Homemade Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe

The Homemade Banana Pudding Cheesecake is a delicious dessert that brings together the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the classic flavors of banana pudding. This dessert is a crowd-pleaser and a perfect choice for family gatherings or special occasions. With its smooth texture and delightful taste, you’ll find it hard to resist a slice!

Why Make This Recipe

Making this cheesecake at home allows you to enjoy a fresh, rich dessert that’s packed with flavor. The combination of cream cheese, banana, and vanilla wafers creates a unique taste that you won’t find in store-bought desserts. Plus, making your own cheesecake is fun and rewarding. It’s a great way to impress your friends and family with your baking skills!

How to Make Homemade Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Ingredients:

2 cups crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
24 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp banana extract (optional)
1 packet (3.4 oz) banana-flavored instant pudding mix
1 3/4 cups cold milk
2 ripe bananas, thinly sliced
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Vanilla wafers or crushed cookies (for garnish)
Banana slices (for garnish)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). In a medium bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers (or graham crackers), granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 10 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate the sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla, and banana extract. Pour this mixture over the cooled crust.
Wrap the bottom of the springform pan with foil and place it in a roasting pan. Add hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan. Bake for 55–65 minutes, until the center is slightly jiggly. Cool in the oven for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours.
Whisk the pudding mix with cold milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. Spread the pudding over the cheesecake and top with sliced bananas.
Beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, then spread it over the pudding layer.
Garnish with wafers or banana slices and serve!

How to Serve Homemade Banana Pudding Cheesecake

This cheesecake is best served cold. You can slice it into portions and place it on individual plates. The creamy layers and the banana slices on top make for an attractive dessert. You can also add more whipped cream or crushed wafers as topping if desired.

How to Store Homemade Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Store any leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can last for about 4–5 days in the fridge. You can also freeze the cheesecake for longer storage, but it’s best to freeze it without the toppings.

Tips to Make Homemade Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smoother batter.
Press the crust firmly into the pan to prevent it from crumbling when slicing.
Use ripe bananas for better flavor and sweetness.
Let the cheesecake cool completely before refrigerating to set properly.

Variation

You can add chocolate chips or chunks of strawberry to the cheesecake batter for a different flavor twist. Alternatively, you can use a different flavor of instant pudding if you’re looking to switch things up!

FAQs

1. Can I use different cookies for the crust?
Yes! You can use graham crackers, Oreos, or any cookie you like.

2. How long does this cheesecake need to cool?
Let it cool in the oven for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours to set well.

3. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but keep in mind that this may change the texture and richness of the cheesecake slightly.

Enjoy making this delightful Homemade Banana Pudding Cheesecake! It’s sure to become a favorite in your household!