Description

This Banana Pudding Cheesecake is the ultimate mash-up dessert—silky, creamy cheesecake meets nostalgic banana pudding, all nestled on a buttery Nilla Wafer crust. Topped with fluffy whipped cream and banana slices, it’s an indulgent showstopper perfect for holidays, birthdays, or whenever your sweet tooth calls.

Ingredients

For the Crust:
2 cups crushed Nilla Wafers (about 60 cookies)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling:
3 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
3 ripe bananas, mashed
½ cup sour cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon kosher salt

For the Topping:
1½ cups heavy cream
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract Banana slices, for garnish Crushed Nilla Wafers, for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Crust
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix crushed Nilla Wafers, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until combined and the texture resembles wet sand. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes and cool completely.
Make the Filling
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in mashed bananas, sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until fully combined.
Bake the Cheesecake
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Wrap the bottom of the pan with foil and place into a larger roasting pan. Pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan. Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let cool in the oven for 1 hour.
Chill
Remove from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Make the Whipped Topping
Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe onto chilled cheesecake.

Garnish and Serve
Top with banana slices and crushed Nilla Wafers just before serving.

Notes

For best texture, ensure cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.
Use ripe bananas for the most flavor.
Cheesecake can be made a day ahead—just garnish right before serving.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

For a cleaner slice, run a knife under hot water before cutting.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American