Description

Banana Pudding Cheesecake with Salted Caramel combines creamy banana cheesecake, a buttery vanilla wafer crust and rich homemade salted caramel. Finished with whipped cream, fresh bananas and crushed vanilla wafers, it’s the ultimate dessert for holidays, birthdays and special occasions.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

24 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)

1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup heavy cream

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup water

1/2 cup heavy cream

3 tbsp unsalted butter

1 tsp sea salt

For the Topping:

1 cup heavy cream

2 tbsp powdered sugar

Sliced bananas

Crushed vanilla wafers

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

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

2. Mix the vanilla wafer crumbs with melted butter and press firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool slightly.

3. Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.

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

5. Mix in the vanilla, mashed bananas, banana pudding mix, sour cream and heavy cream until smooth.

6. Pour the filling over the prepared crust.

7. Place the springform pan into a larger roasting pan and add hot water halfway up the sides to create a water bath.

8. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.

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

10. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

11. For the caramel, heat the sugar and water until amber colored. Carefully whisk in the heavy cream, then stir in the butter and sea salt until smooth.

12. Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.

13. Top the chilled cheesecake with whipped cream, drizzle generously with salted caramel and garnish with sliced bananas and crushed vanilla wafers before serving.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese for the smoothest filling.

The water bath helps prevent cracks and creates a creamy texture.

Chill overnight for the best flavor and clean slices.

Add fresh banana slices just before serving.

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American