Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Banana Pudding Cheesecake Cones are a crowd-pleasing dessert that combines the creamy, rich flavor of cheesecake with the nostalgic taste of banana pudding. The crunchy waffle or sugar cone adds the perfect contrast to the smooth, velvety filling. Plus, the fun presentation makes it a great dessert for kids and adults alike! Whether you’re serving them at a family barbecue, a holiday gathering, or a casual get-together, these cones are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups cold milk
For the Cones:
- 10-12 waffle cones or sugar cones
- 1 cup crushed vanilla wafer cookies
- 2 tablespoon melted butter
For Garnish:
- Sliced bananas
- Whipped cream
- Crushed vanilla wafer cookies
- Caramel drizzle (optional)
Directions
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- Beat the cream cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
- Prepare the banana pudding: In another bowl, whisk together the instant banana pudding mix and cold milk until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine: Gently fold the prepared banana pudding into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined. Refrigerate while preparing the cones.
Prepare the Cones:
- Make the crushed cookie coating: In a small bowl, mix the crushed vanilla wafer cookies with melted butter until evenly coated.
- Coat the cones: Dip the top edges of the waffle or sugar cones into the melted butter mixture, then roll in the crushed vanilla wafer cookies to create a cookie rim. Let the cones sit for a few minutes to set.
Assemble the Cheesecake Cones:
- Fill the cones: Spoon or pipe the banana pudding cheesecake filling into the prepared cones, filling them generously.
Garnish and Serve:
- Add toppings: Top each cone with a slice of banana, a dollop of whipped cream, extra crushed vanilla wafers, and a drizzle of caramel if desired.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy your delightful Banana Pudding Cheesecake Cones—a fun and creamy dessert perfect for any occasion!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes 10-12 cones.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour (for the cheesecake filling to set)
- Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate drizzle: Instead of caramel, try drizzling some melted chocolate on top for a rich, indulgent twist.
- Nut topping: Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Mini cones: Use mini cones for a bite-sized version of this treat, perfect for parties or kids.
- Banana flavor boost: Add mashed ripe bananas into the cheesecake filling to intensify the banana flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: These Banana Pudding Cheesecake Cones are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store the cheesecake filling and garnishes separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: The cones themselves cannot be reheated as they will lose their crunch, but you can enjoy the cheesecake filling chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cone?
Yes! You can use any type of cone you prefer, such as sugar cones, waffle cones, or even mini cones for a smaller serving.
2. Can I make the cheesecake filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheesecake filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble the cones before serving.
3. How do I prevent the cones from getting soggy?
Make sure to coat the cones with the crushed wafer cookies and melted butter before filling them to create a protective layer, which helps prevent sogginess.
4. Can I freeze the Banana Pudding Cheesecake Cones?
While the cones themselves are best served fresh, you can freeze the cheesecake filling for up to a month. However, the cones may lose their crunch after freezing.
5. Can I substitute the whipped cream with something else?
If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute whipped cream with Greek yogurt or whipped coconut cream.
6. Is it okay to use a different pudding flavor?
Yes, you can swap the banana pudding mix for other flavors like vanilla or chocolate to create a different variation of the cheesecake cones.
7. Can I make these Banana Pudding Cheesecake Cones without the bananas?
While bananas add a nice flavor and texture, you can skip them and top the cones with other fruits like strawberries or blueberries.
8. How long can I store the cheesecake filling in the refrigerator?
The cheesecake filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
9. Can I make these without the crushed vanilla wafer cookies?
Yes, you can use crushed graham crackers or chocolate cookies for the rim, depending on your preference.
10. How do I make the cones more stable while serving?
To prevent the cones from tipping over, you can place them in a muffin tin or a sturdy container to keep them upright while assembling and serving.
Conclusion
These Banana Pudding Cheesecake Cones are a delightful and indulgent treat that combines two classic desserts in a fun and portable way. With a creamy banana pudding cheesecake filling, crunchy cookie-coated cones, and a delicious array of garnishes, this dessert is sure to impress. Whether you're serving them at a party or enjoying them as an after-dinner treat, these cones will be a hit with everyone who tries them!
Banana Pudding Cheesecake Cones Recipe
If you love banana pudding and cheesecake, these Banana Pudding Cheesecake Cones are the perfect sweet treat! This fun and indulgent dessert combines a creamy banana pudding cheesecake filling with a crunchy waffle cone, topped with fresh banana slices, whipped cream, and crushed vanilla wafers. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a delicious homemade dessert!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 10-12 cones
- Yield: 10-12 cones
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups cold milk
For the Cones:
- 10-12 waffle cones or sugar cones
- 1 cup crushed vanilla wafer cookies
- 2 tbsp melted butter
For Garnish:
- Sliced bananas
- Whipped cream
- Crushed vanilla wafer cookies
- Caramel drizzle (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form, then fold into the cream cheese mixture.
- In another bowl, whisk instant banana pudding mix and cold milk until thickened (about 2-3 minutes).
- Gently fold the pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture. Refrigerate while preparing the cones.
Prepare the Cones:
- In a small bowl, mix crushed vanilla wafer cookies with melted butter.
- Dip the top edges of the waffle or sugar cones into melted butter, then roll in crushed vanilla wafers to coat. Let sit for a few minutes to set.
Assemble the Cheesecake Cones:
- Spoon or pipe the banana pudding cheesecake filling into the prepared cones.
Garnish and Serve:
- Top each cone with banana slices, whipped cream, crushed vanilla wafers, and caramel drizzle (if using).
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crunch of the cones.
- Store cheesecake filling separately in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- To prevent soggy cones, coat the inside with melted chocolate or serve immediately.
