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A slice of banana pudding crunch cheesecake with caramel drizzle

Banana Pudding Crunch Cheesecake – The Ultimate Guide


  • Author: Barbara
  • Total Time: 6 hours
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Indulge in this creamy, crunchy banana pudding crunch cheesecake! A must-try dessert with layers of banana pudding, cheesecake, and a crispy topping.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers
  • ½ cup melted butter
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 24 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 box (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix
  • 1¼ cups cold milk
  • 2 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1 cup whipped cream or Cool Whip
  • ½ cup crushed vanilla wafers (for topping)
  • Caramel drizzle (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

  • Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
  • Mix crushed vanilla wafers with melted butter and sugar.
  • Press the mixture into a greased springform pan.
  • Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling

  • Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
  • Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently.
  • Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream.
  • Pour over the crust.

3. Bake the Cheesecake

  • Bake at 325°F for 50 minutes.
  • Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
  • Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

4. Prepare the Banana Pudding Layer

  • Whisk banana pudding mix with cold milk until thick.
  • Spread a thin layer over the cheesecake.
  • Add sliced bananas.

5. Add the Crunchy Topping

  • Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers over the top.
  • Drizzle with caramel (optional).

6. Chill & Serve

  • Refrigerate for 6 hours before slicing.
  • Serve with whipped cream or extra wafers.

Notes

  • Use Ripe Bananas for the Best Flavor: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cheesecake will be. Avoid using green or under-ripe bananas.
  • Chill for Maximum Flavor: This cheesecake tastes even better after being refrigerated overnight. The layers set properly, and the flavors deepen.
  • Prevent Soggy Wafers: If you want to keep the wafer topping extra crunchy, add it right before serving rather than during assembly.
  • Make It Ahead of Time: This dessert can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge, making it perfect for parties and gatherings.
  • For a Firmer No-Bake Version: If making a no-bake cheesecake, mix 1 teaspoon of gelatin with warm water and fold it into the cheesecake batter before chilling.
  • Substitutions for Different Dietary Needs:
    • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free vanilla wafers or almond flour for the crust.
    • Low-Sugar Version: Replace sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
    • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut milk instead of regular milk, and coconut whipped cream.
  • Serving Suggestion: Drizzle with caramel sauce or melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.
  • Prep Time: 20 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 Minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: Banana cheesecake, banana pudding dessert, crunchy banana cheesecake