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Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe

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5 from 690 reviews

A decadent Banana Pudding Cheesecake featuring a buttery Nilla Wafer crust, creamy banana-infused cheesecake filling, and a light whipped vanilla pudding topping, all layered with fresh banana slices and a sprinkle of crushed Nilla Wafers for added texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 box Nilla Wafers
  • 2 tbsp Brown sugar (packed, light or dark)
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (melted)

Cheesecake Filling

  • 24 oz Cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 3/4 cup White granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
  • 2 Bananas (mashed)
  • 1/2 cup Sour cream (room temperature)
  • 1/4 cup Heavy cream (room temperature)
  • 4 Large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup Crushed Nilla Wafers
  • 2 Bananas (sliced thinly)

Whipped Vanilla Pudding Topping

  • 1 package Instant vanilla pudding (3.4 oz)
  • 1 cup Milk (cold)
  • 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup Heavy cream (cold)
  • Crushed Nilla Wafers (for decorating)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray and line the bottom with a parchment paper circle, spraying again for easy release.
  2. Make Crust Mixture: Using a food processor, blend the Nilla Wafers into fine crumbs. Add brown sugar and melted butter, mixing until fully combined.
  3. Press and Bake Crust: Press the crumb mixture halfway up the sides of the pan using the bottom of a measuring cup to compact it firmly, then bake for 11 minutes. Remove and cool slightly.
  4. Prepare Cheesecake Batter: In a mixer, beat room temperature cream cheese and sugar on high speed for 2 minutes until smooth, scraping the bowl with a spatula.
  5. Add Banana and Dairy: Mash 2 bananas well. Add mashed bananas, vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream to the cream cheese mixture, and mix on medium speed until combined but slightly lumpy.
  6. Incorporate Eggs: Add eggs one at a time and mix on low speed until just combined. Scrape the bowl again to ensure even mixing.
  7. Layer Cheesecake: Pour half of the cheesecake batter onto the crust. Layer with thin banana slices and sprinkle with crushed Nilla Wafers, then top with the remaining batter.
  8. Set Up Water Bath: Use one of two methods to prepare a water bath: place the springform pan in a larger cake pan inside a roasting pan and fill with hot water halfway up the cake pan, or wrap the springform pan tightly in foil and place directly in the roasting pan filled halfway with hot water. This prevents cracking and ensures even baking.
  9. Bake Cheesecake: Bake for 80-90 minutes until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
  10. Cool Cheesecake: Turn off oven and crack the door open, letting the cheesecake rest inside for 30 minutes to cool gradually.
  11. Remove from Water Bath and Cool Completely: Take the springform pan out of the water bath and place on a cooling rack to cool fully.
  12. Chill: Wrap cheesecake tightly in foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
  13. Prepare Whipped Vanilla Pudding: In a bowl, whisk instant vanilla pudding powder with cold milk using a hand mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. Refrigerate the pudding while preparing the whipped cream.
  14. Whip Cream: In a chilled metal bowl, beat the cold heavy cream and vanilla extract on high speed using a whisk attachment until stiff peaks form.
  15. Combine Pudding and Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture using a spatula, maintaining airiness.
  16. Assemble and Decorate: Remove cheesecake from fridge and springform pan, then remove parchment paper. Spread the whipped vanilla pudding mixture evenly over the top. Sprinkle crushed Nilla Wafers on top for decoration.

Notes

  • Using room temperature ingredients helps achieve a smooth cheesecake batter.
  • Water bath baking prevents cracking and yields a creamy texture.
  • Chilling the cheesecake overnight enhances flavor and texture.
  • Be gentle when folding the whipped cream to keep the topping light and fluffy.
  • The thin banana slices between batter layers prevent browning and add fresh flavor.
  • Crushed Nilla Wafers on top add a wonderful crunch contrast.

Keywords: banana pudding cheesecake, Nilla wafer crust, creamy banana cheesecake, water bath cheesecake, whipped vanilla pudding topping, layered banana dessert

Find it online: https://jedentaglecker.com/banana-pudding-cheesecake-recipe/