Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups vanilla wafer crumbs (about 40 crushed wafers)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the banana pudding layer:
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant banana pudding mix
- 1 ¾ cups cold milk
For the whipped topping:
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For garnish:
- Sliced bananas
- Vanilla wafers
Instructions:
1. Prepare the crust:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix vanilla wafer crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and set. Let cool while preparing the cheesecake.
2. Make the cheesecake filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition until fully incorporated.
- Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract.
- In a small bowl, mash the bananas with lemon juice, then fold them into the cream cheese mixture.
3. Bake the cheesecake:
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly but set around the edges.
- Turn off the oven, crack the oven door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour.
- Transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Prepare the banana pudding layer:
- In a medium bowl, whisk the banana pudding mix with cold milk for about 2 minutes until thickened.
- Spread the pudding over the top of the cooled cheesecake.
5. Make the whipped topping:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream over the banana pudding layer.
6. Garnish and serve:
- Decorate with sliced bananas and vanilla wafers on top.
- Refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow the layers to set.
Enjoy this irresistible Banana Pudding Cheesecake!
