Description

The Banana Pudding Crunch Cheesecake is a decadent dessert that fuses the comforting flavors of traditional banana pudding with the smooth, creamy texture of cheesecake. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert features a rich graham cracker crust, a luscious banana-infused cheesecake filling, and a delightful crunch topping of crushed vanilla wafers. Each bite is a balance of smooth and crunchy, sweet and creamy, making it an unforgettable treat for your taste buds.

Whether you’re making it for a special celebration, a holiday, or just a weekend indulgence, this cheesecake is sure to impress your guests and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs – This forms the base of the cheesecake with a buttery, crunchy texture.
¼ cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the crust.
½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Binds the graham cracker crumbs together and gives the crust a rich, buttery flavor. 🧈

For the Cheesecake Filling:

3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened – The creamy base for the filling. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for richness. 🧀
1 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the filling and balances the flavors.
1 cup sour cream – Adds a touch of tang and makes the filling extra smooth and creamy.
4 large eggs – Provides structure to the cheesecake and helps it set.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor of the cheesecake.
2 ripe bananas, mashed – Brings natural sweetness and a lovely banana flavor to the cheesecake. 🍌

For the Crunch Topping:

1 cup vanilla wafer cookies, crushed – The vanilla wafers give the cheesecake its signature crunch and a subtle vanilla flavor. 🍪
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted – Helps bind the crushed wafers and creates a crispy, golden topping.
2 tablespoons brown sugar – Adds richness and a slight caramel flavor to the topping.

Instructions

🍴 Instructions for Making Banana Pudding Crunch Cheesecake

1. 🍪 Prepare the Crust

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar.
Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

2. 🍌 Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add granulated sugar and continue to beat until light and fluffy.
Stir in sour cream until well combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas until smooth and combined.

3. 🧀 Assemble and Bake the Cheesecake

Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan.
Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even distribution.
Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set and lightly golden on top.
Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven for 1 hour with the door ajar to cool gradually.
After 1 hour, remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or overnight, for best results.

4. 🍪 Prepare the Crunch Topping

In a bowl, crush the vanilla wafer cookies until fine crumbs are formed.
Stir in melted butter and brown sugar to form a crumbly mixture.
Once the cheesecake is completely chilled, sprinkle the cookie mixture evenly over the top.
Gently press the mixture down so that it sticks.

5. 🍽️ Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving platter.
Slice and serve chilled, topped with banana slices, whipped cream, or caramel sauce for an added touch.

Notes

Banana Ripeness: Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor. Overripe bananas with brown spots have a sweeter taste, which enhances the overall flavor of the cheesecake.
Crust Options: You can swap the graham crackers for crushed vanilla wafer cookies to complement the banana pudding flavor or use gingersnap cookies for a more spiced crust.
Cheesecake Texture: Make sure not to overmix the filling to avoid air bubbles. Overmixing can cause cracks when baking.
Prevent Cracking: To minimize cracks in the cheesecake, bake it at a lower temperature, and allow it to cool gradually in the oven. This method helps prevent sudden changes in temperature that can cause cracking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Dessert, Cheesecake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 23g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 95mg