Description
Southern comfort meets creamy indulgence in this banana pudding crunch cheesecake, blending classic dessert flavors with a delightful textural twist. Rich layers of banana-infused cheesecake and crisp vanilla wafer crumble promise a delectable journey through sweet, nostalgic Southern hospitality you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 packages (8 oz / 226 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml / 8 oz) sour cream
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (180 g) graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
Topping and Garnish Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (60 g) crushed vanilla wafers
- 1/2 cup (40 g) crushed banana chips
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream
- Additional banana slices
Instructions
- Craft a buttery graham cracker foundation by blending crumbs with melted butter and sugar, firmly pressing into a greased 9-inch springform pan.
- Whip cream cheese until silky smooth, gradually incorporating sugar while beating consistently to create a velvety texture.
- Introduce eggs individually, gently folding after each addition to maintain a luxurious, uniform consistency.
- Blend vanilla extract and sour cream into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring a rich and creamy base.
- Create delectable layers by pouring half the cream cheese mixture over the crust, strategically distributing mashed bananas throughout.
- Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers and banana chips across the initial layer, adding delightful crunch and texture.
- Carefully pour remaining cream cheese mixture, creating a seamless top layer that conceals the banana elements.
- Position the springform pan on a baking sheet and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 55-60 minutes, watching for a nearly set center.
- After baking, allow cheesecake to cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then delicately loosen edges with a knife.
- Refrigerate overnight to enhance flavor and structural integrity.
- Before serving, release springform pan sides and embellish with whipped cream, fresh banana slices, and reserved vanilla wafer and banana chip crumbles.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing to achieve a silky cheesecake texture.
- Crush vanilla wafers and banana chips coarsely to provide delightful crunch and varied texture throughout each slice.
- Prevent cheesecake cracking by avoiding overmixing and using a water bath during baking for gentle, even heat distribution.
- Create gluten-free version by substituting graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Sugar: 37 g
- Sodium: 270 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg