If you love banana cream pie and rich baked cheesecake, this Banana Cream Cheesecake is the perfect dessert to make. This creamy banana dessert combines a smooth banana cheesecake filling with a buttery vanilla wafer crust, creating a dessert that tastes like classic banana pudding in cheesecake form.
Topped with fluffy whipped cream, fresh banana slices, and crunchy vanilla wafer crumbs, this banana pudding cheesecake is a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or whenever you want an indulgent banana dessert recipe.
This homemade banana cream pie cheesecake is surprisingly simple to make and delivers bakery-quality results with its silky texture and rich banana flavor in every bite.
Banana Cream Cheesecake (Creamy Banana Pudding Cheesecake with Vanilla Wafer Crust)
Equipment
- 9-inch springform pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Food processor or blender (for crushing vanilla wafers)
- Roasting pan (for cheesecake water bath)
- aluminum foil
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula (optional, for smoothing cheesecake and whipped cream)
Ingredients
Vanilla Wafer Crust
- 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Banana Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas about 2 large bananas
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Banana Cream Topping
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 bananas sliced
- crushed vanilla wafers for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the crust
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Mix crushed vanilla wafers, sugar, and melted butter.
- Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 8 minutes, then let cool.
Make the cheesecake filling
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed.
- Mix in mashed bananas, sour cream, vanilla, cornstarch, and salt until fully combined.
Bake
- Pour batter into prepared crust.
- Wrap the springform pan in foil and place into a roasting pan.
- Add hot water halfway up the sides (water bath).
- Bake for 60–70 minutes, until the center slightly jiggles.
Cool
- Turn oven off and crack the door.
- Let cheesecake cool inside the oven 1 hour.
- Chill in refrigerator at least 6 hours or overnight.
Make the topping
- Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Pipe or spread whipped cream on cheesecake.
- Decorate with banana slices and crushed vanilla wafers.
Notes
For the richest banana flavor in this banana cream cheesecake, use bananas that are heavily speckled or turning brown. Overripe bananas create a sweeter, stronger banana taste that makes this cheesecake taste like classic banana cream pie. Prevent cracks in your cheesecake.
A water bath helps your banana cheesecake bake evenly and prevents cracks. Wrapping the springform pan in foil and placing it in a pan of hot water creates gentle heat for a silky smooth cheesecake texture. Chill the cheesecake completely before serving.
Banana cream cheesecake needs several hours in the refrigerator to fully set. For the best texture and clean slices, chill for at least 6 hours or overnight before cutting. Add the bananas right before serving.
Fresh banana slices can brown quickly. For the prettiest banana cream cheesecake topping, add the sliced bananas just before serving or lightly brush them with lemon juice to keep them fresh. Make it taste like banana pudding cheesecake.
For an extra banana pudding flavor, garnish with crushed vanilla wafers and extra whipped cream, just like a classic banana pudding dessert. Storage tips.
Store banana cream cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Because of the fresh bananas and whipped cream topping, this dessert should always stay chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep bananas from turning brown on banana cream cheesecake?
Banana slices can brown quickly after being exposed to air. To keep your banana cream cheesecake looking fresh, add the banana slices just before serving or lightly brush them with lemon juice. This helps preserve the color without affecting the flavor of the dessert.
Can I make banana cream cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, banana cream cheesecake is a great make-ahead dessert. The cheesecake can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. For best results, add the whipped cream and banana topping right before serving so the bananas stay fresh and the whipped cream remains fluffy.
What type of bananas are best for banana cheesecake?
Very ripe bananas work best for banana cheesecake because they are sweeter and have a stronger banana flavor. Bananas with brown spots are ideal since they mash easily and blend smoothly into the cheesecake filling.
Can I freeze banana cream cheesecake?
Yes, banana cream cheesecake can be frozen. Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. It is best to add the whipped cream topping and fresh bananas after thawing.
What is the difference between banana cream cheesecake and banana pudding cheesecake?
Banana cream cheesecake combines the flavors of banana cream pie and baked cheesecake, while banana pudding cheesecake is inspired by classic Southern banana pudding with vanilla wafers and whipped topping. Both desserts feature creamy banana flavor, but banana cream cheesecake has a denser, richer texture.
More Dreamy Cheesecake Recipes to Try
If you love rich, creamy desserts like this Banana Cream Cheesecake, here are more beautiful cheesecake recipes from SugarCloudBaking to explore. Each one brings its own unique flavor twist while keeping that silky, bakery-style cheesecake texture.
• Try this decadent Coffee Fudge Cheesecake — a rich dessert combining bold espresso flavor with silky chocolate swirls for the ultimate coffee lover’s cheesecake.
• For a bright citrus dessert, this Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake blends fresh orange zest and vanilla into a creamy cheesecake that tastes just like a nostalgic creamsicle ice cream bar.
• The whimsical Blue Citrus Dream Cheesecake is a vibrant, pastel-inspired citrus cheesecake that’s perfect for colorful dessert lovers and creative baking projects.
• For something elegant and celebration-worthy, try Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake — a silky blush-pink cheesecake infused with strawberry flavor and champagne notes for a festive dessert.
Whether you’re craving fruity cheesecake, chocolate cheesecake, or citrus desserts, these SugarCloudBaking recipes are perfect for expanding your homemade cheesecake collection.
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