The Perfect Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe: Dreamy Dessert Magic

Banana pudding cheesecake reimagines classic comfort flavors into an extraordinary dessert experience that feels both familiar and innovative.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated creamy, dreamy combinations, but this particular treat elevates traditional expectations with its sophisticated layers.

Silky smooth textures merge seamlessly, creating a harmonious blend of tangy cream cheese and sweet banana essence.

The foundation begins with a crisp, golden wafer crust that provides delightful crunch against luxurious fillings.

Each carefully crafted slice promises a symphony of memories and indulgence that dance across your palate.

Soft and decadent, this dessert represents more than just a sweet ending—it’s a celebration of culinary creativity.

You’ll want to savor every single bite with pure, unbridled joy.

Banana Pudding Cheesecake: Easy Instructions

Step 1: Caramelize Banana Magic

Crank your oven to 400°F. Slice bananas lengthwise and sprinkle with brown sugar. Roast cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Mash the roasted bananas and let them cool completely.

Step 2: Craft the Crumbly Foundation

• Wafer crumbs
• Granulated sugar
• Melted butter

Mix these ingredients until they form a sandy texture. Press firmly into a springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes to set the crust.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheesecake Batter

• Sour cream
• Roasted mashed bananas
• Vanilla extract

Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Pour 1/3 of the batter over the crust. Layer with fresh banana slices. Top with remaining batter.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place cheesecake in a water bath. Bake for 1 hour 20-45 minutes until center is slightly jiggly. Remove and cool completely.

Step 5: Whip Up Luxurious Pudding

Prepare instant banana pudding by whisking pudding mix with cold milk. Chill in refrigerator until set.

Step 6: Create Dreamy Whipped Topping

• Heavy cream
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whip until medium-stiff peaks form.

Step 7: Assemble Your Masterpiece

Spread chilled pudding over cooled cheesecake. Crown with billowy whipped cream. Garnish with banana chips, vanilla wafers, or caramel drizzle.

Banana Pudding Cheesecake Tips for Perfection

• Roast Bananas Perfectly: Choose ripe, spotted bananas for deeper, caramelized flavor and enhanced sweetness when roasting.
• Create Smooth Cheesecake Base: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and beat thoroughly to eliminate lumps for a silky texture.
• Master Water Bath Technique: Wrap springform pan in aluminum foil to prevent water seepage and ensure even, gentle baking.
• Prevent Cracking Secrets: Avoid overmixing eggs and let cheesecake cool gradually to minimize surface cracks and maintain creamy consistency.
• Garnish with Finesse: Add fresh banana slices and crushed wafers just before serving to maintain crisp texture and visual appeal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers of Banana Pudding Cheesecake

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Carefully wrap the cheesecake in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain its creamy texture and fresh flavor. Keep the whipped cream topping separate to prevent sogginess.
• Freeze with Care: Slice the cheesecake into individual portions before freezing. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cheesecake can last up to 2 months without losing its delicious taste.
• Reheat Gently: Thaw frozen cheesecake in the refrigerator overnight. For the best results, let the cheesecake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Banana Pudding Cheesecake Pairing Ideas

• Sip Sweet Rum Cocktail: Pair this decadent banana pudding cheesecake with a classic banana rum cocktail featuring dark rum, banana liqueur, and a splash of cream for a harmonious tropical flavor profile.
• Brew Rich Coffee Companion: Serve a smooth medium-roast coffee or creamy cappuccino alongside the cheesecake to complement its rich, sweet banana notes and cut through the dessert's dense texture.
• Match Dessert Wine: Select a late-harvest Riesling or Moscato d'Asti with its honeyed sweetness and light effervescence to beautifully enhance the cheesecake's creamy banana essence and provide a delightful contrast.
• Create Nutty Beverage Pairing: Enjoy an almond milk latte or hazelnut-infused drink that echoes the dessert's nutty wafer crust and adds a sophisticated, complementary dimension to each delicious bite.

Banana Pudding Cheesecake: Fun Variations

• Nutty Banana Blast: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crust for extra crunch and rich, earthy flavor. Sprinkle toasted nuts on top of the whipped cream for a delightful textural contrast.
• Caramel Banana Dream: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce between cheesecake layers and over the final whipped cream topping. Caramelize banana slices before adding them to create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Chocolate Banana Fusion: Mix melted dark chocolate into half the cheesecake batter for a marbled effect. Garnish with chocolate shavings and cocoa powder to enhance the decadent chocolate-banana combination.
• Tropical Banana Escape: Replace regular milk with coconut milk in the pudding layer. Add toasted coconut flakes on top and a sprinkle of lime zest for a bright, refreshing tropical touch that complements the banana flavor.

Why You’ll Love Banana Pudding Cheesecake

• Elevate Classic Dessert: Transform traditional banana pudding into a luxurious cheesecake, creating a decadent fusion that surprises and delights taste buds with familiar comfort and gourmet sophistication.
• Roasted Banana Magic: Caramelize bananas with brown sugar to intensify natural sweetness, developing deep, complex flavor that infuses the entire cheesecake with rich, warm notes.
• Textural Symphony: Combine creamy cheesecake, silky pudding, and light whipped cream for a multi-layered dessert experience that offers contrasting textures in every single bite, from crumbly crust to smooth filling.
• Make-Ahead Party Pleaser: Prepare this impressive dessert in advance, making it perfect for gatherings where you want to wow guests without last-minute kitchen stress, serving up to 12 people with minimal day-of effort.

Banana Pudding Cheesecake: Key Ingredients

• Vanilla Wafer Crumbs: Classic cookie base for a sweet and crunchy foundation of the cheesecake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the crust mixture.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and creates a rich, golden texture.

• Cream Cheese: Creamy, tangy base that provides the classic cheesecake texture and flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake batter and balances the cream cheese.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tanginess to the cheesecake.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
• Large Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cheesecake batter.
• Bananas: Roasted bananas add natural sweetness and deep banana flavor.

• Instant Banana Pudding Mix: Creates a smooth, creamy banana layer.
• Whole Milk: Activates the pudding mix and provides richness.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates a light, airy topping with soft peaks.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream topping.
• Additional Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the whipped cream.
• Sliced Bananas: Fresh banana layer for extra flavor and decoration.

Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Southern charm meets creamy indulgence in this Banana Pudding Cheesecake, blending classic dessert nostalgia with rich, velvety layers. Silky cheesecake nestled between vanilla wafer crust and banana-speckled filling promises a delightful journey through comfort and elegance you won’t forget.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 32 ounces (907 grams) full-fat block cream cheese, room temperature
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 to 2 medium bananas
• 2 medium bananas (for roasting)

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (180 grams) Nilla Wafer crumbs (about 32–34 cookies)
• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon (13 grams) firmly packed light brown sugar

Additional Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) full-fat sour cream, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ½ box instant vanilla pudding
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) cold milk
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• ½ tablespoon (6 grams) granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Slice bananas lengthwise and dust with brown sugar. Roast cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 10 minutes until caramelized. Mash roasted bananas and allow to cool completely.
2. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (162°C). Crush vanilla wafer cookies into fine crumbs. Mix cookie crumbs with granulated sugar and melted unsalted butter. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake crust for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Incorporate sour cream, mashed roasted bananas, and pure vanilla extract. Add large eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
4. Pour approximately one-third of the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust. Arrange thinly sliced fresh bananas in an even layer. Carefully pour remaining batter over banana slices.
5. Place springform pan inside a larger roasting pan. Fill outer pan with hot water to create a water bath, reaching halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan. Bake for 70 to 85 minutes until center is slightly jiggly but set.
6. Prepare instant vanilla pudding mix according to package instructions using whole milk. Refrigerate pudding until completely chilled and set.
7. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until medium-stiff peaks form.
8. After cheesecake has cooled completely, spread chilled pudding evenly over the surface. Pipe or spread whipped cream on top. Garnish with additional banana slices and crushed vanilla wafers if desired.

Notes

• Elevate your dessert game with this decadent fusion of classic banana pudding and creamy cheesecake.
• Roasting bananas intensifies their natural sweetness, creating a deeper, more complex flavor profile for the cheesecake.
• Layering fresh banana slices between cheesecake batter adds texture and bursts of fresh fruit throughout each slice.
• Vanilla wafer crust provides a nostalgic crunch that perfectly complements the smooth, rich cheesecake filling.
• Homemade whipped cream and pudding transform this dessert from good to absolutely irresistible.
• Chilling the cheesecake overnight allows flavors to meld and develop, resulting in a more harmonious taste experience.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 35g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 80mg