By Bring BANANA PUDDING CHEESECAKE WITH A NILLA COOKIE CRUST to your table with an easy method and crowd-pleasing taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike.
BANANA PUDDING CHEESECAKE WITH A NILLA COOKIE CRUST captures the essence of desserts|cakes while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, BANANA PUDDING CHEESECAKE WITH A NILLA COOKIE CRUST becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
FOR THE CRUST:
18 vanilla wafer cookies
2 tablespoons butter (melted)
2 tablespoon brown sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
FOR THE FILLING:
12 ounces cream cheese (softened)
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup mashed banana ((about 1 4-ounce banana))
⅔ cup vanilla greek yogurt
1 egg lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
TOPPINGS:
1 cup whipping cream
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 large banana (sliced)
Salted Caramel Sauce
PREPARATION STEPS
PREPARE: preheat the oven to 350˚F and place cupcake liners in a muffin pan.
2
MAKE THE CRUST: Add cookies, butter, and sugar to a food processor and process until the mixture resembles coarse sand
Press 1 tablespoon of the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of each muffin cup and bake for 5 minutes.
3
MAKE THE FILLING: Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer with a batter attachment on medium speed, beat together the cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth
Then add the banana, yogurt, egg, vanilla, and baking powder and whisk until mostly smooth (it’s okay to have lumps from the bananas)
4
MAKE THE CHEESECAKES: Pour the mixture over the prepared crusts and fill the cups until almost completely full
Tap the pan gently to even out the cheesecakes and remove any air pockets
Bake the cheesecakes for 18-20 minutes or until the outsides firm and the centers are still jiggly
Allow the cheesecakes to come to room temperature before refrigerating (about 1 hour).
5
MAKE THE TOPPINGS: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer with a whisk attachment on medium-high speed whisk together the cream and sugar until stiff peaks form
Drizzle about 1 teaspoon of salted caramel sauce over the top of each cheesecake before adding the whipped cream
Pipe or spoon the whipped cream over each cheesecake, followed by additional caramel sauce and then a slice of banana
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 55 min | Servings: 12 | Calories: ~320 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Coffee; Tea; Vanilla ice cream; Fresh berries
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
