This Banana Pudding Cheesecake combines the best of both worlds: the creamy richness of classic cheesecake and the nostalgic flavors of banana pudding. The smooth banana-infused filling rests on a crisp Nilla Wafer crust, with layers of fresh banana slices and crunchy cookie crumbs adding texture. The final touch a fluffy vanilla pudding topping makes every bite utterly irresistible. Perfect for special occasions, this cheesecake is a showstopper at any gathering. Whether you’re a longtime banana pudding fan or simply looking for a fresh twist on cheesecake, this recipe will impress. Serve it chilled, topped with extra Nilla Wafers for a bit of crunch, and watch it disappear in no time!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
Nilla Wafer Crust:
- 1 box Nilla Wafers
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (light or dark)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Banana Cheesecake:
- 24 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- ¾ cup white granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup sour cream (room temperature)
- ¼ cup heavy cream (room temperature)
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup crushed Nilla wafers
- 2 bananas, sliced thinly
Whipped Vanilla Pudding Topping:
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding
- 1 cup cold milk
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream (cold)
- Crushed Nilla Wafers for garnish
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Nilla Wafer Crust
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Process Nilla Wafers into fine crumbs. Mix with brown sugar and melted butter.
- Press the mixture into the pan, halfway up the sides. Compact it using a measuring cup.
- Bake for 11 minutes. Let it cool while preparing the cheesecake filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Using a mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar on high speed for 2 minutes. Scrape the bowl.
- Add mashed bananas, vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream. Mix on medium speed until well combined.
- Add eggs one at a time on low speed, mixing just until combined.
- Pour half the batter onto the crust. Layer with sliced bananas and crushed Nilla Wafers. Pour the remaining batter on top.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
- Prepare a water bath by wrapping the pan in aluminum foil and placing it inside a larger pan with hot water.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 80-90 minutes, or until edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for 30 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Prepare the Whipped Vanilla Pudding Topping
- Whisk instant pudding mix and cold milk until thickened (about 2 minutes). Chill while whipping the cream.
- Beat heavy cream and vanilla extract on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until smooth.
- Spread over the chilled cheesecake and sprinkle crushed Nilla Wafers on top.
Prep Time: 1 hour | Cooking Time: 1 hour 25 minutes | Chilling Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes
Calories: 370 kcal per slice | Servings: 16
The Perfect Combination of Two Classics
Banana pudding has long been a staple in Southern cuisine, offering a comforting blend of fresh bananas, vanilla pudding, and Nilla Wafers, often layered together to create a light and airy dessert. Meanwhile, cheesecake, known for its rich and creamy consistency, has been a favorite dessert worldwide, often made with a graham cracker crust and a variety of flavors. The beauty of Banana Pudding Cheesecake lies in its ability to merge these two legendary desserts into one indulgent creation.
With a base made from crushed Nilla Wafers instead of the traditional graham cracker crust, this cheesecake immediately takes on the nostalgic flavors of banana pudding. The filling is a velvety banana-infused cheesecake that’s both creamy and slightly tangy, thanks to the combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and mashed bananas. Fresh banana slices layered inside add bursts of natural sweetness and complement the smooth filling. The final touch—a fluffy, vanilla pudding whipped topping—adds a light, airy contrast to the dense cheesecake, making each bite utterly divine.
What Makes This Cheesecake Special?
There are plenty of banana desserts out there, but Banana Pudding Cheesecake stands out for several reasons:
- Rich and Creamy Texture – The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and mashed bananas creates a decadent and smooth cheesecake filling. Unlike traditional banana pudding, which is often lighter, this cheesecake offers a luxurious mouthfeel that pairs perfectly with the delicate crunch of Nilla Wafers.
- Balanced Banana Flavor – While some banana desserts can be overpowering or artificial-tasting, this cheesecake uses fresh bananas to create a natural, mellow banana flavor. The addition of banana slices in the center enhances the taste without overwhelming the rich cheesecake base.
- Crunchy, Buttery Crust – Nilla Wafers provide a more flavorful crust than standard graham crackers. Their sweet, vanilla-infused taste complements the banana filling perfectly, while the buttery texture adds a satisfying contrast to the smoothness of the cheesecake.
- Light, Whipped Topping – The final layer of vanilla pudding whipped cream adds a light and airy touch, preventing the dessert from feeling too heavy. It also enhances the banana pudding experience by bringing in a creamy vanilla flavor reminiscent of the classic Southern treat.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or just indulging in a weekend baking project, this cheesecake is a showstopper. Its elegant layers and rich flavors make it the centerpiece of any dessert table.
Tips for the Best Banana Pudding Cheesecake
While this recipe is fairly straightforward, a few expert tips can ensure that your cheesecake turns out perfectly every time:
- Use Ripe Bananas: For the best flavor, use bananas that are ripe but not overly brown. Overripe bananas may be too mushy, while underripe bananas may lack the natural sweetness needed for this dessert.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always bring your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream to room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Water Bath for Even Baking: Cheesecakes are notorious for cracking, but using a water bath can help prevent this. The steam from the hot water keeps the baking environment moist, allowing the cheesecake to bake evenly and retain its creamy texture.
- Let it Chill Completely: Cheesecake needs time to set properly. Chilling it for at least six hours (or overnight) allows the flavors to meld together and ensures a firm texture when slicing.
- Layering the Bananas Properly: To prevent the banana slices from browning, you can lightly coat them in lemon juice before layering them in the cheesecake. However, this step is optional as the cheesecake filling helps preserve their freshness.
Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about this Banana Pudding Cheesecake is its versatility. You can customize it in several ways to suit your taste preferences:
- Chocolate Twist: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of cocoa powder to create a chocolate-banana variation.
- Caramel Banana Cheesecake: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the top for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Graham Cracker Crust: If you prefer a traditional cheesecake crust, swap out the Nilla Wafers for crushed graham crackers.
- No-Bake Version: For a quick and easy alternative, make a no-bake banana pudding cheesecake by using a gelatin-stabilized filling and chilling instead of baking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Banana Pudding Cheesecake is more than just a dessert it’s an experience. The blend of creamy, crunchy, and fruity textures makes it a crowd-pleaser, while its nostalgic flavors bring comfort and warmth. Whether you’re a cheesecake lover, a banana pudding fan, or just someone who enjoys a truly indulgent treat, this dessert is sure to become a new favorite.
Conclusion:
In the world of desserts, few combinations can match the sheer decadence of Banana Pudding Cheesecake. It takes two beloved classics and fuses them into one spectacular creation that satisfies on every level. From its rich banana-infused filling to its crunchy vanilla wafer crust and fluffy pudding topping, every bite is a celebration of texture and flavor.
Perfect for special occasions or just as a sweet treat to enjoy at home, this cheesecake is worth every moment of preparation. Once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this recipe has quickly become a favorite among dessert lovers. So, the next time you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert, give this Banana Pudding Cheesecake a try you won’t be disappointed! 🍌🍰