Banana Pudding Cheesecake

 🍌🍰 Banana Pudding Cheesecake 🍰🍌

A creamy, dreamy cheesecake loaded with fresh bananas, vanilla flavor, and luscious caramel drizzle! 💛✨

Ingredients:

2 cups crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs

1 cup sour cream

1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix (dry)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 ripe bananas, sliced (for filling)

Topping:

2 bananas, sliced

Whipped cream

Caramel sauce

Crushed vanilla wafers

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.

2. Mix crushed wafers with melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust. Bake for 8 minutes, then set aside to cool.

3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.

4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition.

5. Mix in sour cream, dry banana pudding mix, and vanilla extract until fully combined.

6. Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the crust. Layer sliced bananas evenly on top.

7. Pour remaining batter over bananas and smooth the top.

8. Bake for 55–65 minutes, until center is slightly jiggly but set around edges.

9. Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.

10. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight until fully chilled.

11. Before serving, top with whipped cream swirls, fresh banana slices, crushed wafers, and drizzle generously with caramel sauce.

Pro Tip:

To keep banana slices fresh and prevent browning, lightly brush them with lemon juice before adding on top! 🍌✨