Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cheesecake brings together the best of both worlds: the creamy richness of a New York-style cheesecake and the nostalgic flavor of banana pudding. The buttery Nilla Wafer crust offers the perfect crunch, while the creamy cheesecake filling is infused with ripe banana flavor. Topped with a decadent banana pudding layer and finished off with fresh bananas and whipped cream or condensed milk, every bite is an indulgent treat. Whether you're a cheesecake lover, a banana pudding fan, or both, this dessert will become your new favorite!
Ingredients
Crust: 1 ½ cups crushed Nilla Wafers
¼ cup melted butter
Cheesecake Filling: 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
3 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup all-purpose flour
Banana Pudding Layer: 1 box (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix
1 ½ cups cold milk
Toppings: Sliced bananas
Whipped cream or drizzle of condensed milk
Crushed Nilla Wafers and Chessmen cookies
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the crushed Nilla Wafers with melted butter until combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes and set aside to cool.
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add the mashed bananas, mixing well.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the sour cream, vanilla extract, and flour. Continue beating until creamy and well-blended.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust.
Bake the Cheesecake:
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour, or until the center is almost set (it should slightly jiggle).
- Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
- Remove from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Prepare the Banana Pudding Layer:
- Mix the instant banana pudding mix with cold milk, whisking until thickened.
- Spread the pudding layer evenly on top of the chilled cheesecake.
Decorate with Toppings:
- Top the cheesecake with sliced bananas, crushed Nilla Wafers, and Chessmen cookies.
- Drizzle with condensed milk or add a swirl of whipped cream.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice, serve, and savor the creamy banana pudding flavor in a rich New York-style cheesecake!
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 10-12 servings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Cooling Time: 1 hour (in the oven) + 4 hours (in the fridge)
- Total Time: Approximately 6 hours, including cooling and chilling time.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: You can use gluten-free Nilla Wafers or a gluten-free cookie alternative for the crust.
- Nutty Touch: Add some chopped walnuts or pecans to the crust for a bit of crunch.
- Caramel Banana Pudding: Drizzle caramel sauce on top of the banana pudding layer for a rich twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cheesecake for up to 2-3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Reheating: This cheesecake is best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat it. If the toppings need refreshing, simply add fresh bananas and whipped cream right before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes! This cheesecake needs time to cool and set, so it’s perfect to make a day ahead. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
2. How do I know when the cheesecake is done?
The cheesecake should be slightly jiggly in the center when it’s done baking. It will firm up as it cools. If the center is too wobbly, it might need a few more minutes of baking.
3. Can I use a different type of crust?
Yes, you can use graham cracker crumbs or even a chocolate cookie crust if you prefer. Nilla Wafers provide a classic flavor, but feel free to get creative.
4. Can I use fresh bananas instead of mashed ones in the filling?
Yes, fresh bananas work well. Just make sure to mash them thoroughly to get the right consistency in the filling.
5. How can I make this cheesecake dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese and use non-dairy milk for the banana pudding layer and cheesecake filling.
6. Can I use a regular pie pan instead of a springform pan?
A springform pan is ideal for cheesecakes because it allows you to easily remove the sides once the cheesecake has set. If you use a regular pie pan, you might have difficulty removing it.
7. How long does this cheesecake need to set in the fridge?
For best results, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Can I use homemade banana pudding instead of instant pudding mix?
Yes, you can use homemade banana pudding. Just make sure it's thickened before you spread it over the cheesecake.
9. What can I substitute for sour cream in the cheesecake filling?
You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture.
10. Can I make individual-sized cheesecakes with this recipe?
Yes, you can use a muffin tin or mini springform pans to create individual servings. Just adjust the baking time as needed.
Conclusion
This New York Style Banana Pudding Cheesecake is a rich, indulgent dessert that combines two beloved treats into one unforgettable creation. With a creamy cheesecake base, a smooth banana pudding layer, and a crunchy topping, every bite is packed with flavor. Whether you're serving it at a family gathering or as a special treat for yourself, this cheesecake will impress everyone who tries it. Enjoy the ultimate fusion of cheesecake and banana pudding today!
New York Style Banana Pudding Cheesecake
Indulge in the creamy, luscious goodness of New York Style Banana Pudding Cheesecake. This decadent dessert features a rich cheesecake base, complemented by a smooth banana pudding layer and topped with crunchy Nilla Wafers, Chessmen cookies, and fresh bananas. Perfect for dessert lovers, this showstopping treat brings together the best of cheesecake and banana pudding in one bite. Ideal for any gathering, it's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: Approximately 6 hours (including cooling and chilling)
- Yield: 10-12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 ½ cups crushed Nilla Wafers
- ¼ cup melted butter
Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Banana Pudding Layer:
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups cold milk
Toppings:
- Sliced bananas
- Whipped cream or drizzle of condensed milk
- Crushed Nilla Wafers and Chessmen cookies
Instructions
-
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix crushed Nilla Wafers with melted butter until combined.
- Press mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
-
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add mashed bananas and mix well.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by sour cream, vanilla extract, and flour. Continue mixing until creamy and well-blended.
- Pour the mixture over the cooled crust.
-
Bake the Cheesecake:
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour, or until the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
-
Prepare the Banana Pudding Layer:
- Whisk the instant banana pudding mix with cold milk until thickened.
- Spread the pudding layer over the chilled cheesecake.
-
Decorate with Toppings:
- Top with sliced bananas, crushed Nilla Wafers, and Chessmen cookies.
- Drizzle with condensed milk or add a swirl of whipped cream.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice, serve, and savor the creamy banana pudding flavor in a rich New York-style cheesecake!
Notes
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Nilla Wafers or other cookie alternatives for the crust.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crust for added crunch.
- Caramel Option: Drizzle caramel sauce on top for a richer flavor.
