Banana Pudding Cheesecake

This delectable dessert combines the classic flavors of banana pudding and creamy cheesecake into a heavenly treat. The buttery graham cracker crust provides the perfect base for the luscious, banana-infused filling. Topped with fluffy whipped cream and garnished with sliced bananas and crushed vanilla wafers, this Banana Pudding Cheesecake is a show-stopping dessert that will delight your taste buds. It’s a must-try for any banana lover or cheesecake enthusiast!

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup of melted butter
• 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar

For the filling:

• 24 ounces of cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• ½ cup of all-purpose flour

For the topping:

• 1 ½ cups of heavy cream
• ¼ cup of powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Sliced bananas for garnish
• Crushed vanilla wafers for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar for the crust. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form an even layer. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
4. Gradually add the flour to the cream cheese mixture, mixing until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Pour the filling over the prepared crust in the springform pan, spreading it out evenly.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 55-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
7. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the cheesecake to set.
8. In a separate mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.
9. Spread the whipped cream over the chilled cheesecake, creating an even layer.
10. Garnish the top of the cheesecake with sliced bananas and crushed vanilla wafers.
11. Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy the creamy and indulgent Banana Pudding Cheesecake!