If you’re a fan of classic banana pudding, you’ll love this Banana Cream Cheesecake recipe. This dessert puts a creamy twist on the classic dish with its rich flavor and subtle sweetness. The light and buttery no-bake crust adds a satisfying crunch to the texture, making it a versatile treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
In this article, we’ll explore the delicious flavors and textures of this Banana Cream Cheesecake. We’ll take a closer look at the recipe, including the ingredients and preparation steps, so you can easily make this dessert at home. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a sweet treat, this Banana Cream Cheesecake is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of Nilla Wafer cookie crumbs (equivalent to approximately one 11-ounce box)
- 1/2 cup of melted butter
- 1 pint of heavy whipping cream
- 3/4 cup of sugar
- 24 ounces of cream cheese (3 8-ounce packages), softened
- 2 packages of instant banana cream pudding mix (3.4 ounces each)
- Optional garnish: whipped topping and banana slices
Instructions
Making a no-bake banana cheesecake is easy and requires only a few steps. Here’s what you need to do:
- Crush the Cookies: Use a food processor or place the Nilla Wafers in a ziplock bag and grind them down with a rolling pin until they are crushed.
- Make the Crust: Mix the cookie crumbs with melted butter until they form a crumble. Press the mixture into the bottom of an 8×8-inch pan that has been lined with parchment paper.
- Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, beat the whipping cream and sugar together until stiff peaks form. Set the bowl aside.
- Mix in the Banana: In another large bowl, beat the cream cheese on medium speed until it’s smooth. Add the instant banana pudding mix a little bit at a time, mixing well between each addition. The mixture will become very thick, so make sure to use a good hand-held electric mixer or a stand mixer.
- Combine and Assemble: Add the whipped cream into the bowl with the cream cheese and beat it until everything is smooth. Scoop the cheesecake mixture over the Nilla Wafer crust and spread it out evenly using a spoon or rubber spatula.
- Chill: Cover the pan with a secure layer of plastic wrap and refrigerate the cheesecake for 8 hours or overnight.
- Serve: Lift the chilled cheesecake out of the pan by using the edges of the parchment paper as handles and cut it into 9 even squares. Top the cheesecake bars with the garnish of your choice and serve.
Notes
- To Store: Cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. Serve chilled.
- To Freeze:Â Wrap tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight. OR: Coat completely with chocolate ganache and serve frozen.
Servings:Â 9
Prep:Â 20 mins
Chill Time:Â 8Â hrs
Total: 8 hrs 20 mins
Tips for Success
To ensure that your banana cream cheesecake bars come out perfectly every time, follow these quick and easy tips:
- Keep the Bowl Cold: Place the bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes before whipping the cream to help the stiff peaks form quicker.
- Don’t Skimp on the Chill Time: Allow the cheesecake to chill overnight or for at least 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. The Nilla Wafer crust will also soften, adding butteriness to the texture.
- Use a Warm Knife: To achieve clean squares when cutting the cheesecake into bars, run your knife under hot water and dry it with a paper towel before cutting. This will prevent the cheesecake from sticking.
- Bigger Handles Are Better: When lining the pan with parchment paper, ensure that you leave enough sticking up over the edges to get a good grip when lifting the bars out. This will prevent the cheesecake from falling apart.
By following these simple tips, you can make delicious and perfectly textured banana cream cheesecake bars that your family and friends will love.
What Toppings Go With Banana Cheesecake?
Banana cheesecake is a delicious dessert that can be enjoyed on its own or with various toppings. Here are some toppings that you can try to enhance the flavor of your banana cheesecake:
- Whipped Cream: You can use homemade whipped cream to add a sweet and fluffy texture to your banana cheesecake.
- Banana Slices: Adding fresh banana slices to your cheesecake can be a great way to enhance the banana flavor. You can also try other fruits like strawberries or blueberries.
- Cinnamon: Sprinkling a little bit of cinnamon over the top of your cheesecake can add a warm and cozy flavor. You can also try nutmeg instead.
- Chocolate Ganache: Adding a chocolate ganache to your cheesecake can add richness and complexity to the flavor.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling some salted caramel sauce across the top of your cheesecake can help bring out the flavors. You can also try sweetened condensed milk caramel, also known as dulce de leche.
These toppings can be used individually or in combination with each other to create a unique and delicious dessert that everyone will love.
How to Store Extras
If you have any leftover Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. To ensure they stay fresh, cover them with plastic wrap and make sure they are always served chilled. Leaving them out for too long will cause them to become soupy. It’s best to add any toppings when you’re ready to serve. Here are some tips to help you store your extras:
- Cover the bars with plastic wrap
- Store them in the refrigerator for up to three days
- Always serve them chilled
- Add any toppings when you’re ready to serve
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars stay fresh and delicious for up to three days.
Does This Cheesecake Freeze Well?
Yes, these Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars freeze well for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the bars tightly in plastic before adding any toppings. When ready to eat, thaw them out in the fridge overnight. Avoid heating them, even for defrosting. If you coat them in ganache so that the cream is fully covered, they can be enjoyed straight out of the freezer for a delicious frozen cheesecake treat!
