Heavenly Banana Pudding Cheesecake – A Dreamy Dessert Fusion

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Heavenly Banana Pudding Cheesecake is a show-stopping dessert that blends two beloved classics into one unforgettable treat. It combines the rich, creamy texture of traditional cheesecake with the nostalgic flavors of banana pudding, creating a dessert that feels indulgent yet comforting. Each bite delivers layers of smooth cheesecake, sweet banana flavor, and subtle vanilla notes that make this recipe irresistible for any occasion.

What truly sets this dessert apart is its balance. The cheesecake is rich without being heavy, while the banana pudding element adds lightness and familiar sweetness. When I tested this recipe, I found that allowing the cheesecake to chill overnight made a noticeable difference in both texture and flavor. It sliced cleanly and tasted even more cohesive the next day. This dessert is perfect for holidays, celebrations, or anytime you want to impress guests with a dessert that looks elegant but feels warmly familiar.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cream cheese is the foundation of the cheesecake, providing a smooth, rich, and creamy texture. Full-fat cream cheese works best for stability and flavor.

Granulated sugar sweetens the cheesecake while helping create a silky, lump-free batter.

Eggs give the cheesecake structure and help it set properly during baking.

Sour cream adds tanginess and contributes to a softer, creamier cheesecake texture.

Heavy cream enhances richness and creates a luxurious mouthfeel.

Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and the signature banana pudding flavor.

Vanilla pudding mix intensifies the banana pudding profile and helps thicken the filling slightly.

Vanilla extract enhances all the flavors and adds warmth to the dessert.

Vanilla wafer cookies form the crust, delivering a classic banana pudding element with gentle crunch.

Butter binds the crust and adds richness.

Whipped topping is optional but adds a light, airy finish when used as a topping.

Banana slices are optional for garnish and add freshness and visual appeal.

Directions

Begin by preheating your oven to 165°C (325°F). Crush the vanilla wafer cookies and mix them with melted butter until evenly combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to create the crust. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated. Stir in the sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla extract, mashed bananas, and vanilla pudding mix until the batter is smooth and uniform.

Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust and smooth the top. Place the pan on a baking tray and bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.

Turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually with the door slightly open. Once cooled to room temperature, refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. Before serving, garnish with whipped topping, banana slices, or crushed vanilla wafers if desired.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 10 to 12 servings. Preparation time is about 25 minutes, baking time is 60 to 70 minutes, and chilling time is at least 6 hours, making the total time around 8 hours.

Storage/reheating

Heavenly Banana Pudding Cheesecake should be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to four days. This dessert is best served chilled and does not require reheating. For best presentation, add fresh banana slices just before serving.

Variations and Customizations

This cheesecake is easy to adapt to personal taste. You can add a layer of banana pudding on top of the cheesecake for extra richness or fold crushed vanilla wafers into the filling for added texture.

For a deeper flavor, try adding a small amount of banana extract along with the vanilla. You can also substitute part of the cream cheese with mascarpone for an even creamier consistency.

When I tested a version topped with caramel drizzle, the sweetness paired beautifully with the banana flavor and added an extra layer of indulgence. These variations allow you to personalize the dessert while keeping its signature banana pudding character.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

Heavenly Banana Pudding Cheesecake is a rich dessert containing dairy, eggs, and sugar. While indulgent, it can be enjoyed in moderation as a special treat. Ingredient substitutions may help adapt it to specific dietary preferences.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Use Ripe Bananas
Riper bananas provide stronger flavor and natural sweetness.

Avoid Overmixing
Mix gently after adding eggs to prevent cracks.

Cool Gradually
Slow cooling helps maintain a smooth cheesecake surface.

Chill Overnight
Extended chilling improves texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, it is best made a day in advance.

Does this cheesecake taste strongly of banana?

It has a balanced banana flavor, not overpowering.

Can I freeze banana pudding cheesecake?

Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.

Can I use homemade pudding instead of mix?

Yes, but the texture may vary slightly.

Why did my cheesecake crack?

Overbaking or rapid cooling can cause cracks.

Can I make this without a crust?

Yes, but the crust adds structure and flavor.

What works best for garnish?

Whipped topping, banana slices, or crushed wafers.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, slightly, but it may affect texture.

Is this dessert very heavy?

It is rich but balanced by banana and pudding flavors.

Can I use a different cookie crust?

Yes, graham crackers also work well.

Conclusion

Heavenly Banana Pudding Cheesecake is a rich, creamy dessert that beautifully combines the flavors of classic banana pudding with the elegance of cheesecake. With its smooth texture, comforting taste, and impressive presentation, it is the perfect dessert for celebrations, gatherings, or anytime you want to serve something truly special.

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