Best Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Introduction

Best Banana Pudding Cheesecake is the ultimate mashup of two beloved desserts—classic banana pudding and rich, creamy cheesecake. With a buttery vanilla wafer crust, silky banana-infused cheesecake filling, and a fluffy pudding-style topping, this dessert delivers nostalgic flavor with elegant presentation. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you want a guaranteed showstopper, it’s indulgent, comforting, and unforgettable.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Creamy cheesecake with real banana flavor
• Classic vanilla wafer crust
• No-bake topping with pudding-style fluff
• Perfect make-ahead dessert
• Crowd-pleasing and nostalgic

Ingredients (serves 10–12)

Crust

• 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

Cheesecake Filling

• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• ¾ cup sour cream
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

Banana Pudding Topping

• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1½ cups cold milk
• 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed

• Optional garnish: sliced bananas, vanilla wafers

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9-inch springform pan
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Spatula

• Roasting pan (for water bath, optional)

Step-by-step process (detailed)

1. Preheat and prepare

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the outside with foil if using a water bath.

2. Make the crust

In a bowl, mix vanilla wafer crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until evenly moistened. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake 10 minutes, then cool slightly.

3. Beat the cream cheese

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until smooth and lump-free. Scrape down the sides frequently.

4. Add sugar and bananas

Add sugar and mashed bananas. Beat until fully incorporated and smooth, ensuring bananas are evenly distributed.

5. Add remaining filling ingredients

Mix in sour cream and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until combined. Do not overmix.

6. Fill and bake

Pour filling over cooled crust. Place the pan in a roasting pan and add hot water halfway up the sides (optional but recommended). Bake 60–70 minutes, until edges are set and center slightly jiggles.

7. Cool gradually

Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour inside. Remove and cool completely, then refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

8. Make the pudding topping

Whisk pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until thick. Gently fold in the whipped topping until fluffy.

9. Assemble and garnish

Spread pudding topping evenly over chilled cheesecake. Garnish with banana slices and vanilla wafers just before serving.

Mistakes to avoid

• Overmixing eggs — cracked or dense cheesecake
• Skipping chill time — loose texture
• Overripe bananas — overpowering flavor
• Warm topping — sliding layers

• Cutting too early — messy slices

Variations of Best Banana Pudding Cheesecake

• No-Bake Version — use a no-bake cheesecake base
• Chocolate Drizzle — add chocolate ganache topping
• Caramel Banana — drizzle caramel before serving
• Mini Cheesecakes — bake in muffin tins

• Extra Banana — add banana extract (¼ tsp)

Tips for storage & make-ahead

• Refrigerate up to 4 days
• Add banana garnish just before serving
• Freeze without topping up for up to 1 month

• Slice cleanly using a warm knife

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it taste like banana pudding?
Yes—balanced banana flavor with cheesecake richness.

Can I use boxed banana pudding?
Vanilla pudding gives better control and balance.

Why a water bath?
It prevents cracks and ensures even baking.

Can I make this ahead?
Yes—overnight chilling is ideal.

Conclusion

Best Banana Pudding Cheesecake combines creamy indulgence with classic comfort in every bite. With its smooth banana cheesecake base, nostalgic wafer crust, and fluffy pudding topping, this dessert hits every note—rich, light, sweet, and satisfying. One slice guarantees smiles, and seconds are inevitable.