Dreamy Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe: Sweet Fusion Delight

Dessert lovers rejoice when classic comfort meets creamy decadence in this banana pudding cheesecake recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Rich, velvety layers blend traditional Southern charm with luxurious cheesecake textures.

Every forkful delivers a nostalgic dance of sweet banana and smooth cream cheese goodness.

The combination melds childhood memories with sophisticated dessert crafting.

Vanilla wafers provide delightful crunch against silky pudding-inspired filling.

Ripe bananas infuse natural sweetness throughout each delectable slice.

This dessert stands ready to become your new favorite showstopping treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Banana Pudding Cheesecake Ingredient Checklist

• Medium Bananas: Intensify natural sweetness and depth of flavor through caramelization.
• Light Brown Sugar: Creates delightful caramel notes and enhances banana's richness.

• Nilla Wafer Crumbs, Granulated Sugar, Unsalted Butter: Crafts a classic, crispy base with buttery sweetness and nostalgic cookie texture.

• Block Cream Cheese, Granulated Sugar, Sour Cream: Ensures luxuriously smooth, tangy cheesecake with perfect balance of richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the cheesecake.
• Large Eggs: Provides structure and silky consistency.
• Medium Bananas: Introduces fresh banana essence throughout the filling.

• Instant Vanilla Pudding, Cold Milk: Creates a luscious, creamy intermediate layer with classic vanilla flavor.

• Heavy Cream, Granulated Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Whips into light, airy crown with subtle sweetness and elegant finish.

Bakeware to Prepare a Banana Pudding Cheesecake

• Springform pan: Essential for creating tall, easy-to-remove cheesecake.
• Baking sheet: Perfect for roasting bananas.
• Electric mixer: Crucial for beating cream cheese, creating smooth batter.
• Mixing bowls: Needed for combining ingredients and preparing different components.
• Whisk: Great for mixing pudding and cream.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Spatula: Helps spread batter and smooth surfaces.
• Cooling rack: Allows cheesecake to cool evenly.
• Large roasting pan: Used for water bath during baking.

How to Make a No-Fuss Banana Pudding Cheesecake

• Banana Roasting Preparation

Warm the oven and transform ordinary bananas into caramelized golden delights. Slice bananas lengthwise and sprinkle with sweet brown sugar. Bake until they develop rich, deep flavors and soft texture.

• Crispy Wafer Foundation

Create a buttery base using crushed wafer cookies pressed firmly into a springform pan. Bake briefly to set the foundation for the creamy cheesecake layers.

• Creamy Cheesecake Mixture

Blend cream cheese until silky smooth, incorporating mashed roasted bananas. Gently fold in eggs, creating a luxurious batter that will become the heart of the dessert. Layer sliced bananas between cheesecake layers for surprise bursts of fruit.

• Silky Pudding Layer

Craft a dreamy pudding that will crown the cheesecake with velvety smoothness. Chill until perfectly set and ready to complement the rich cheesecake base.

• Fluffy Cloud Topping

Whip cream into billowy peaks, transforming simple ingredients into a light, airy crown for the decadent dessert.

• Final Masterpiece

Spread the chilled pudding across the cooled cheesecake. Top with clouds of whipped cream and any delightful garnishes that spark joy.

Tips That Bring Out the Banana in Each Bite

• Expert Tips for Pudding Cheesecake
• Choose ripe, spotty bananas with deep yellow or brown spots for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor profile.
• Roasting bananas before adding to batter intensifies their natural caramel-like sweetness and creates a more complex dessert experience.
• Always wrap springform pan's exterior with aluminum foil to prevent water seepage, ensuring a perfectly smooth cheesecake without cracks.
• This dessert tastes even better after chilling overnight, allowing flavors to meld and develop a richer, more harmonious taste.
• Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers, drizzle caramel sauce, or add fresh banana slices right before serving to elevate both visual appeal and taste.

Plating Banana Cheesecake That Wows

• Sweet Banana Bliss Plating: Create an elegant dessert presentation by serving individual slices on vintage china plates with a light dusting of crushed vanilla wafers around the edge for extra texture and visual appeal.
• Seasonal Fruit Companion: Pair each slice with fresh banana slices, caramelized banana chunks, or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce to enhance the banana flavor profile and add a luxurious touch to the dessert.
• Beverage Harmony: Complement the rich cheesecake with a steaming cup of medium-roast coffee, a creamy vanilla latte, or a smooth bourbon-based cocktail that will elevate the dessert's complex flavor notes and provide a delightful dining experience.
• Celebratory Garnish: Top each slice with a delicate sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, chocolate shavings, or a mint leaf to add a sophisticated finish and create an Instagram-worthy dessert that looks as amazing as it tastes.

Store It Chilled and Flavor-Packed

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store your banana pudding cheesecake in an airtight container within the refrigerator, keeping it fresh for up to 4-5 days. Wrap carefully with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and absorb other food odors.
• Freezing Magic: Slice cheesecake into individual portions before freezing. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cheesecake maintains excellent quality for 2-3 months, perfect for make-ahead dessert planning.
• Quick Thawing Technique: Transfer frozen cheesecake slices to the refrigerator overnight for gradual, even defrosting. Allow 4-6 hours for complete thawing, ensuring texture remains creamy and delicious without compromising structural integrity.
• Temperature Control Wisdom: Always serve chilled, keeping the cheesecake between 34-40°F. Remove from refrigerator just 15-20 minutes before serving to maintain optimal flavor and smooth consistency. Avoid leaving at room temperature for extended periods to prevent bacterial growth.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Calories: 385 kcal

Servings: 13

Creamy Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Creamy banana pudding cheesecake blends Southern comfort with classic dessert elegance. Smooth banana-infused layers promise rich indulgence that celebrates traditional flavors while delighting taste buds.

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Ingredients

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• 32 oz (907 g) full-fat block cream cheese, room temperature
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 medium bananas (1–2 for base, 2 for roasting)
• 1 ½ cups (180 g) Nilla Wafer crumbs (32–34 cookies)
• 8 oz (226 g) full-fat sour cream, room temperature
• 4 tbsps (56 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (240 ml) cold milk
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp (13 g) firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• ½ tbsp (6 g) granulated sugar
• ½ box instant vanilla pudding
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Caramelization: Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice bananas lengthwise, dust with brown sugar, and roast on parchment-lined sheet for 10 minutes until golden. Mash roasted bananas and cool completely.
2. Crust Preparation: Lower oven to 325°F. Pulverize vanilla wafers into fine crumbs, mix with sugar and melted butter. Press firmly into 9-inch springform pan and bake for 10 minutes, then cool.
3. Batter Creation: Blend cream cheese and sugar until silky. Fold in sour cream, roasted banana mash, and vanilla extract. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring smooth integration.
4. Layer Assembly: Distribute one-third of cheesecake batter over crust. Arrange thin banana slices evenly, then gently cover with remaining batter.
5. Baking Process: Position springform pan in larger roasting pan. Fill outer pan with hot water halfway up cheesecake sides. Bake 70-85 minutes until center is set but slightly trembling.
6. Pudding and Topping: Prepare instant vanilla pudding with whole milk and chill. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until medium-stiff peaks form.
7. Finishing Touch: Once cheesecake is completely cooled, spread chilled pudding evenly across surface. Pipe or spread whipped cream on top. Optional: Garnish with banana slices and crushed wafers.

Notes

• Roast Bananas Carefully: Caramelizing bananas intensifies their natural sweetness and adds depth to the cheesecake’s flavor profile, so watch them closely during roasting to prevent burning.
• Prevent Cheesecake Cracking: Create a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger roasting pan filled with hot water to ensure even baking and prevent surface cracks.
• Chill Completely: Allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set properly and develop optimal texture and flavor.
• Wafer Crust Tips: Crush vanilla wafers finely and press the crust mixture firmly and evenly to create a stable, crisp base that complements the creamy cheesecake filling.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 385
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg