Ultimate Banana Pudding Crunch Cheesecake with Vanilla Wafer Crust and Whipped Topping

The ultimate banana pudding crunch cheesecake featuring creamy vanilla pudding-infused cheesecake, fresh banana layers, and a golden vanilla wafer crust topped with fluffy whipped cream and crunchy cookie pieces. This decadent dessert masterpiece combines the nostalgic comfort of classic banana pudding with the rich elegance of New York-style cheesecake, creating an unforgettable dessert experience that elevates the beloved Southern favorite to extraordinary heights perfect for celebrations, special occasions, or any time you crave the perfect balance of creamy texture and satisfying crunch.

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RUY

Enjoy home-cooked meals made with love and shared from a family kitchen.

Banana Pudding Cheesecake Mastery Secrets for Perfect Layers and Texture

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

Perfect Crust Formation Technique:
Master the skill of creating firm, flavorful vanilla wafer crust foundation.
Smooth Cheesecake Mixing Excellence:
Learn the technique of achieving lump-free, silky cheesecake batter consistency.
Layer Assembly Mastery:
Perfect the method of creating distinct, beautiful layers without mixing or bleeding.
Water Bath Baking Control:
Master the art of gentle, even baking to prevent cracks and ensure perfect texture.
Topping Application Strategy:
Learn optimal techniques for creating beautiful, stable whipped cream decoration.
Ultimate Banana Pudding Crunch Cheesecake with Vanilla Wafer Crust and Whipped Topping - secondary view

The Art of Perfect Banana Pudding Cheesecake Creation and Presentation

Perfect Crust Formation Technique
Master the skill of creating firm, flavorful vanilla wafer crust foundation.
Smooth Cheesecake Mixing Excellence
Learn the technique of achieving lump-free, silky cheesecake batter consistency.
Layer Assembly Mastery
Perfect the method of creating distinct, beautiful layers without mixing or bleeding.
Water Bath Baking Control
Master the art of gentle, even baking to prevent cracks and ensure perfect texture.
Topping Application Strategy
Learn optimal techniques for creating beautiful, stable whipped cream decoration.
Banana Pudding Cheesecake Mastery Secrets for Perfect Layers and Texture
Room Temperature: Ensure cream cheese is completely softened for smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling.
Water Bath: Use water bath method to prevent cracking and ensure even, gentle cooking.
Banana Prep: Toss banana slices with lemon juice to prevent browning and maintain fresh appearance.
Overnight Chill: Allow full overnight chilling for best texture and easier slicing.
Serving Clean: Use warm, clean knife wiped between cuts for perfect cheesecake slices.
Make-Ahead: Cheesecake improves with time - make 1-2 days ahead for best flavor development.
Ultimate Banana Pudding Crunch Cheesecake with Vanilla Wafer Crust and Whipped Topping - tertiary view

Ultimate Banana Pudding Crunch Cheesecake with Vanilla Wafer Crust and Whipped Topping

The ultimate banana pudding crunch cheesecake featuring creamy vanilla pudding-infused cheesecake, fresh banana layers, and a golden vanilla wafer crust topped with fluffy whipped cream and crunchy cookie pieces. This decadent dessert masterpiece combines the nostalgic comfort of classic banana pudding with the rich elegance of New York-style cheesecake, creating an unforgettable dessert experience that elevates the beloved Southern favorite to extraordinary heights perfect for celebrations, special occasions, or any time you crave the perfect balance of creamy texture and satisfying crunch.

Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini
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Ingredients

Custard Cream
01
For the Vanilla Wafer Crust:
02
2 cups vanilla wafer cookies, crushed
03
1/4 cup granulated sugar
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6 tablespoons butter, melted
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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For the Banana Pudding Layer:
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1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
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2 cups cold whole milk
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/4 cup powdered sugar
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For the Cheesecake Filling:
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32 oz cream cheese, room temperature
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1 cup granulated sugar
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4 large eggs
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1/2 cup sour cream
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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For the Fresh Banana Component:
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4 ripe bananas, sliced
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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For the Whipped Topping:
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2 cups heavy cream
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1/3 cup powdered sugar
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
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For the Crunchy Garnish:
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1 cup vanilla wafer cookies, roughly chopped
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1/2 cup toasted pecans, chopped
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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For the Flavor Enhancers:
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1 teaspoon banana extract
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1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
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Zest of 1 lemon
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For the Assembly:
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1 packet unflavored gelatin
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3 tablespoons warm water
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For Special Equipment:
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9-inch springform pan
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Electric mixer
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Food processor
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Double boiler

Instructions

01
Preheat oven to 325°F and wrap springform pan bottom with aluminum foil.
02
Crush vanilla wafers in food processor until fine crumbs form.
03
Mix wafer crumbs with sugar, melted butter, and salt until well combined.
04
Press crust mixture firmly into bottom of prepared springform pan.
05
Bake crust for 12 minutes until lightly golden, then cool completely.
06
Beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes on high.
07
Gradually add sugar and beat until light and creamy.
08
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
09
Mix in sour cream, vanilla extract, and flour until just combined.
10
Pour half the cheesecake batter over cooled crust and smooth top.
11
Prepare instant pudding according to package directions with cold milk.
12
Fold banana extract into prepared pudding mixture gently.
13
Toss sliced bananas with lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon.
14
Layer half the banana slices over the first cheesecake layer.
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Spread pudding mixture evenly over banana layer using offset spatula.
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Add remaining banana slices and top with remaining cheesecake batter.
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Smooth top and tap pan to release air bubbles.
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Place pan in larger roasting pan and add hot water halfway up sides.
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Bake for 55-60 minutes until center is almost set but still jiggly.
20
Turn off oven and crack door, letting cheesecake cool for 1 hour.
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Remove from water bath and cool completely before refrigerating overnight.
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For topping, whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until peaks form.
23
Spread whipped cream over chilled cheesecake in decorative swirls.
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Sprinkle chopped vanilla wafers and toasted pecans over whipped cream.
25
Chill for at least 2 hours before serving for best texture.