Heavenly Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe

Heavenly Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe: A Dreamy Dessert Fusion

Creamy cheesecake meets classic southern comfort in this heavenly banana pudding cheesecake that promises pure dessert bliss.

Layers of rich, velvety cream cheese mingle with sweet banana goodness, creating a decadent treat that melts in your mouth.

Silky vanilla wafer crust provides the perfect crisp foundation for this dreamy dessert.

Each spoonful delivers a nostalgic punch of familiar flavors, balanced with luxurious texture.

The combination of fresh bananas and smooth cheesecake creates a dessert that feels both indulgent and comforting.

Southern bakers know how to transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible showstopper that will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

  • Why use vanilla wafers for the crust?

Vanilla wafers add a classic banana pudding flavor and provide a crispy, sweet base that complements the creamy cheesecake texture perfectly.

  • Can I use ripe or overripe bananas?

Ripe or overripe bananas are ideal because they’re sweeter and mash more easily, giving the cheesecake a more intense banana flavor and smoother consistency.

  • How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

Baking the cheesecake in a water bath, avoiding overmixing, and letting it cool gradually in the oven helps prevent unsightly cracks on the surface.

Heavenly Banana Pudding Cheesecake That Shines

  • Playful Dessert Fusion: Combine the fun of tacos with the sweet charm of cheesecake, creating a unique and exciting treat that breaks traditional dessert boundaries.
  • Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Fruity Pebbles cereal adds a colorful, crunchy element that kids will absolutely love, making it a perfect dessert for family gatherings or children's parties.
  • Quick and Simple Preparation: Transform basic ingredients into a stunning dessert with minimal cooking skills, using simple techniques like mixing, folding, and frying to create an impressive culinary creation.
  • Versatile Serving Option: Easily adaptable for different occasions, from casual family dinners to fancy dessert tables, these cheesecake tacos bring a playful and Instagram-worthy element to any meal.

Ingredients For Heavenly Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Crust Ingredients:
  • Vanilla Wafers: A classic cookie that provides a sweet and crunchy base for the cheesecake.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust together and adds richness to the base.
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth and creamy texture for the cheesecake.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the flavors.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the filling together.
  • Bananas: Offer natural sweetness and a distinct banana flavor to the cheesecake.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps create a rich, creamy texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Whipped Cream, Banana Slices, Crushed Vanilla Wafers: Provide a decorative and delicious finishing touch to the cheesecake, adding visual appeal and extra texture.

Making Heavenly Banana Pudding Cheesecake Easily

Step 1: Create Delectable Crust

Preheat the oven to 350F. Grab a mixing bowl and combine crushed vanilla wafers with melted butter.

Press this crumbly mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased springform pan. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden.

Remove and let it cool completely while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth.

Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before the next. Gently fold in:
  • Mashed ripe bananas
  • Sour cream
  • Vanilla extract

Mix until all ingredients are beautifully blended and no lumps remain.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the luscious filling over the cooled crust. Slide into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes.

The center should jiggle slightly when gently shaken. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake rest inside for one hour.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor and texture development.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, crown your masterpiece with:
  • Fluffy whipped cream
  • Fresh banana slices
  • Crushed vanilla wafers

Slice and savor every decadent bite of this heavenly dessert!

Tips For Heavenly Banana Pudding Cheesecake

  • Use a food processor or rolling pin to create fine, even crumbs for a consistent crust that holds together well.
  • Toss sliced bananas in a bit of lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent discoloration when decorating.
  • Tap the pan gently on the counter after pouring the filling to release air bubbles and ensure a crack-free surface.
  • Leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly open after baking to prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause cracking.
  • This dessert tastes even better when chilled overnight, allowing flavors to meld and develop a richer, creamier texture.

Flavor Twists For Banana Pudding Cheesecake

  • Gluten-Free Banana Pudding Cheesecake: Replace vanilla wafers with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour crust. Use certified gluten-free ingredients to ensure safe consumption for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Banana Cheesecake Alternative: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese. Use coconut cream, silken tofu, or plant-based yogurt instead of eggs. Substitute butter with coconut oil for the crust.
  • Low-Sugar Banana Cheesecake Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar. Replace regular cream cheese with reduced-fat version. Add extra banana for natural sweetness and reduce overall sugar content.

Presentation Ideas For Banana Pudding Cheesecake

  • Pair with Caramel Bourbon Cocktail: Rich, smooth bourbon mixed with caramel syrup complements the banana cheesecake's creamy texture, enhancing the dessert's sweet and rich flavor profile.
  • Serve with Vanilla Bean Latte: Warm, smooth coffee with intense vanilla notes perfectly balances the cheesecake's sweet banana essence, creating a delightful culinary harmony.
  • Match with Salted Caramel Ice Cream: Cool, creamy ice cream with a hint of salt provides a refreshing contrast to the dense cheesecake, cutting through its richness and adding textural excitement.
  • Enjoy with Spiced Chai Tea: Aromatic, warming chai spices like cinnamon and cardamom beautifully highlight the banana's natural sweetness, offering a comforting and complex tasting experience.

Storing Heavenly Banana Pudding Cheesecake Well

  • Store the banana pudding cheesecake in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its creamy texture and fresh flavor.
  • Slice the cheesecake into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, preserving its delicious taste and texture.
  • Remove frozen cheesecake from the freezer and let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the cheesecake's smooth consistency and prevents moisture loss.
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Heavenly Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe

Heavenly Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Creamy banana pudding cheesecake delivers Southern comfort in each delightful slice, blending classic dessert nostalgia with rich, smooth indulgence. Silky layers of banana-infused cheesecake and vanilla wafer crust promise a delectable journey through pure dessert bliss you won’t want to miss.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 packs (8 ounces/226 grams each) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup mashed bananas
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups crushed vanilla wafers
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping Ingredients:

  • Whipped cream
  • Sliced bananas
  • Crushed vanilla wafers

Instructions

  1. Craft a golden-brown foundation by pulverizing vanilla wafers and blending with melted butter, ensuring a uniform crumbly texture that will serve as the cheesecake’s base.
  2. Press the wafer mixture firmly into a greased springform pan, creating an even layer that will provide structural support for the creamy filling.
  3. Toast the crust in a preheated 175C (350F) oven for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden, then allow to cool completely while preparing the subsequent components.
  4. Whip cream cheese and sugar together until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency that will form the cheesecake’s luxurious backbone.
  5. Incorporate eggs individually, gently folding after each addition to maintain a smooth, velvety mixture without overbeating.
  6. Fold in mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract, blending until the filling becomes a uniform, pale yellow cream with subtle banana undertones.
  7. Carefully pour the filling over the cooled crust, ensuring an even distribution and minimizing air bubbles.
  8. Bake at 175C (350F) for 50-60 minutes, watching for a slight jiggle in the center indicating perfect doneness.
  9. After baking, turn off the oven and leave the door slightly ajar, allowing the cheesecake to gradually cool for one hour and prevent cracking.
  10. Refrigerate the cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to develop optimal flavor and texture.
  11. Before serving, garnish with billowy whipped cream, delicate banana slices, and a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers for a visually stunning presentation.

Notes

  • Choose ripe, soft bananas for the most intense flavor and natural sweetness in your cheesecake.
  • Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter after adding eggs to prevent a dense, tough cheesecake texture.
  • Prevent cracks by using a water bath method during baking, which creates a more gentle, even heat distribution.
  • Replace vanilla wafers with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for the crust.
  • Reduce sugar by using overripe bananas, which naturally add more sweetness to the dessert.
  • Make ahead and freeze the cheesecake for up to 2 weeks, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 418 kcal
  • Sugar: 29 g
  • Sodium: 230 mg
  • Fat: 29 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1.2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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