Description
This Banana Cream Cheesecake is a luscious no-bake dessert featuring a crunchy Nilla Wafer crust topped with a creamy banana pudding and cream cheese filling. Perfectly chilled, it combines the sweetness of banana cream pudding with the richness of whipped cream and cream cheese, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 box (11 ounces) Nilla Wafer cookies (about 3 cups crushed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 boxes (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 2 packets (3.4 ounces each) instant banana cream pudding mix
Optional Garnish
- Whipped topping
- Banana slices
Instructions
- Crush the cookies: Crush the Nilla Wafers using a mini processor or place them in a large zip-lock bag and crush with a rolling pin until finely crumbed.
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Nilla Wafers and melted butter. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a parchment-lined 9×9-inch pan for thicker bars or a 9×13-inch pan for thinner bars. Chill the crust in the refrigerator or freezer to set while making the filling.
- Whip the cream: Chill a large metal mixing bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, whip the heavy whipping cream and sugar together until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Gradually add the instant banana cream pudding mix, beating well after each addition. Fold in the whipped cream and gently mix until smooth and combined.
- Assemble the cheesecake: Spread the banana cream cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled crust. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow it to set and flavors to meld.
- Serve: Cut the cheesecake into squares. Garnish with whipped topping and banana slices if desired. Serve chilled for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a firmer crust, chill it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before adding the filling.
- If you prefer, you can substitute other wafer cookies for the crust, but Nilla Wafers give the classic flavor.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smooth mixing to avoid lumps in the filling.
- This dessert is best served fresh but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Garnish with fresh banana slices just before serving to avoid browning.
