Dreamy Banana Cream Cheesecake Recipe for Sweet Moments

My grandma’s legendary banana cream cheesecake always sparks pure joy at our family gatherings.

Memories of her kitchen flood back with each creamy slice.

Soft banana notes dance through rich, velvety cream cheese layers that melt delicately on your tongue.

Sweet graham cracker crusts provide a perfect crisp foundation for this dreamy dessert.

Ripe bananas whisper delicious promises of comfort and nostalgia in every heavenly bite.

Smooth textures and unexpected depth make this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Each forkful promises pure, decadent bliss that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

How to Keep Banana Cream Cheesecake Fresh Longer

• Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Always cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cheesecake can last 1-2 months without losing quality.
• Transfer frozen cheesecake from freezer to refrigerator and let it sit overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the creamy texture and prevents condensation.
• Remove cheesecake from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance its flavor and smoothness.

Drinks and Treats That Match Banana Cream Cheesecake

• Pair this rich banana cream cheesecake with a crisp, slightly acidic Riesling white wine that cuts through the dessert's sweetness and provides a refreshing contrast.
• Serve alongside a light, aromatic coffee like Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, whose bright, floral notes will enhance the banana's natural sweetness without overwhelming the delicate cheesecake texture.
• Add fresh caramelized banana slices as a garnish to intensify the fruit's flavor and provide a textural crunch that complements the smooth cheesecake base.
• Include a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to create a temperature contrast and add another layer of creamy, sweet complexity to the cheesecake.

Banana Cream Cheesecake Variations You’ll Want to Try

• Gluten-Free Crust: Swap vanilla wafer crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for a celiac-friendly base.
• Vegan Banana Cream Cheesecake: Replace dairy cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese and use coconut cream instead of regular cream.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia and use ripe bananas for natural sweetness.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Create a nut-based crust with crushed pecans, use full-fat cream cheese, and incorporate sugar-free banana extract to maintain flavor while reducing carbohydrates.

Questions About Banana Cream Cheesecake? Read These First

• What are the key ingredients for the crust?

The crust is made with vanilla wafer crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, creating a sweet and crunchy base for the cheesecake.

• How do I ensure the crust sets properly?

Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the springform pan and bake it for 10 minutes before letting it cool completely. This helps create a stable foundation for the cheesecake.

• Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

While vanilla wafers are traditional, you can substitute graham crackers or shortbread cookies for a similar crunchy texture and complementary flavor.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this cheesecake?

A springform pan is essential for this recipe, as it allows you to easily remove the cheesecake without damaging its delicate structure.

Why Everyone’s Talking About Banana Cream Cheesecake

• Transform basic ingredients into a decadent dessert with minimal cooking skills required.
• Prepare this cheesecake in under an hour, perfect for busy home bakers craving something special.
• Combines classic banana cream pie flavors with creamy cheesecake, appealing to both kids and adults.
• Ideal for birthdays, potlucks, or casual weekend gatherings, this recipe impresses without complicated techniques.

What Goes Into Banana Cream Cheesecake

• Vanilla Wafer Crumbs, Sugar, Butter: A classic combination for a sweet and crumbly base that provides a delightful texture and rich flavor to the cheesecake.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates the smooth, rich texture of the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tanginess of the cream cheese.
• Eggs: Bind the filling and provide structure to the cheesecake.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.

• Ripe Bananas: Fresh, soft bananas bring natural sweetness and creamy texture to the dessert.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a light, fluffy topping that complements the dense cheesecake.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream topping.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the banana cream layer.

Banana Cream Cheesecake — The Steps Made Simple

Step 1: Prepare Oven Temperature

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).

Step 2: Create Crust Base

• Vanilla wafer crumbs
• Sugar
• Melted butter

Mix the ingredients until well blended and crumbly.

Step 3: Form Crust in Pan

Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating a smooth, compact base.

Step 4: Pre-Bake Crust

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool completely before adding the cheesecake filling.

Step 5: Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture

• Cream cheese
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract

Mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.

Step 6: Add Eggs

Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a silky texture.

Step 7: Fold in Bananas

• Mashed ripe bananas
• Sour cream

Stir until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 8: Pour Filling

Carefully pour the banana cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.

Step 9: Bake Cheesecake

Place the springform pan in the oven and bake until the center is almost set but slightly jiggly.

Step 10: Cool and Chill

Remove from oven and let cool at room temperature. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight to set completely.

Step 11: Prepare Whipped Topping

Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.

Step 12: Garnish and Serve

Top the chilled cheesecake with whipped cream and banana slices before serving.

Tricks to Nail the Banana Cream Cheesecake Texture

• Crush Cookies Perfectly: Use a food processor or place wafers in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin for consistent, fine crumbs that create a smooth crust.
• Prevent Crust Crumbling: Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the pan's bottom, using the back of a spoon or measuring cup to compact the crumbs tightly.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow cream cheese, eggs, and other dairy ingredients to sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter.
• Avoid Overbaking: Watch the cheesecake closely during baking; it should have a slight jiggle in the center when gently shaken, as it will continue setting while cooling.
• Banana Ripeness Matters: Use very ripe, spotty bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor in your cheesecake, as they provide the most intense banana taste.

Banana Cream Cheesecake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy banana cream cheesecake melts hearts with its irresistible blend of tangy cheese and sweet tropical notes. Rich layers promise a delightful dessert journey that satisfies cravings and brings pure indulgence to your plate.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust:

• 2 cups (200 g) vanilla wafer crumbs or graham crackers
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar

Cheesecake Filling:

• 3 (8 ounces each) blocks of cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed (~¾ cup)
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) sour cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 banana, sliced (for garnish)
• Crushed vanilla wafers (optional, for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 325F (163C), ensuring a consistent heat for the baking process.
2. Combine crushed vanilla wafer crumbs with granulated sugar, then integrate melted butter to create a cohesive, moist crust mixture.
3. Transfer the crumb blend into a 9-inch springform pan, methodically pressing and compacting the mixture to form an even, compact base layer.
4. Place the crust in the preheated oven and allow it to bake for 10 minutes, developing a golden, slightly hardened foundation that will support the creamy cheesecake filling.
5. Remove the crust from the oven and permit it to cool completely, creating a stable platform for the subsequent layers of the dessert.

Notes

• Choose ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor intensity.
• Crush vanilla wafers finely to create a smooth, even crust that holds together perfectly when sliced.
• Use room temperature cream cheese to prevent lumps and ensure a silky, creamy cheesecake texture.
• Wrap the springform pan’s exterior with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping into the crust during baking, which can make it soggy.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 465
• Sugar: 29 g
• Sodium: 263 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg