Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Banana Pudding Cheesecake combines two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat. The smooth, velvety cheesecake layer pairs perfectly with the sweet banana pudding flavor, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a family gathering, or simply treating yourself, this dessert will surely satisfy your sweet cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Pudding Cheesecake:

• Creamy & Smooth Texture: The rich cheesecake filling and creamy banana pudding create a luxurious mouthfeel.
• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweetness of ripe bananas, combined with the tangy cheesecake, offers a balanced and delightful taste.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear instructions, this cheesecake is easy to prepare and bake.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

• Combine 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour and ½ tsp salt in a mixing bowl.
• Cut ½ cup unsalted butter into small cubes and incorporate into the flour mixture.
• Gradually add 3–4 tbsp cold water to form a dough, mixing until just combined.

For the Chocolate Filling:

• Melt 6 oz of semi-sweet chocolate and 3 tbsp unsalted butter together in a heatproof bowl.
• In a separate saucepan, bring 1 cup heavy cream to a simmer before adding it to the chocolate mixture.
• Whisk in 3 large egg yolks, ½ cup granulated sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

• Beat 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
• Add 1 tsp vanilla extract and continue beating until stiff peaks are achieved.

Instructions

Prepare the Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
3. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

1. Beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add the sour cream, heavy cream, and mashed bananas. Continue to mix until fully incorporated.
4. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
5. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until the center is set and slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool completely in the oven with the door slightly open.

Prepare the Banana Pudding Layer:

1. In a saucepan, whisk together the whole milk and banana pudding mix. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the pudding thickens (about 5 minutes).
2. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes before spreading it over the cooled cheesecake layer.

Prepare the Whipped Cream:

1. Whip 1 cup of heavy cream and powdered sugar together until soft peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the pudding layer for an extra creamy finish.

Garnish & Serve:

1. Top the cheesecake with sliced fresh bananas and vanilla wafer cookies.
2. Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best texture.
3. Slice and serve this delightful Banana Pudding Cheesecake!

Tips for the Perfect Banana Pudding Cheesecake

• Use Ripe Bananas: Ripe bananas are key for adding natural sweetness and flavor to the cheesecake filling.
• Make Ahead: This cheesecake can be made a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.
• Don’t Overbake: For a creamy texture, avoid overbaking the cheesecake. It should still jiggle slightly when done.

Conclusion

Banana Pudding Cheesecake is a delightful fusion of two classic desserts, combining the creamy, tangy goodness of cheesecake with the comforting sweetness of banana pudding. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert is sure to impress and leave everyone coming back for more!