Name: Banana Pudding Delight Cheesecake
Total time: 8 h
Ingredients: 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 24 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp banana extract (optional); 1 packet (3.4 oz) banana-flavored instant pudding mix; 1 3/4 cups cold milk; 2 ripe bananas, thinly sliced; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 tbsp powdered sugar; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; Vanilla wafers or crushed cookies; Banana slices

Description

Delve into the luscious layers of Banana Pudding Delight Cheesecake, a wonderfully rich hybrid that melds the tangy creaminess of cheesecake with the velvety smoothness of classic banana pudding. Ideal for any occasion, this dessert offers a delightful twist to the traditional cheesecake that will surely captivate the taste buds of all who partake.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
24 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp banana extract (optional)
1 packet (3.4 oz) banana-flavored instant pudding mix
1 3/4 cups cold milk
2 ripe bananas, thinly sliced
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Vanilla wafers or crushed cookies
Banana slices

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Crust Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). In a medium bowl, combine the crushed wafers or crackers, sugar, and melted butter until they resemble wet sand. Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 10 minutes. Allow to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well integrated before introducing the next. Blend in the sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla, and banana extract if using, then pour this mixture over the cooled crust.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake Wrap the pan’s base in foil and position it in a larger roasting pan. Pour hot water around the pan to a halfway depth. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is just set. Turn off the oven, open the door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour before refrigerating for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Add the Banana Pudding Layer Whisk the pudding mix with cold milk until smooth. Allow it to thicken for 5 minutes, then layer it over the chilled cheesecake, followed by banana slices.
Step 5: Whip the Cream and Assemble Beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe this over the banana pudding layer.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Add vanilla wafers, banana slices, or crushed cookies for garnish. Slice and serve the delightful Banana Pudding Cheesecake.