Ingredients
– 3 cups whole Nilla wafers crushed (180 grams; about 1 โ cups crushed)
– ยผ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
– 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (70 grams)
– 32 ounces brick-style cream cheese, softened to room temperature (905 grams)
– 1 cup mashed ripe banana (2 large ripe fresh bananas; 250 grams)
– ยฝ cup full-fat sour cream at room temperature (115 grams)
– 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
– 1 box (3.4 oz / about 96 grams) dry instant banana cream pudding mix (do not use cook and serve)
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 4 large eggs at room temperature
– 2 cups whipped cream or whipped topping (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 to 2 bananas sliced
– 10 to 20 wafers similar to the crust ingredient
Instructions
1-How to Prepare the Perfect Banana Pudding Cheesecake: Step-by-Step Guide: Creating this banana pudding cheesecake is straightforward and fun, even if youโre new to baking. Start by preheating your oven to 325ยฐF (163ยฐC) and lining the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper. For the crust, crush the Nilla wafers to fine crumbs, then mix them with granulated sugar and melted butter until everything is moistened. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the pan and bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool slightly a step that sets a solid base for your easy cheesecake recipes.
2-Next, prepare a large pot of boiling water for a water bath to ensure even cooking. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add the mashed ripe banana and sour cream, mixing well for that creamy texture. Incorporate the granulated sugar, dry instant banana cream pudding mix, and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs and fold them into the filling, scraping the bowl sides to mix evenly this helps avoid lumps and makes the filling ultra-smooth.
3-Now, wrap the springform pan with 2 to 3 layers of aluminum foil and place it inside an oven-safe bag with the sides rolled down to prevent leaks. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top. Set this in a large roasting pan with about 1 inch of boiling water, then bake for 70 to 80 minutes until the edges are set but the center is slightly wobbly. After baking, turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour before moving it to a wire rack to cool completely. Finally, refrigerate for 5 to 6 hours or overnight to set fully.
4-Once ready, run a thin knife around the edges to remove the cheesecake from the pan and top with whipped cream, banana slices, and extra wafers. This step-by-step approach not only makes the process easy but also ensures your banana pudding cheesecake turns out picture-perfect every time.
Last Step:
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๐ Use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream for best texture; Greek yogurt is an acceptable substitute for sour cream.
๐ Use ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum flavor; ripen less ripe bananas in a brown paper bag for 1 to 2 days.
๐ฅ Bring all dairy and eggs to room temperature before mixing for a smooth filling.
๐ฎ Add pudding mix dry, do not prepare it as pudding.
๐ง Use a water bath during baking to ensure even cooking and prevent cracking.
๐ฅ Wrap the pan well and use an oven bag to avoid water leakage.
๐ก๏ธ Cool gradually in the oven after baking with the door slightly ajar to prevent cracks.
๐ช For neat slices, heat and dry a sharp knife before each cut.
๐ This cheesecake can be made up to 4 days ahead, refrigerated tightly covered; add toppings just before serving.
๐ Adjust ingredient amounts and baking times for different pan sizes.
๐ง Mini cheesecakes baked in muffin tins do not require a water bath but need shorter bake times.
โ๏ธ Store leftovers covered in refrigerator up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months; thaw overnight before serving.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cooling and chilling time: 6 hours
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 34 grams
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 30 grams
- Saturated Fat: 18 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 45 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 7 grams
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
