Banana Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the sweet flavor of ripe bananas. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, dinner party, or just a sweet treat for yourself. With its smooth texture and delicious topping, Banana Cheesecake is sure to impress anyone who tries it.

Why Make This Recipe

You should make this Banana Cheesecake because it is easy to prepare and requires simple ingredients. The combination of cream cheese and bananas creates a unique and tasty flavor that is hard to resist. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re serving family or friends, this cheesecake will be a hit. It’s also a great way to use up ripe bananas that you might otherwise throw away.

How to Make Banana Cheesecake

Here’s how to create this delicious Banana Cheesecake step by step.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs, separated
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sliced bananas for garnish

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Mix the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press this mixture into a 9-inch springform pan.
Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool.
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the 1/2 cup sugar and mix until combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Add the sour cream and mashed bananas to the cream cheese mixture and blend well.
Pour the cheesecake batter into the cooled crust.
Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
Let the cheesecake cool completely on a wire rack.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Top the cooled cheesecake with the whipped cream and sliced bananas.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.

How to Serve Banana Cheesecake

Serve your Banana Cheesecake chilled. You can slice it into wedges and place each slice on a plate. For extra decoration, you can add more sliced bananas or a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top. It’s a perfect dessert after a nice meal.

How to Store Banana Cheesecake

To store your Banana Cheesecake, keep it in the refrigerator. Cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 4 to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.

Tips to Make Banana Cheesecake

Use ripe bananas for better flavor.
Make sure your cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
Cool the cheesecake completely to avoid cracks.
Whip the cream just until stiff peaks form for the best topping.
You can add a squeeze of lemon juice to the banana mixture to enhance the flavor and prevent browning.

Variation

For a chocolate twist, you can add chocolate chips to the cheesecake batter or drizzle melted chocolate on top of the whipped cream. You can also use a different crust, such as an Oreo crust, instead of the graham cracker crust.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes! Banana Cheesecake tastes even better when made a day ahead. Just keep it refrigerated until you are ready to serve.

2. Can I use frozen bananas?
Fresh bananas are best for this recipe, but if you have frozen ones, make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before using them.

3. How do I know when the cheesecake is done?
The cheesecake is done when the edges are set, and the center has a slight jiggle. It will continue to set as it cools.

Enjoy making and eating this delicious Banana Cheesecake!