Some desserts are so incredible that they drive you positively crazy, nuts, and… bananas. Perhaps it’s no surprise that Banana Pudding Cheesecake is exactly that kind of treat! Creamy, smooth cheesecake with sweet vanilla notes mingle with layers of fresh bananas; a more perfect pair can’t be found! A crunchy, crumbly vanilla wafer crust and topping just add to the desserts’ culinary charm. You’d be bananas yourself not to love Banana Pudding Cheesecake!
Ingredients
For the cheesecake:
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 (3.4-ounce) package of instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 prepared graham cracker crust
- 3 bananas, sliced
- 30 vanilla wafer cookies
Optional, for serving:
- whipped topping, to taste
- bananas, to taste, sliced
- vanilla wafer cookies, to taste, whole cookies and cookies crumbs
Directions
Step 1 –In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or in a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the cream cheese until fluffy and no clumps remain.
Step 2 –Add the sugar and beat until combined.
Step 3 –Add the heavy cream and the vanilla, and beat until medium-stiff peaks form. Set aside.
Step 4 –In a medium bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and the milk.
Step 5 –Let the pudding stand for 3 minutes in the refrigerator until thickened.
Step 6 –Fold the pudding mixture into the cheesecake mixture until combined.
Step 7 –Pour half of the filling mixture into the graham cracker crust.
Step 8 –Add a single layer of the 3 sliced bananas and the 30 vanilla wafer cookies.
Step 9 –Pour the remaining filling mixture into the graham cracker crust over the banana-wafer layer, smoothing out the top.
Step 10 –Refrigerate until the cheesecake is firm, at least 6 hours, and up to overnight. If the cheesecake still feels too soft to slice, transfer it to the freezer for up to 1 hour.
Step 11 –Before serving, top with dollops of the whipped topping around the outer edge of the cheesecake. Top each dollop with 1 of the remaining banana slices and 1 of the remaining whole vanilla wafer cookies.
Step 12 –Garnish the whole cheesecake with the remaining crushed vanilla wafer cookies.
Step 13 –Slice and serve cold.
