Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe

Dreamy Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe for Sweet Tooth Joy

Creamy banana pudding meets classic cheesecake in a delightful banana pudding cheesecake that promises pure dessert magic.

Layers of smooth cream cheese blend perfectly with sweet banana notes.

Nostalgic flavors dance across your palate, creating an irresistible combination.

Southern comfort meets gourmet indulgence in this crowd-pleasing treat.

Vanilla wafer crumbs provide a satisfying crunch between silky layers.

Each bite tells a story of rich, comforting flavors that feel like a warm hug.

Reasons to Love Banana Pudding Cheesecake

  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Transform classic banana pudding into a luxurious cheesecake that guarantees smiles and second helpings from family and friends.
  • Simple Layered Complexity: Create an impressive dessert with basic ingredients and straightforward steps, making even novice bakers feel like professional pastry chefs.
  • Nostalgic Flavor Combo: Blend beloved banana pudding with creamy cheesecake for a comforting treat that reminds you of childhood memories and family gatherings.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert in advance, allowing you to spend more time enjoying company and less time in the kitchen during special occasions or weekend gatherings.

Ingredients List for Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Crust Ingredients:
  • Vanilla Wafer Crumbs: A classic cookie base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust mixture.
  • Melted Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients together and creates a rich, golden texture.
Cheesecake Base Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the cheesecake its creamy and smooth texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm and aromatic flavor to the cheesecake.
  • Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and create a stable cheesecake structure.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps create a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Heavy Cream: Enhances the richness and smoothness of the cheesecake.
  • Banana Pudding Mix: Infuses the cheesecake with a classic banana pudding flavor.
  • Sliced Bananas: Adds fresh banana pieces throughout the cheesecake for extra flavor and texture.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Combine to create a light and fluffy whipped cream topping.
  • Crushed Vanilla Wafers, Additional Banana Slices: Provide a decorative and delicious garnish for the cheesecake.

How to Make Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Mix vanilla wafer crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Create the Cheesecake Base

In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth. Blend in vanilla extract thoroughly. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Incorporate sour cream, heavy cream, and banana pudding mix, stirring until just combined.

Step 3: Add Banana Goodness

Carefully fold sliced bananas into the cheesecake mixture. Pour the entire batter over the cooled crust, ensuring an even distribution.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the cheesecake in a preheated oven at 325F. Bake for 55-60 minutes until the center sets and edges turn golden. Turn off the oven, leaving the door slightly open, and let the cheesecake rest inside for one hour.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow it to set completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Topping

Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread the fluffy whipped cream over the chilled cheesecake.

Step 7: Final Touches

Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers over the top. Garnish with fresh banana slices for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal.

Step 8: Serve and Indulge

Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy the creamy, banana-packed dessert that combines the best of cheesecake and banana pudding!

Pro Tips for Banana Pudding Cheesecake

  • Prevent Cracks: Bake cheesecake in a water bath to create a moist environment and prevent surface cracking during baking.
  • Banana Ripeness Matters: Use overripe, brown-spotted bananas for deeper, sweeter flavor in the cheesecake filling.
  • Gentle Mixing Technique: Mix cheesecake batter on low speed to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause unwanted surface bubbles.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for smoother, lump-free batter and better texture.
  • Slice Bananas Strategically: Cut banana slices just before folding into batter to prevent browning and maintain fresh appearance in the cheesecake.

Flavor Swaps for Banana Pudding Cheesecake

  • Gluten-Free Banana Pudding Cheesecake: Replace vanilla wafer crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Banana Cheesecake Alternative: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut cream instead of dairy cream, and replace eggs with silken tofu or banana puree.
  • Low-Sugar Banana Pudding Cheesecake: Swap granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, use sugar-free pudding mix, and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor.
  • Tropical Banana Coconut Cheesecake: Add shredded coconut to the crust, incorporate coconut extract in the filling, and top with toasted coconut flakes for a Caribbean-inspired variation.

Pairing Suggestions for Banana Pudding Cheesecake

  • Pair Sweet Banana Bourbon: Smooth bourbon like Maker's Mark complements the rich banana and cream flavors, adding warmth and depth to each creamy cheesecake bite.
  • Enhance Whipped Cream Coffee: Serve a creamy cappuccano or latte alongside the dessert, matching the pudding's smooth texture and amplifying the vanilla and banana notes.
  • Refresh with Sparkling Moscato: Light, sweet Moscato wine provides a bubbly contrast to the dense cheesecake, cutting through the richness while highlighting the dessert's fruity undertones.
  • Balance with Banana Milkshake: Create a classic banana milkshake that echoes the cheesecake's primary flavors, offering a nostalgic and complementary beverage experience.

Storage Instructions for Banana Pudding Cheesecake

  • Store covered in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
  • Slice cheesecake, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Let chilled slice sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften. Do not microwave, as this will compromise texture and make the cheesecake watery.
  • Keep cheesecake refrigerated and only remove 30 minutes before serving to maintain best flavor and consistency.

Common Questions About Banana Pudding Cheesecake

  • Is banana pudding mix necessary for this recipe?

The banana pudding mix adds intense banana flavor and helps create a creamy, smooth texture that enhances the overall taste of the cheesecake.

  • Can I use a different type of crust?

Vanilla wafer crumbs work best for this recipe, but you could substitute graham cracker crumbs if needed. The wafer crumbs provide a classic banana pudding flavor profile.

  • How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

Use room temperature ingredients, mix on low speed, and allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven with the door slightly open to prevent sudden temperature changes that cause cracking.

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Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe

Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe


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4.8 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: Approximately 3 hours 25 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes (including at least 4 hours chilling in refrigerator)
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Southern charm meets creamy indulgence in this banana pudding cheesecake, blending classic comfort with elegant dessert sophistication. Silky layers of ripe bananas, velvety cream cheese, and vanilla wafer crust promise pure dessert bliss you’ll savor to the last delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 ripe bananas, sliced
  • Whipped cream for topping
  • Vanilla wafers for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 325F (163C) and coat a 9-inch springform pan with grease for optimal baking surface.
  2. Crush vanilla wafers and blend with sugar and melted butter to create a compact, uniform crust. Press mixture firmly into pan bottom, then bake for 10 minutes until lightly set. Allow to cool completely.
  3. Cream together softened cream cheese and sugar until silky and uniform in texture. Incorporate vanilla extract thoroughly.
  4. Integrate eggs individually at low speed, ensuring complete blending after each addition. Fold in sour cream, heavy cream, and banana pudding mix until evenly distributed.
  5. Delicately layer sliced bananas throughout the cheesecake batter. Transfer mixture into prepared crust, spreading evenly.
  6. Bake for 55-60 minutes until center stabilizes and edges develop a golden hue. Switch off oven, leaving door slightly open, and allow cheesecake to rest for 1 hour. Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight.
  7. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Generously spread whipped topping across chilled cheesecake surface. Garnish with crushed vanilla wafers and fresh banana slices.
  8. Refrigerate until serving and enjoy the decadent dessert chilled.

Notes

  • Swap butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free crust option that adds subtle tropical flavor.
  • Prevent banana browning by tossing sliced bananas in lemon juice before folding into cheesecake batter.
  • Use overripe bananas for deeper, more intense banana flavor and natural sweetness in the filling.
  • Ensure cream cheese is room temperature to create smoother, lump-free cheesecake texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 65–70 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 204
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 63 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 21 mg
Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

  • Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
  • Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
  • Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
  • Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

  • Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
  • Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.

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