Banana Pudding Cheesecake

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the creamy richness of cheesecake with the nostalgic flavors of banana pudding, look no further. This Banana Pudding Cheesecake takes your favorite Southern dessert and transforms it into an elegant, indulgent treat that’s perfect for holidays, brunches, or simply a sweet ending to a weeknight dinner.

With a Nilla Wafer crust, banana-infused cheesecake filling, and a topping of whipped vanilla pudding, every slice delivers layers of flavor and texture — creamy, nutty, and slightly sweet with just the right balance. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your love for banana pudding into a show-stopping cheesecake, this recipe is your answer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Banana Pudding Meets Cheesecake: Enjoy the best of both desserts in one decadent slice.
• Layered Textures: Crunchy Nilla wafer crust, smooth cheesecake, soft bananas, and fluffy pudding.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Makes 16 generous slices — ideal for parties or gatherings.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake and chill the cheesecake in advance for stress-free entertaining.
• Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, add caramel drizzle, or swap bananas for other fruits.
• Comforting and Nostalgic: Brings the flavors of classic Southern banana pudding into a dessert everyone will recognize and love.

Ingredients Breakdown

Yield: 16 slices
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Chilling Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes

Nilla Wafer Crust

• 1 box Nilla Wafers
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Banana Cheesecake

• 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

• 1 package instant vanilla pudding, 3.4 oz
• 1 cup cold milk
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream, cold
• Crushed Nilla Wafers, for decorating

Equipment Needed

• 9-inch springform pan
• Parchment paper
• Food processor
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Roasting pan for water bath
• Whisk attachment for whipping cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Nilla Wafer Crust

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with baking nonstick spray and line the bottom with a 9-inch parchment paper circle. Spray the parchment as well.
3. In a food processor, blend the Nilla Wafers into fine crumbs. Add brown sugar and melted butter, mixing until well combined.
4. Pour the crumb mixture into the pan, pressing it halfway up the sides using the bottom of a measuring cup to compact it.
5. Bake for 11 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.

2. Make the Banana Cheesecake

1. Using a mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar on high speed for 2 minutes. Scrape the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure even mixing.
2. Mash the 2 bananas thoroughly. Add mashed bananas, vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream to the mixer. Mix on medium speed until fully combined. The batter will have some lumps from the bananas — this is normal.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined. Scrape the bowl again to incorporate all ingredients.
4. Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust. Layer with sliced bananas and crushed Nilla Wafers. Top with the remaining cheesecake batter.

3. Bake in a Water Bath

1. Use one of these water bath methods:
   • Place the springform pan inside a 10-inch cake pan, then place the cake pan in a roasting pan filled with hot water halfway up the sides.
   • Wrap the springform pan tightly in aluminum foil twice, place inside a roasting pan, and fill with hot water halfway up.
2. Bake for 80–90 minutes, until the cheesecake has a slight jiggle in the center but the edges are set.
3. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let it rest for 30 minutes.
4. Remove from the water bath and place on a cooling rack. Cool completely, then wrap in foil and chill for at least 6 hours or overnight.

4. Prepare the Whipped Vanilla Pudding

1. In a large bowl, combine instant pudding powder and cold milk. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. Chill while whipping the cream.
2. In a separate metal bowl, beat heavy cream and vanilla extract on high speed until stiff peaks form.
3. Gently fold whipped cream into the pudding using a rubber spatula, taking care not to deflate the mixture.

5. Assemble the Cheesecake

1. Remove the chilled cheesecake from the fridge and springform pan. Remove parchment paper.
2. Spread whipped vanilla pudding evenly over the top of the cheesecake.
3. Sprinkle crushed Nilla Wafers on top for garnish.

Tips & Variations

• Banana Ripeness: Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and smooth flavor.
• Extra Crunch: Toast Nilla Wafers lightly before crushing for a deeper, nutty flavor.
• Chocolate Twist: Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cheesecake and pudding for a decadent variation.
• Mini Cheesecakes: Use a muffin tin lined with cupcake liners to make individual servings.
• Non-Dairy Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version.

Flavor Profile & Serving Suggestions

Taste & Texture:

• Creamy & Smooth: Banana cheesecake layer melts in your mouth.
• Crunchy & Buttery: Nilla wafer crust adds a satisfying bite.
• Sweet & Nostalgic: Whipped pudding brings the classic banana pudding flavor to life.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve chilled with a dollop of extra whipped cream.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce or chocolate syrup for added richness.
• Perfect for birthday parties, potlucks, or festive holiday desserts.

Nutritional Overview (Approximate per slice)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	370 kcal
Protein	4 g
Fat	28 g
Saturated Fat	17 g
Carbohydrates	28 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	23 g
Cholesterol	82 mg
Sodium	189 mg
Potassium	228 mg
Vitamin A	1076 IU
Vitamin C	3 mg
Calcium	93 mg
Iron	0.2 mg

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prep Crust and Cheesecake Batter: Can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Bake the next day.
• Whipped Pudding: Prepare immediately before serving to maintain fluffiness.
• Storage: Wrap the cheesecake tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

FAQs

Can I make this cheesecake without a water bath?
Yes, but a water bath helps prevent cracking and keeps the cheesecake creamy.

How do I prevent bananas from browning?
Layer sliced bananas immediately over the cheesecake and cover with pudding. Alternatively, lightly brush with lemon juice.

Can I freeze this cheesecake?
Yes. Freeze before adding the whipped pudding topping. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Is there a gluten-free version?
Use gluten-free Nilla Wafers for the crust and topping.

Can I use caramelized bananas for extra flavor?
Absolutely! Lightly sauté the sliced bananas in butter and sugar for a caramelized twist.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep Crust & Batter	1 hour
Bake Cheesecake	1 hour 25 minutes
Cooling	30 minutes
Chill	6 hours
Prepare & Fold Pudding	15 minutes
Assemble & Decorate	5 minutes

Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes

Pro Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream to room temp to prevent lumps in the batter.
• Mixing: Fold carefully to preserve airiness in the cheesecake.
• Water Bath Foil Wrap: Ensure tight wrapping to prevent water leaks into the crust.
• Whipping Cream: Use a cold metal bowl for the fluffiest whipped topping.

Expanded Conclusion

This Banana Pudding Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for banana lovers. With layers of creamy banana cheesecake, crushed Nilla Wafers, sliced bananas, and whipped vanilla pudding, every bite is a perfect blend of texture, flavor, and nostalgia.

It’s an impressive dessert that’s perfect for entertaining, yet simple enough to make at home with accessible ingredients. The combination of a buttery crust, velvety cheesecake, and fluffy pudding topping is irresistible — sure to be a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Make it for holidays, birthdays, or a special weekend treat, and watch it disappear slice by slice. This dessert proves that sometimes, the classic flavors of comfort food are even better when layered, baked, and topped with love.

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