Banana Cream Cheesecake

by

🍌 Banana Cream Cheesecake 🍰
A rich, creamy, and nostalgic dessert that combines the comfort of banana pudding with the indulgence of classic cheesecake. Topped with whipped cream, fresh banana slices, and a buttery vanilla wafer crust, this showstopper is perfect for any banana lover!

📜 Introduction

Banana Cream Cheesecake is the dreamy union of two dessert icons: banana cream pie and traditional cheesecake. With layers of velvety cream cheese filling, real banana flavor, and a luscious topping of whipped cream and banana slices, it offers both comfort and elegance. This dessert is ideal for celebrations, dinner parties, or simply indulging in your favorite flavor.

🍌 Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Banana Cheesecake Filling:

  • 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
  • 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional for warmth)

For the Banana Cream Topping:

  • 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 banana (sliced), for garnish
  • Optional: crushed wafers or wafer halves for topping

🍽️ Instructions & Method

Step 1: Make the Crust

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix crushed wafers, sugar, and melted butter until the texture is like wet sand.
  3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
  4. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

  1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
  2. Add sugar and mix until incorporated.
  3. Mix in mashed bananas, eggs (one at a time), sour cream, vanilla, flour, and cinnamon.
  4. Pour the mixture over the cooled crust and smooth the top.

Step 3: Bake

  1. Wrap the bottom of the springform pan in foil. Place it in a larger baking pan filled with about 1 inch of hot water (water bath technique).
  2. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly but set around the edges.
  3. Turn off oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour inside.
  4. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Make the Whipped Topping

  1. Beat the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.
  2. Pipe or spread over the chilled cheesecake.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  • Top with banana slices, crushed wafers, or even a drizzle of caramel or chocolate.

🏺 History

Banana cream pie dates back to the 19th century in the U.S., where custards and fruit desserts became staples in diners and homes alike. Cheesecake, with roots in ancient Greece, evolved over centuries to become a beloved American dessert. The fusion of banana cream pie and cheesecake brings together generations of flavor traditions into a modern classic.

🌿 Health Benefits

While indulgent, this dessert brings some nutritional value:

  • Bananas: High in potassium and vitamin B6.
  • Cream cheese and sour cream: Provide calcium and protein.
  • Eggs: Offer high-quality protein and nutrients.

Tip: Use light cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

🏗️ Formation / Assembly Tips

  • Always cool your crust before adding filling to avoid sogginess.
  • Use ripe bananas for intense flavor and sweetness.
  • Ensure all filling ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother texture.
  • For clean slices, dip your knife in warm water before cutting.

❤️ Lovers of Banana Cream Cheesecake Say…

“This cheesecake made me forget regular banana cream pie exists!”
“My husband, who isn’t even a dessert guy, asked for seconds!”
“The whipped cream and real bananas on top made it look like a bakery creation.”

🧠 Nutrition (Per Slice, approx. 1/12 of cheesecake)

  • Calories: 450–550
  • Fat: 32g
  • Carbs: 38g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 26g
    Note: Values may vary based on ingredients and topping choices.

🎉 Conclusion

Banana Cream Cheesecake is the perfect blend of nostalgic flavors and decadent texture. It delivers the softness of banana pudding with the tang and richness of cheesecake—making it irresistible for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re serving this at a birthday, holiday gathering, or just because, it’s bound to become a new favorite.

💕 For the Lovers of This Dessert:

This is for those who adore the charm of a diner banana pie and the richness of a classic cheesecake. If you’re the kind of person who lingers over dessert, who savors that final bite with eyes closed—this dessert is yours. Share it with someone you love… or not. Some things are too good to share. 😉

Would you like a mini version, no-bake version, or banana caramel swirl version too?

Leave a Comment