Description
Creamy and dreamy, this banana cheesecake delight layers rich banana flavor with a luscious cheesecake base—perfect for gatherings or indulgent desserts.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust
- 1 box Nilla Wafers
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) melted butter
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 1 container no-bake cheesecake filling (store-bought, near the cream cheese section)
For the Pudding Layer
- Two (3.4 oz) boxes vanilla instant pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- Optional: a few drops of rum extract
For Assembly
- 3–4 fresh bananas, sliced
- 1 container Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream
For Garnish
- Extra Nilla Wafers
- Sliced bananas
- Caramel sauce
Instructions
- Make the Crust: Pulse the Nilla Wafers in a food processor until finely crushed. Mix with brown sugar and melted butter until all the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 13×9-inch dish, forming an even layer. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm up.
- Add the Cheesecake Layer: Evenly spread the no-bake cheesecake filling over the chilled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Prepare the Pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mixes, cold milk, and rum extract (if using) for about 2 minutes, until the pudding thickens.
- Layer the Bananas: Slice the bananas and arrange them in a single, even layer on top of the cheesecake layer.
- Add the Pudding Layer: Carefully pour and spread the vanilla pudding mixture over the bananas, making sure to cover them completely and smooth the top.
- Top with Whipped Cream: Gently spread a generous layer of Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream over the pudding layer.
- Chill: Place the dessert in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour (or until fully set) so the layers can firm up.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, decorate the top with extra sliced bananas, Nilla Wafers, and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an irresistible finish.
Notes
- To prevent banana slices from browning, toss them lightly with a little lemon juice before layering.
- This dessert is best served cold and can be made up to a day in advance.
- Customize by substituting chocolate pudding or strawberry slices for a twist on flavors.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12th of the pan
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Sugar: 29 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg