No-Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake

No-Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of banana pudding and creamy cheesecake without ever turning on the oven. It’s easy to make and perfect for warm days when you want something sweet but don’t want to heat your kitchen. This cheesecake has a crunchy crust, a smooth filling, and is topped with fresh bananas and whipped cream, making it a favorite for both kids and adults.

Why Make This Recipe

There are so many reasons to make this No-Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake! First, it’s incredibly simple and does not require any baking, which makes it perfect for beginners or anyone short on time. Second, it’s a crowd-pleaser with its rich flavors and creamy texture. Lastly, this dessert is customizable – you can add more bananas, experiment with toppings, or even switch up the flavors to suit your taste.

How to Make No-Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Making this cheesecake is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps to create your own delicious dessert.

Ingredients:

200g (1 1/2 cups) vanilla wafer cookies, crushed
1/4 cup melted butter
2 tbsp sugar
450g (2 cups) cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 box of instant banana pudding mix (3.4 oz)
2 ripe bananas, sliced
1/2 cup whipped cream
10-12 vanilla wafer cookies, whole
1-2 ripe bananas, sliced (for garnish)

Directions:

Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, mix the crushed vanilla wafer cookies, melted butter, and sugar until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan or pie dish to form an even crust. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to set.
Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and the instant banana pudding mix to the cream cheese mixture and beat until combined. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
Assemble the Cheesecake: Layer sliced bananas evenly on top of the chilled crust. Spread the cheesecake filling over the bananas, smoothing it out into an even layer.
Chill and Garnish: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set. Before serving, top with whipped cream, whole vanilla wafer cookies, and additional banana slices.
Serve & Enjoy: Scoop out a slice of this creamy, delicious no-bake banana pudding cheesecake and enjoy the perfect combination of flavors!

How to Serve No-Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Serve your No-Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake chilled. It’s perfect on its own, but you can also add extra toppings like whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for an added touch.

How to Store No-Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake

To store your cheesecake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it, but it’s best to enjoy it fresh for the best texture.

Tips to Make No-Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Make sure your cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor.
For a firmer cheesecake, let it chill overnight.
Be gentle when folding the whipped cream into the mixture to keep it light and fluffy.

Variation

You can customize this cheesecake by adding different flavors of pudding, like vanilla or chocolate, or by mixing in some crushed nuts or chocolate chips. You can also try using graham cracker crumbs for the crust instead of vanilla wafers.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh bananas instead of instant pudding?
No, it’s best to use instant banana pudding mix for the proper flavor and texture.

2. How long does it take to set?
It takes at least 4 hours to set, but overnight is ideal for the best results.

3. Can I make this cheesecake dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with dairy-free versions to create a dairy-free dessert.

Enjoy making and sharing this delicious No-Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake! It’s sure to be a hit at any gathering or just as a special treat for yourself.