There’s something undeniably comforting about classic banana pudding and rich cheesecake, and when these two beloved desserts come together, magic happens. Enter Banana Pudding Cheesecake Delight — a luscious fusion of creamy cheesecake with the sweet, nostalgic flavors of banana pudding, all nestled in a crisp vanilla wafer crust.
Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert for a family gathering, a potluck, or just a special treat to indulge yourself, this recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and sheer delight.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to create this decadent dessert, along with tips on how to get the perfect crust, creamy filling, and stunning presentation. Plus, I’ll share a few ideas to customize the recipe or elevate it with a few simple add-ons.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust:
- 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 large ripe bananas)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Why This Recipe Works
Vanilla wafers in the crust add a sweet, buttery base with a slightly crisp texture that contrasts perfectly with the smooth filling. The classic banana pudding flavor is captured through ripe mashed bananas folded into the cheesecake batter, while the cream cheese provides the rich tanginess that cheesecake lovers crave.
This recipe balances sweetness and richness, ensuring that the banana flavor shines through without overwhelming the creamy texture.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Before starting, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
1. Prepare the Crust
- Crush vanilla wafers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and rolling over them with a rolling pin.
- In a bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs and sugar. Pour in melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your springform pan, creating a compact crust layer.
- Bake the crust for about 10 minutes to set it, then remove from oven and let cool while preparing the filling.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
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