If you have a passion for desserts that blend creamy indulgence with a nostalgic twist, you are going to love this Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of rich cheesecake and classic banana pudding flavors, wrapped in a buttery graham cracker crust that’s simply irresistible. Each bite brings together velvety cream cheese, tender banana slices, and a luscious homemade pudding, creating a dessert experience that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or treating yourself after a long day, this Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite.

Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a critical role in crafting the decadent taste and smooth texture that define this dessert. From the crunchy graham cracker crust to the creamy filling and fresh bananas, every component contributes something special.

Graham Crackers, Crushed (1 2/3 cup): Provides a sturdy, buttery base that adds texture and a hint of sweetness.
Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup and 2/3 cup): Balances the flavors and helps sweeten both crust and filling perfectly.
Butter, Melted (7 tablespoons): Combines with the graham crackers to create a rich, golden crust.
Flour (1/3 cup): Acts as a thickening agent for the homemade pudding within the cheesecake.
Sea Salt (a pinch): Enhances all the flavors, preventing the dessert from being overly sweet.
Milk (2 cups): Vital for making the creamy pudding base that gives this cheesecake its unique banana pudding twist.
Egg Yolks, Whisked (3 whole): Help thicken the pudding and enrich the final texture.
Vanilla Extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Adds warm, fragrant notes to the pudding mixture.
Cream Cheese, Room Temperature (16 ounces): The star ingredient for that classic cheesecake creaminess.
Bananas (4 whole), Sliced: Fresh slices provide natural sweetness and soft texture to marry with the creamy filling.
Sweetened Whipped Cream: The perfect topping for lightness and a touch of elegance.
Additional Sliced Bananas: For garnish and extra freshness on top.

How to Make Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees to ensure it’s ready when your crust is assembled. Mix the crushed graham crackers with 1/4 cup sugar, then drizzle the melted butter evenly, stirring until every crumb is coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your 9-inch pie plate to form the crust. Bake it for a quick 7 minutes until it turns light golden brown, then allow it to cool completely. This step locks in that perfect crunch and buttery flavor base for the cheesecake.

Step 2: Make the Pudding Base

Combine 2/3 cup sugar, the flour, and a pinch of salt in a large saucepan. Whisking constantly, gradually whisk in the milk so the mixture stays smooth with no lumps. Place the pan over medium heat and stir until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle simmer. This homemade pudding is where the magic happens; it transforms this cheesecake from ordinary to extraordinary.

Step 3: Temper the Egg Yolks

To avoid curdling, slowly stir some of the hot pudding into the whisked egg yolks to warm them. Then pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan and continue to cook, stirring constantly until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency that will hold on your spoon. This careful process ensures silky smoothness and rich flavor in the cheesecake filling.

Step 4: Combine Pudding with Cream Cheese

Remove the pudding base from the heat and stir in vanilla extract for that warm aromatic flair. Beat the cream cheese until it’s light and fluffy, then add the cooled pudding mixture gradually, mixing well and scraping down the bowl sides to blend everything perfectly. This is where classic cheesecake richness meets velvety pudding softness — pure comfort in every scoop.

Step 5: Assemble the Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe

Spread one-third of the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust. Layer sliced bananas on top of this first layer, then cover with the remaining cheesecake mixture. Refrigerate this beauty until well chilled or even overnight, which allows all the flavors to marry wonderfully and the cheesecake to set perfectly.

Step 6: Serving Preparation

When you’re ready to serve, top with sweetened whipped cream and extra banana slices for an inviting and gorgeous presentation that’s sure to impress every sweet tooth around the table.

How to Serve Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh sliced bananas and a generous swirl of sweetened whipped cream add the perfect touch of freshness and fluff on top. For extra flair, consider sprinkling a little cinnamon or crushed graham crackers to echo the crust’s warm flavor. These garnishes not only enhance the visual appeal but elevate every bite with layers of texture and taste.

Side Dishes

This Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe pairs beautifully with a cup of rich coffee or a cold glass of milk, making it a fantastic end to brunch or dinner. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce alongside for extra indulgence. Light, crisp fruit salads also contrast nicely with its creamy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this dessert in individual mini dessert jars or clear glasses layered with banana slices for a charming single-serve presentation. Another fun idea is to top slices with a sprinkle of toasted nuts for crunch or a few chocolate shavings for hint of decadence. This cheesecake’s creamy, dreamy appeal makes it a perfect canvas for your creative dessert styling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. Letting the dessert chill helps maintain its lovely texture and prevents the bananas from browning too quickly.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve the creamy texture without sogginess. This makes it a great make-ahead dessert for celebrations and unexpected guests.

Reheating

Since this is a no-bake cheesecake featuring pudding and fresh bananas, reheating is not recommended as it can affect the texture negatively. Instead, serve chilled straight from the fridge for the perfect creamy and refreshing taste every time.

FAQs

Can I use banana pudding mix instead of making the pudding from scratch?

While store-bought banana pudding mix is convenient, making the pudding from scratch for this Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe ensures a smoother, richer texture and fresher flavor that perfectly complements the cheesecake.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Choose bananas that are ripe but still firm to the touch. Overripe bananas can become mushy and make the cheesecake watery, while underripe bananas won’t offer the sweet flavor we’re aiming for.

Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the graham crackers with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or an alternative gluten-free cookie crust to enjoy this Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe safely.

What if I don’t have a pie plate? Can I use a springform pan?

Absolutely, a 9-inch springform pan works well and may even make slicing easier. Just be cautious when removing the sides to keep the cheesecake intact.

Can I prepare the dessert a day ahead?

Definitely! In fact, chilling the cheesecake overnight helps the flavors develop and the texture set perfectly, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert.

Final Thoughts

This Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe has a special way of turning simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary, offering layers of creamy texture, sweet banana flavor, and a buttery crust that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re indulging yourself or sharing with loved ones, this dessert is sure to brighten any occasion and bring smiles all around. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how quickly it becomes your go-to sweet treat!