Description
Southern charm meets creamy indulgence in this banana pudding cheesecake, blending classic comfort with luxurious dessert elegance. Silky layers of banana-infused cheesecake and vanilla wafer crust promise a delightful journey through rich, nostalgic flavors you’ll savor to the last bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed
- 3 large eggs
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
- Whipped cream for garnish
- Additional vanilla wafers for garnish
Instructions
- Craft a delectable foundation by combining crushed vanilla wafers, sugar, and melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly into a greased 9-inch springform pan.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth, gradually incorporating sour cream and eggs, ensuring each addition is thoroughly integrated.
- Fold in vanilla extract and mashed bananas, blending until the mixture achieves a uniform consistency.
- Gently pour the luscious cheesecake batter over the prepared crust, spreading evenly to create a perfect layer.
- Position the pan in a preheated 325°F (165°C) oven, baking for 50-60 minutes until the center sets with a gentle wobble.
- After baking, leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly ajar for one hour, allowing it to cool gradually and prevent cracking.
- Transfer to the countertop and let it cool completely before transferring to the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours or preferably overnight.
- Whisk instant pudding mix with cold milk until it thickens to a creamy consistency, then carefully spread over the chilled cheesecake.
- Arrange fresh banana slices atop the pudding layer for additional texture and flavor.
- Prepare a cloud-like whipped cream by beating heavy cream in a chilled bowl, gradually adding powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Lavishly spread the whipped cream over the banana pudding layer, creating an elegant finish.
- Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers as a decorative and crunchy garnish before serving this decadent dessert.
Notes
- Prevent Banana Browning by tossing sliced bananas in a bit of lemon juice to maintain their fresh, bright color and prevent quick oxidation.
- Create Gluten-Free Version by substituting vanilla wafer crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs, ensuring everyone can enjoy this decadent dessert.
- Control Moisture Level by not overmixing the cheesecake batter, which helps prevent cracks and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
- Enhance Banana Flavor by using very ripe, almost black bananas for a deeper, more intense banana taste in the cheesecake filling.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 168
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 52 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg