Banana Pudding Cheesecake

If you’re a fan of banana pudding and cheesecake, then this Banana Pudding Cheesecake is a dream come true. Combining the creamy texture of cheesecake with the nostalgic flavors of banana pudding, this dessert is sure to impress at any gathering. With layers of roasted bananas, a Nilla Wafer crust, and a luscious vanilla pudding topping, every bite is a delightful experience.

Ingredients

Roasted Bananas

• 2 medium bananas
• 1 Tablespoon firmly packed light brown sugar

Nilla Wafer Crust

• 1 and ½ cups (155g) Nilla Wafer crumbs (about 32-34 cookies)
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 4 Tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake

• 32 ounces (900g) full-fat block cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 8 ounces (226g) full-fat sour cream, room temperature
• 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 to 2 medium bananas

Vanilla Pudding

• ½ box (1.7oz/48g) instant vanilla pudding
• 1 cup (240mL) cold milk

Whipped Cream Topping

• ½ cup (120mL) heavy cream
• ½ Tablespoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Roasted Bananas

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400ºF (204ºC).
2. Prepare the Bananas: Halve the bananas lengthwise and place them cut side up on a lined baking sheet.
3. Roast the Bananas: Sprinkle with brown sugar, turn the bananas over, and roast for 10 minutes.
4. Mash and Cool: Once roasted, mash the bananas and set them aside to cool.

Nilla Wafer Crust

1. Lower the Oven Temperature: Adjust your oven to 325ºF (162ºC).
2. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the Nilla Wafer crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter.
3. Form the Crust: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan.
4. Bake: Bake the crust for 10 minutes and then set aside to cool.

Cheesecake

1. Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
2. Add Ingredients: Mix in the sour cream, mashed roasted bananas, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Layer the Batter: Pour ⅓ of the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust. Add sliced bananas on top, then pour the remaining batter over the bananas.
5. Bake in a Water Bath: Place the springform pan in a larger baking dish filled with hot water. Bake for 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, or until the center is set.

Vanilla Pudding

1. Mix Pudding: In a bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding powder with cold milk.
2. Set: Let the mixture set in the refrigerator while the cheesecake cools.

Whipped Cream Topping

1. Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until medium-stiff peaks form.

Assembly

1. Spread Pudding: Once the cheesecake has cooled, spread the prepared vanilla pudding evenly over the top.
2. Top with Whipped Cream: Generously spread or pipe the whipped cream over the pudding layer.
3. Garnish and Serve: Add additional garnishes like banana slices, Nilla Wafer crumbs, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Serving and Enjoyment

This Banana Pudding Cheesecake requires some patience, but the end result is well worth the effort. Perfect for special occasions or simply as a treat for yourself, this dessert brings together the best of two beloved classics. Enjoy each layer’s unique texture and flavor, and watch as your guests come back for seconds!

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes (including cooling and chilling)

Servings: 12

Indulge in this delightful fusion dessert and savor the creamy, banana-filled goodness of Banana Pudding Cheesecake!

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