Here’s a recipe for Banana Pudding Cheesecake—a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and classic banana pudding.
Ingredients:
Crust:
- 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs (about 60 wafers)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
Banana Pudding Layer:
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks
Garnishes (optional):
- Sliced bananas
- Whipped cream
- Additional vanilla wafers
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix together the vanilla wafer crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the sugar and continue to beat until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Mix in the sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
- Finally, fold in the mashed bananas until fully combined.
3. Bake the Cheesecake:
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust.
- Place the springform pan in a larger baking pan and add about an inch of hot water to the outer pan (this helps prevent cracking).
- Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the center is just set and the top looks dry.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Prepare the Banana Pudding Layer:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the pudding mix, cold milk, and vanilla extract until it begins to thicken.
- Gently fold in the whipped cream until fully combined.
- Spread the banana pudding mixture over the cooled cheesecake.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with sliced bananas, whipped cream, and additional vanilla wafers if desired.
- Slice and enjoy!
This Banana Pudding Cheesecake is a showstopper with layers of flavors that will impress anyone!
