If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the creamy decadence of cheesecake with the comforting sweetness of classic Southern banana pudding, then this Heavenly Banana Pudding Cheesecake is your ultimate showstopper. Imagine the richness of a velvety cheesecake layered with vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and silky pudding cream, all crowned with whipped topping and a golden cookie crunch.
This dessert is everything at once—smooth, crunchy, fruity, and indulgent. It’s a cross between a childhood memory and an elegant cheesecake that could headline any dinner party. The beauty of banana pudding cheesecake is that it transforms two iconic desserts into one harmonious masterpiece.
The Story Behind Banana Pudding Cheesecake
Banana pudding has deep roots in Southern cuisine. By the early 1900s, recipes for banana pudding began appearing in Southern cookbooks, often featuring custard, bananas, and sponge cake or vanilla wafers. Cheesecake, on the other hand, traces its history back to ancient Greece but became an American staple thanks to New York-style cheesecake.
The fusion of these two desserts was a natural evolution in modern baking. Food lovers began layering banana pudding elements into cheesecakes, creating a dessert that was nostalgic yet luxurious. The result? A heavenly dessert that feels homemade and sophisticated all at once.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesecake
- Perfect balance – creamy cheesecake base with the nostalgic flavors of banana pudding.
- Beautiful layers – graham cracker crust, creamy filling, fresh bananas, wafers, and whipped cream.
- Make-ahead dessert – tastes even better when chilled overnight.
- Crowd-pleaser – both banana lovers and cheesecake fans will adore it.
Ingredients
This recipe makes a 9-inch cheesecake(12–14 slices).
For the Crust:
- 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers (about 50 cookies)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed (for flavoring the filling)
For the Banana Pudding Layer:
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups cold milk
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks
For Assembly and Topping:
- 2 fresh bananas, sliced
- Whole vanilla wafers (for topping and decoration)
- Whipped cream (homemade or store-bought)
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 55–60 minutes
- Chilling time: 6 hours (or overnight)
- Total time: About 7–8 hours (mostly chilling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Crush vanilla wafers in a food processor until fine crumbs form.
- Mix crumbs with melted butter and sugar until evenly coated.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake crust for 10 minutes, then let cool while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in sour cream, vanilla, and mashed bananas.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
- Place the springform pan inside a larger roasting pan.
- Add hot water halfway up the sides of the springform pan (water bath prevents cracks).
- Bake for 55–60 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off oven, crack the door open, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
- Remove from oven, cover loosely, and refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Prepare the Banana Pudding Layer
- In a medium bowl, whisk pudding mix with cold milk until thickened.
- Fold in whipped cream until light and fluffy.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
- Spread the pudding mixture over the chilled cheesecake.
- Top with sliced bananas.
- Add whipped cream around the edges or pipe decorative swirls.
- Garnish with whole vanilla wafers for that signature Southern touch.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Slice with a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts.
- Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Tips for Success
- Use ripe bananas – They should be spotty but not overripe; this gives natural sweetness.
- Water bath is essential – Keeps cheesecake smooth and prevents cracking.
- Chill overnight – Cheesecake flavor develops best when left to set for 24 hours.
- Assemble just before serving – Add fresh bananas and whipped topping close to serving time to prevent browning.
- Stabilized whipped cream – If making ahead, use a bit of gelatin or powdered sugar to help whipped cream hold its shape.
Variations
- Banana Caramel Cheesecake – Drizzle with salted caramel before serving.
- Chocolate Banana Pudding Cheesecake – Add cocoa powder to the filling or top with chocolate shavings.
- Peanut Butter Banana Cheesecake– Swirl peanut butter into the batter before baking.
- Mini Banana Pudding Cheesecakes– Bake in cupcake tins for individual servings.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with coffee or a tall glass of milk.
- Serve alongside a Southern-style dinner (fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread).
- Dress it up with caramel sauce, crushed pecans, or extra banana slices.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerator: Keep covered in the fridge up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Cheesecake (without toppings) freezes well up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Make-ahead: Bake cheesecake a day in advance; add pudding, bananas, and toppings before serving.
Nutritional Information (per slice – 1 of 12)
- Calories: ~430
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: ~310mg
Why This Dessert is Truly Heavenly
This Banana Pudding Cheesecake is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. Every bite brings together:
- Crunchy vanilla wafers as the base.
- Luscious cheesecake filling kissed with bananas.
- Light, creamy pudding layer for that nostalgic Southern touch.
- Whipped topping & bananas to finish with elegance.
It’s a dessert that turns ordinary moments into celebrations, and celebrations into unforgettable memories.
Conclusion
The Heavenly Banana Pudding Cheesecake is proof that when you blend tradition with indulgence, you get something extraordinary. It has the charm of Southern banana pudding and the sophistication of a classic cheesecake, making it the best of both worlds.
Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday, a birthday, or just a weekend indulgence, this cheesecake is guaranteed to wow your family and friends. Once you make it, it will become a staple in your dessert repertoire—a recipe worth passing down.
So grab your vanilla wafers, ripened bananas, and cream cheese, and treat yourself to a slice of pure dessert bliss. This cheesecake isn’t just heavenly—it’s unforgettable.