rich, custardy texture.

• Chocolate Ice Cream, Strawberry Ice Cream: Classic banana split flavors that complement the banana cheesecake.
• Chocolate Syrup, Caramel Sauce: Adds extra sweetness and decadent drizzle.
• Whipped Cream: Provides a light, airy topping.
• Chopped Nuts: Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
• Sprinkles: Brings color and fun to the dessert.
• Maraschino Cherries: Traditional banana split garnish that adds a pop of color and sweetness.

How to Make Banana Split Cheesecakes

Step 1: Craft the Crumbly Base

Warm up the oven to a cozy 325F. Line a muffin tin with paper cups.

• Vanilla wafer crumbs
• Melted butter
• Sugar

Press the mixture firmly into each liner, creating a solid foundation. Bake for 5-7 minutes until lightly set, then let cool completely.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

• Flour
• Sour cream
• Banana extract
• Mashed banana

Add eggs one by one, mixing softly to keep the texture light and fluffy.

Step 3: Bake the Dreamy Cheesecakes

Pour the luscious filling over the cooled crusts. Slide into the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes.

Look for centers that are set but still have a gentle jiggle. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecakes rest inside for 10 minutes.

Transfer to the counter and cool completely.

Step 4: Chill and Decorate

Refrigerate the cheesecakes for at least 2 hours.

• Chocolate ice cream scoop
• Strawberry ice cream scoop
• Chocolate syrup drizzle
• Caramel sauce swirl
• Fluffy whipped cream
• Chopped nuts
• Colorful sprinkles
• Bright maraschino cherries

Step 5: Indulge and Enjoy

Dive into these mini banana split cheesecakes that blend creamy banana goodness with classic sundae excitement!

Tips for Perfect Banana Split Cheesecakes

• Press wafer crumbs gently but firmly into the liner to create a solid, compact base that won't fall apart when serving.
• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling.
• Use very ripe, spotty bananas for deeper, sweeter banana taste and mash them thoroughly to distribute flavor evenly throughout the cheesecake.
• Keep the oven door slightly ajar during cooling to prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause cheesecake cracks.
• Chill cheesecakes completely before adding toppings to maintain a clean, picture-perfect presentation and prevent melting.

Flavor Variations for Banana Split Cheesecakes

• Gluten-Free Banana Split Cheesecakes: Replace vanilla wafer crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Banana Cheesecake Cups: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut cream instead of eggs, and replace dairy toppings with plant-based alternatives like coconut whipped cream.
• Low-Sugar Banana Cheesecake Bites: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, use sugar-free ice cream, and top with fresh berries instead of traditional sundae toppings.
• Tropical Banana Split Remix: Add a layer of toasted coconut to the crust, incorporate pineapple chunks into the filling, and garnish with passion fruit sauce for a Caribbean-inspired treat.

Pairing Suggestions for Banana Split Cheesecakes

• Indulge in Perfect Pairings
• Boost Banana Bliss with Complementary Drinks: Pair these cheesecakes with a creamy banana milkshake or a smooth bourbon-based cocktail that echoes the dessert's rich flavors.
• Create Coffee Companions: Serve alongside a robust espresso or a vanilla latte to cut through the sweetness and enhance the dessert's deep banana and cream notes.
• Match with Dessert Wines: Select a sweet Moscato or a chilled port wine that will harmonize with the cheesecake's fruity and decadent profile, creating a luxurious tasting experience.
• Explore Fruit-Forward Refreshments: Complement the dessert with a light banana smoothie or a tropical passion fruit spritzer that amplifies the banana split's vibrant essence.

Storage Advice for Banana Split Cheesecakes

• Store cheesecakes in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover each cheesecake with plastic wrap to prevent drying or absorbing other flavors from the fridge.
• Wrap individual cheesecakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual cheesecakes at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid using a microwave, which can make the texture soggy and compromise the creamy consistency.
• Add fresh ice cream, whipped cream, and toppings just before serving to maintain their texture and prevent sogginess.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Yes, graham crackers or chocolate cookies work well as alternatives to vanilla wafers for the crust base.

• How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

Use very ripe, soft bananas with brown spots for the most intense banana flavor and natural sweetness.

• Can I make these cheesecakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cheesecakes up to 3 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator before adding the final toppings.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these mini cheesecakes?

A standard muffin tin, electric mixer, and cupcake liners are the only essential tools needed for this recipe.

Banana Split Cheesecakes Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet banana split magic meets creamy cheesecake perfection in this delightful dessert. Rich layers of classic banana split flavors blend seamlessly with silky cheesecake, creating a dessert you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
• 5 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Flavoring and Topping Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup (75 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large ripe banana, mashed
• Chocolate syrup, for drizzling
• Whipped cream
• Maraschino cherries
• Chopped nuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft the foundation by mixing vanilla wafer crumbs, melted butter, and sugar into a cohesive blend. Press the mixture firmly into cupcake liners within a muffin tin, creating a compact base.
2. Warm the oven to 325F. Briefly toast the crust for 5-7 minutes until lightly set, then allow to cool completely.
3. Whip cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth, ensuring no lumps remain in the mixture.
4. Gently fold in flour, sour cream, banana extract, and mashed banana, blending until uniform in texture.
5. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing on low speed to maintain a delicate consistency and prevent overmixing.
6. Distribute the creamy filling evenly across the prepared crusts, filling each liner carefully.
7. Bake for 18-22 minutes, watching for a slightly jiggly center that indicates perfect doneness.
8. Allow cheesecakes to rest inside the oven with the door slightly ajar for 10 minutes after turning off heat.
9. Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for minimum 2 hours to set fully.
10. Top each chilled cheesecake with scoops of chocolate and strawberry ice cream.
11. Embellish with decadent chocolate and caramel drizzles, creating an artistic pattern.
12. Crown with billowy whipped cream, scattered chopped nuts, colorful sprinkles, and vibrant maraschino cherries.
13. Serve chilled, showcasing these miniature desserts that capture the essence of a classic banana split.

Notes

• Toast vanilla wafer crumbs briefly before mixing with butter to enhance their nutty flavor and create a more robust crust.
• Use very ripe, almost overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and deeper banana flavor in the cheesecake filling.
• Prevent cracks by not overmixing eggs and using a water bath method during baking for more even, gentle heat distribution.
• For gluten-free version, substitute vanilla wafer crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to maintain similar texture and taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 141
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 17 mg