Description
Southern charm meets creamy indulgence in this banana pudding cheesecake, blending classic comfort with luxurious dessert magic. Silky layers of banana-infused cheesecake and vanilla wafer crust promise a delightful journey through sweet, nostalgic flavors you’ll savor to the last bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
Topping:
- 2 cups whipped topping
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and create a graham cracker crust by mixing crumbs with melted butter, pressing firmly into a greased springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes until achieving a golden hue.
- Using an electric mixer, cream the softened cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency. Incorporate vanilla extract, blending thoroughly.
- Delicately introduce sliced bananas into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
- Gently fold whipped topping into the mixture, maintaining a light and airy texture without overmixing.
- Carefully spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust, strategically arrange additional banana slices as a mid-layer, then top with remaining cream cheese mixture. Smooth the surface to create an even finish.
- Refrigerate the assembled cheesecake, covering securely, for a minimum of 4 hours or ideally overnight to allow flavors to meld and texture to set perfectly before serving.
Notes
- Crust Tip: Use vanilla wafers instead of graham crackers for a more traditional banana pudding flavor profile.
- Banana Selection: Choose ripe, slightly soft bananas for maximum sweetness and easier mashing into the cheesecake mixture.
- Texture Enhancement: Gently fold ingredients to maintain airiness and prevent deflating the whipped topping for a lighter, fluffier cheesecake.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This dessert tastes even better when prepared a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld and develop deeper richness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg