Heavenly Banana Pudding Crunch Cheesecake Recipe

Dreamy Banana Pudding Crunch Cheesecake Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Creamy layers dance with sweet banana pudding crunch cheesecake, creating a dessert that sings with Southern charm.

Silky smooth textures blend perfectly with crisp vanilla wafer edges.

Decadent cream cheese melts into rich banana notes, promising pure indulgence.

Each forkful delivers a symphony of classic comfort and elegant dessert craft.

Soft bananas nestle between luscious cheesecake and buttery crumble, offering a delightful contrast.

Prepare to savor a treat that transforms ordinary moments into delectable memories.

This dessert beckons you to dive into its delicious depths and experience pure bliss.

What To Use For Banana Pudding Crunch Cheesecake

  • Springform Pan: 9-inch essential for creating and releasing the cheesecake easily.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining cheesecake filling ingredients smoothly.
  • Electric Mixer: Crucial for beating cream cheese and creating a creamy texture.
  • Baking Sheet: Helps stabilize the springform pan during baking.
  • Whisk: Needed for mixing pudding and ensuring no lumps.
  • Small Mixing Bowl: Useful for preparing crunch topping and combining ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate for measuring ingredients precisely.
  • Spatula: Helps spread layers evenly and scrape bowl sides.

How To Build Banana Pudding Crunch Cheesecake

  • Crust Foundation

Create a base using crushed vanilla wafers and melted butter, pressing firmly into a springform pan. Bake briefly to set the foundation for our delectable dessert.

  • Creamy Cheesecake Core

Blend cream cheese with sweet ingredients, incorporating ripe bananas for a luscious flavor profile. Carefully mix ingredients until smooth and velvety, ensuring no lumps remain.

  • Baking Magic

Gently place the cheesecake in the oven, allowing it to bake slowly and develop a perfect texture. Allow the cake to cool gradually inside the oven, creating a silky-smooth consistency.

  • Pudding Layer

Whip up a creamy banana pudding mixture, spreading it carefully over the chilled cheesecake. Arrange fresh banana slices across the surface for an extra burst of tropical flavor.

  • Crunchy Crown

Craft a delightful topping by combining crushed vanilla wafers with a touch of brown sugar and melted butter. Sprinkle this golden-brown mixture over the pudding layer for a satisfying crunch.

  • Final Flourish

Embellish the cheesecake with a cloud of whipped cream and optional banana slices. Chill thoroughly before serving this decadent dessert that promises to dazzle taste buds and impress guests.

Tips That Work For Banana Pudding Crunch Cheesecake

  • Creamy Cheesecake Perfection: Tips and tasty twists to elevate your banana pudding cheesecake game.
  • Banana Boost: Ensure ripe, spotty bananas for maximum natural sweetness and deeper flavor. Overripe bananas provide more intense banana essence and help create a more moist cheesecake.
  • Texture Magic: Crush vanilla wafers finely for a smoother crust, or leave some larger chunks for added crunch. Use a food processor or place wafers in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin for consistent results.
  • Dietary Friendly Options: Make this dessert gluten-free by substituting regular vanilla wafers with gluten-free graham crackers or gluten-free vanilla wafer alternatives. For a lighter version, replace full-fat cream cheese with low-fat cream cheese and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
  • Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare the entire cheesecake up to 3 days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually develop and intensify, making your dessert even more delicious. Pro tip: Keep the crunch topping separate and sprinkle just before serving to maintain maximum crispness.

Serving Banana Pudding Crunch Cheesecake Made Simple

  • Cozy Dessert Night: Invite friends over and share this decadent cheesecake during a movie marathon or game night for a sweet, memorable experience.
  • Elegant Brunch Centerpiece: Showcase this stunning dessert as the highlight of a weekend brunch, impressing guests with its layers and rich banana flavor.
  • Comfort Food Celebration: Perfect for family gatherings, this cheesecake brings nostalgic banana pudding vibes with a luxurious cheesecake twist that everyone will adore.
  • Tropical Dessert Pairing: Serve alongside a light tropical fruit salad or iced coffee to complement the banana and creamy cheesecake textures.

How To Store Banana Pudding Crunch Cheesecake

  • Refrigeration Tactics: Store the cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dessert 1-2 days before serving to allow flavors to meld and texture to stabilize. The base and pudding layer will develop richer, more complex taste profiles when chilled overnight.
  • Freezing Friendly: Wrap individual slices or the whole cheesecake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil for freezer storage. Keeps well for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor restoration.
  • Portion Protection: Cut and separate cheesecake slices with parchment paper between layers when storing. This prevents sticking and maintains the beautiful presentation of each slice during refrigeration or freezing.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes

Calories: 472 kcal

Servings: 11

All The Ingredients In Banana Pudding Crunch Cheesecake

For Crust Ingredients:
  • Vanilla Wafers: Provides a classic, nostalgic base with sweet crunch and buttery texture.
  • Butter: Binds the crust together and adds rich, golden flavor for perfect crumbly consistency.
For Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, luxurious base with tangy richness and creamy texture.
  • Sugar: Balances flavors and brings subtle sweetness to the cheesecake.
  • Eggs: Provides structure and helps bind the filling together.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
  • Banana: Adds natural sweetness and signature fruity flavor to the dessert.
  • Sour Cream: Contributes tanginess and helps create ultra-creamy consistency.
  • Heavy Cream: Ensures light, silky texture and rich mouthfeel.
For Topping and Decoration Ingredients:
  • Banana Pudding Mix, Milk: Creates luscious, smooth pudding layer with intense banana flavor.
  • Bananas: Fresh fruit adds natural sweetness and beautiful presentation.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel undertones and enhances crunch topping.
  • Whipped Cream: Adds elegant, fluffy finish with light, airy texture.
  • Additional Vanilla Wafers: Creates extra crunch and nostalgic homemade touch.
Print
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Heavenly Banana Pudding Crunch Cheesecake Recipe

Heavenly Banana Pudding Crunch Cheesecake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Southern cooks adore this banana pudding crunch cheesecake that blends creamy cheesecake with classic Southern dessert charm. Rich layers of banana, vanilla wafers, and silky cream create a delightful dessert you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 24 oz (680 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 cups (240 g) crushed vanilla wafers
  • 2 cups (480 ml) cold milk
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tbsps (45 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 package (3.4 oz/96 g) instant banana pudding mix
  • ½ cup (120 g) mashed ripe bananas (about 1 large banana)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • whipped cream (optional)
  • additional vanilla wafers (optional)
  • banana slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Crust Formation: Pulverize vanilla wafers and meld with melted butter, pressing firmly into a springform pan’s base. Toast at 325F for 5-7 minutes to enhance structural integrity and develop a golden, crisp foundation.
  2. Cheesecake Composition: Whip cream cheese and sugar until supremely smooth. Methodically integrate eggs, vanilla, mashed bananas, sour cream, and heavy cream. Blend until achieving a uniform, silky consistency without overmixing.
  3. Baking Technique: Pour cheesecake batter evenly over prepared crust, positioning on a protective baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven, monitoring for a subtle central jiggle indicating optimal doneness. Execute a gradual cooling process within the oven to prevent surface fracturing.
  4. Pudding and Fruit Layer: Prepare banana pudding by whisking with cold milk. Once cheesecake is completely chilled, spread pudding generously across the surface. Arrange fresh banana slices in an aesthetically pleasing pattern.
  5. Crunchy Embellishment: Combine crushed vanilla wafers with brown sugar and melted butter to create a textural topping. Distribute this crumbly mixture evenly across the pudding layer, introducing a caramelized crunch.
  6. Final Presentation: Crown the dessert with voluminous whipped cream, strategically placed whole vanilla wafers, and additional banana slices. Refrigerate thoroughly to allow flavors to harmonize and set completely.

Notes

  • Prevent Crust Crumbling: Compress wafer mixture tightly into pan to ensure a stable, compact base that won’t fall apart when serving.
  • Avoid Cheesecake Cracks: Bake in water bath or gradually cool inside oven to minimize surface fractures and maintain smooth texture.
  • Balance Banana Intensity: Use ripe, but not overripe bananas to achieve optimal sweetness without overwhelming moisture.
  • Customize Texture: Replace vanilla wafers with gluten-free alternatives for celiac-friendly version, maintaining the recipe’s signature crunch.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 472
  • Sugar: 39 g
  • Sodium: 341 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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