Dreamy Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe – A Sweet Twist

Sweet summer memories dance through this irresistible banana pudding delight cheesecake that blends nostalgic comfort with creamy indulgence.

Layers of silky pudding and velvety cheesecake create a dessert that speaks directly to your soul.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this decadent fusion of classic flavors.

Vanilla wafers provide the perfect crumbly foundation for each luxurious bite.

Ripe bananas weave their natural sweetness throughout the dessert, promising a symphony of taste and texture.

Creamy, rich, and utterly irresistible, this cheesecake will become your new favorite showstopping dessert.

Prepare to fall in love with every single spoonful of this delightful treat.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients for Banana Pudding Cheesecake

• Vanilla Wafers or Graham Crackers: Provides a classic, crumbly base with nostalgic flavor and delightful texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust ingredients together.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, golden foundation that holds the crust perfectly.

• Cream Cheese: Delivers smooth, luxurious base with tangy richness.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the cream cheese's tang and adds sweetness.
• Large Eggs: Provide structure and help create a silky, consistent texture.
• Sour Cream: Introduces subtle tanginess and helps create a creamy consistency.
• Heavy Cream: Ensures extra richness and smooth mouthfeel.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, comforting notes.
• Banana Extract: Optional ingredient that intensifies banana flavor profile.

• Instant Banana Pudding Mix: Creates smooth, classic banana layer with nostalgic flavor.
• Cold Milk: Activates pudding mix and provides creamy consistency.
• Fresh Bananas: Adds natural sweetness and fresh texture.
• Heavy Cream: Whips into light, fluffy topping.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens whipped cream with delicate texture.
• Vanilla Wafers: Provides crunchy garnish and classic dessert connection.

Equipment That Helps With Layering and Mixing

• Springform pan: Essential 9-inch pan for easy cheesecake removal.
• Large mixing bowl: For combining cheesecake filling ingredients smoothly.
• Electric mixer: Crucial for beating cream cheese and whipping cream to perfect consistency.
• Roasting pan: Needed for water bath during baking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
• Whisk: For mixing pudding and ensuring no lumps.
• Foil: To wrap pan base and prevent water seepage.
• Spatula: Helps spread layers evenly and scrape bowls clean.
• Piping bag (optional): For decorative whipped cream topping.

How to Make a Banana Cheesecake With Southern Charm

• Crust Foundation

Create a crumbly base using classic cookies crushed into fine pieces. Mix with melted butter and press firmly into a springform pan, forming a solid foundation for the decadent layers to come.

• Creamy Cheesecake Core

Blend cream cheese until silky smooth, incorporating eggs gently to maintain a luxurious texture. Pour the velvety mixture over the prepared crust, creating a rich landscape of flavor.

• Water Bath Baking

Nestle the cheesecake in a warm water bath, allowing gentle heat to transform the delicate filling. Bake until the center whispers of a subtle jiggle, signaling perfect doneness.

• Banana Pudding Magic

Craft a luscious pudding layer that blankets the chilled cheesecake. Scatter fresh banana slices across the surface, adding natural sweetness and vibrant color.

• Cloudlike Cream Topping

Whip cream into billowy peaks, transforming the dessert into a dreamy masterpiece. Drape this airy topping across the pudding layer with graceful swirls.

• Final Flourish

Adorn the creation with crisp wafer cookies and additional banana slices. Slice and serve this showstopping dessert that marries classic comfort with elegant indulgence.

Helpful Tips for Texture and Flavor

• Banana Pudding Magic Makers
• Crumb Crust Creativity: Swap graham crackers with shortbread cookies or gingersnaps for a unique flavor twist that'll surprise your taste buds.
• Banana Boost Technique: Roast banana slices with a sprinkle of brown sugar before adding them to enhance their natural sweetness and create deeper caramelized notes.
• Make-Ahead Mastermind: This dessert actually tastes better when chilled overnight, allowing flavors to meld and develop a richer, more complex profile.
• Temperature Tricks: Always let cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing to ensure a silky-smooth cheesecake filling with zero lumps.
• Decoration Drama: Create stunning visual appeal by using a piping bag with star tips for whipped cream, or arrange banana slices in a beautiful circular pattern that makes your dessert look professionally crafted.

Serving Cheesecake in Slices or Minis

• Creamy Dessert Companion: Pair this decadent cheesecake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra luxurious touch.
• Sweet Beverage Pairing: Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk to balance the rich, creamy flavors of the cheesecake.
• Elegant Presentation Trick: Arrange fresh banana slices and whole vanilla wafers around the plate's edge to create a stunning visual display that hints at the delightful flavors inside.
• Seasonal Celebration Twist: Garnish with caramelized banana chips or a light drizzle of salted caramel sauce during holiday gatherings to elevate the dessert's wow factor.

Best Way to Store This No-Bake Treat

• Fridge-Fresh Strategies: Store the cheesecake in an airtight container, keeping it refrigerated for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent moisture absorption and flavor transfer.
• Slice and Freeze Magic: Wrap individual slices in plastic film, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for perfect texture restoration.
• Moisture Management: Place a paper towel under the covering to absorb excess condensation. This trick keeps the whipped cream layer looking fresh and prevents soggy edges.
• Temperature Transition Tips: Remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving. Allowing it to slightly warm helps enhance the dessert's creamy texture and balanced flavor profile.

Heavenly Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Rich banana pudding delight cheesecake blends Southern comfort with creamy decadence. Layers of vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, and velvety cream create a nostalgic dessert you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 24 oz (680 g) cream cheese, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 2 ripe bananas, thinly sliced
• 1 packet (3.4 oz or 96 g) banana-flavored instant pudding mix
• 1 ¾ cups (420 ml) cold milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 2 tbsps powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp banana extract (optional)
• Vanilla wafers or crushed cookies
• Banana slices

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Instructions

1. Crust Creation: Pulverize wafers with sugar and melted butter until achieving a sandy consistency. Press firmly into a springform pan’s base, baking at 325°F for 10 minutes, then cool completely.
2. Cheesecake Foundation: Whip cream cheese until ultra-smooth, gradually incorporating eggs with seamless precision. Blend sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla, and banana extract into a luxuriously creamy mixture.
3. Baking Technique: Wrap the pan in aluminum foil and place within a water bath. Bake for approximately one hour, monitoring for a subtle central jiggle. This method ensures even cooking and prevents surface cracking.
4. Chilling and Setting: Refrigerate the cheesecake to allow complete cooling and flavor development. The resting period helps achieve the perfect texture and intensity of flavors.
5. Pudding and Banana Layer: Whisk milk and pudding mix until achieving a velvety consistency. Spread over the chilled cheesecake and strategically arrange fresh banana slices across the surface.
6. Cream Topping: Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until forming stiff, billowy peaks. Generously cover the pudding layer with this cloud-like cream, creating elegant swirls or smooth coverage.
7. Final Flourish: Garnish with crisp vanilla wafers, additional banana slices, or delicately crushed cookies. Slice with a warm knife to ensure pristine, picture-perfect servings of this decadent dessert.

Notes

• Prevent Crust Crumbling: Press wafer mixture firmly and evenly into the pan’s base to create a stable, compact foundation that won’t disintegrate when serving.
• Master Smooth Cheesecake Technique: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and beat slowly to avoid incorporating excess air, which can cause unwanted surface cracks during baking.
• Nail the Water Bath Method: Wrap springform pan’s exterior with multiple layers of aluminum foil to completely seal against water, preventing soggy crust and ensuring even heat distribution.
• Control Banana Browning: Toss fresh banana slices in a touch of lemon juice before arranging to prevent quick oxidation and maintain their appetizing golden-white appearance.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 155 mg