Description
A rich, creamy Banana Pudding Cheesecake combining the best of two Southern classics. It features a buttery vanilla wafer crust, smooth banana-infused cheesecake filling, and a fluffy whipped cream topping for the ultimate comfort dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 24 ounces (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Whipped cream, sliced bananas, and crushed wafers for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
- Mix crushed vanilla wafers with melted butter until combined. Press into the bottom of the pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add mashed bananas, vanilla pudding mix, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just incorporated.
- Wrap the pan in aluminum foil and place it inside a larger baking dish. Pour hot water into the dish to create a water bath, filling halfway up the sides of the pan.
- Pour cheesecake batter over the cooled crust. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until the center is just set.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. Remove and cool completely at room temperature.
- Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
- Top with whipped cream, banana slices, and crushed wafers before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas with brown speckles for the best flavor.
- Chill overnight for the perfect firm texture and creamy flavor.
- For clean slices, dip your knife in warm water and wipe between cuts.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: banana pudding cheesecake, southern dessert, creamy cheesecake, banana recipes, no-fail cheesecake