Description
Banana Pudding Crunch Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that combines a crunchy vanilla wafer or graham cracker crust with a layer of creamy banana pudding and a smooth, rich cheesecake filling. Baked to perfection and chilled for a luscious texture, this cheesecake is an impressive treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Crust:
- 2 cups of crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- For the Banana Pudding:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preparing the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix the crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers with the melted butter and sugar.
- Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Make sure it’s even.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Let it cool while you prepare the filling.
- Making the Banana Pudding:
- In a large bowl, whisk the instant pudding mix with the cold milk until it’s smooth and thickened.
- Stir in the mashed bananas until well combined.
- Set the pudding aside. It should firm up a bit more as it sits.
- Cheesecake Filling Preparation:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Add the granulated sugar and beat until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add the vanilla extract and sour cream, mixing until the filling is smooth and creamy.
- Assembling the Cheesecake:
- Pour the banana pudding over the cooled crust. Spread it evenly.
- Carefully spoon the cheesecake filling over the banana pudding layer. Spread it out with a spatula to make it smooth.
- Tap the pan on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Baking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Place the cheesecake in the oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes. It should be set but still a bit jiggly in the center.
- Turn off the oven. Let the cheesecake sit in the oven with the door slightly open for another hour.
- Cooling and Setting:
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven. Let it cool to room temperature on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or overnight. This helps the cheesecake to set fully.
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially the cream cheese, are at room temperature to achieve a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling.
- Water Bath for Baking: Bake the cheesecake in a water bath to prevent cracks. Wrap the springform pan in foil to keep water out and ensure even baking.
- Proper Cooling: Allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven with the door slightly open for an hour to prevent cracks, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set properly.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: banana pudding cheesecake, crunchy banana cheesecake, banana dessert cheesecake, best banana pudding cheesecake,