Indulge in the irresistible combination of creamy banana pudding and rich cheesecake, topped with a satisfying crunch! This Banana Pudding Crunch Cheesecake features a buttery vanilla wafer crust, a smooth and luscious cheesecake filling blended with fresh bananas, and a delightful topping of whipped cream and crushed cookies. Perfect for gatherings, this dessert will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups vanilla wafer crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For the Topping:
- 2 cups whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers
- 1 banana, sliced for garnish
- Additional vanilla wafers for decoration
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix together the vanilla wafer crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, mashed bananas, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and crack the door open, allowing the cheesecake to cool slowly for about an hour. This helps prevent cracking.
- Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Add the Topping
- When ready to serve, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.
- Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the cheesecake.
- Sprinkle the crushed vanilla wafers on top for a delightful crunch.
- Garnish with banana slices and additional vanilla wafers around the edge.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Slice the cheesecake into wedges and serve chilled. Enjoy the perfect blend of creamy and crunchy in every bite!
Tips:
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a layer of banana pudding on top of the cheesecake filling before baking.
- This cheesecake can be made a day in advance, making it an ideal dessert for parties or gatherings.