Banana Pudding Crunch Cheesecake Recipe
This Banana Pudding Crunch Cheesecake is a delightful fusion of creamy cheesecake and classic banana pudding flavors, topped with a crunchy vanilla wafer and pecan crust. Perfectly smooth and rich with a hint of banana, this dessert is an indulgent treat that combines the best of both worlds in a single slice.
- Author: Joe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups crushed vanilla wafers
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
For the Topping:
- 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan to ensure the cheesecake doesn’t stick.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine crushed vanilla wafers, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy, eliminating all lumps.
- Add Banana Mixture: Add mashed bananas, eggs, vanilla extract, sour cream, and flour into the cream cheese mixture. Beat on medium speed until all ingredients are well combined and creamy.
- Assemble Filling: Pour the banana cheesecake filling over the prepared crust in the springform pan, spreading it evenly for a uniform layer.
- Prepare Topping: Mix crushed vanilla wafers, chopped pecans, and melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle this crunchy topping evenly over the cheesecake filling.
- Bake: Place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 55-60 minutes until the edges are set and the center is still slightly jiggly to avoid overbaking.
- Cool in Oven: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour to gradually cool and prevent cracking.
- Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight to set properly.
- Serve: Once chilled, carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Slice and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and better banana flavor.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the batter.
- Do not overbake the cheesecake; a slightly jiggly center ensures creamy texture.
- Allow the cheesecake to rest in the oven after baking to prevent cracks.
- Refrigerate overnight for the best flavor and firmness.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans from the topping.
- Use a water bath if desired to further reduce cracking, though not required.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: banana cheesecake, banana pudding cheesecake, dessert, creamy cheesecake, vanilla wafer crust, pecan topping