New York-Style Banana Pudding Cheesecake

New York-Style Banana Pudding Cheesecake 🍰

This cheesecake captures the rich, creamy flavor of banana pudding with a delicious, graham cracker crust. Topped with whipped cream and banana slices, it's the ultimate dessert for banana lovers!

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup Nilla wafer crumbs (for extra flavor)

• For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

• For the Topping:

• Whipped cream (for piping)
• 1/2 cup crushed Nilla wafers
• 1/2 cup banana slices
• Whole Nilla wafers for decoration

Instructions:

Prepare the Crust:

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.

In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Add the Nilla wafer crumbs for extra flavor.

Press the mixture into the bottom of the springform pan, forming an even crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Let it cool while you prepare the filling.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.

Add the sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

Add the mashed bananas and beat until smooth.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in the heavy cream to make the mixture rich and smooth.

Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and smooth the top.

Bake the Cheesecake:

Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set with a slight jiggle. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly cracked for 1 hour.

After it cools, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to fully set.

Decorate:

Once the cheesecake is chilled, top with whipped cream, banana slices, and crushed Nilla wafers. Arrange whole Nilla wafers around the edge for decoration.

Serve:

Slice and enjoy your creamy and indulgent Banana Pudding Cheesecake!

🍌 Pro Tip: For added flavor, you can swirl some caramel or butterscotch sauce through the cheesecake before baking for a twist on the classic banana pudding flavor!