Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups vanilla wafer cookie crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
For the Layering (optional):
- 1 cup vanilla wafer cookies
- 1 banana, sliced
For the Topping:
- 1 cup whipped cream (homemade or store-bought)
- Crushed vanilla wafers
- Additional banana slices
- Optional: 1 package instant banana pudding + 1½ cups milk
Instructions
- Step 1 – Prepare the Crust:
Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Crush vanilla wafers into fine crumbs. Combine with melted butter until well mixed. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes. Let cool. - Step 2 – Make the Filling:
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and beat until creamy. Mix in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and lemon juice. Fold in mashed bananas and sour cream. Add flour if needed for firmness. - Step 3 – Assemble:
Pour half the filling over the crust. Add a layer of banana slices and whole vanilla wafers. Pour the remaining filling on top and smooth it out. - Step 4 – Bake:
Place a pan of hot water on the lower oven rack. Bake the cheesecake at 160°C (325°F) for 55–65 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off oven and let cheesecake cool inside with door slightly open for 30 minutes. Then cool completely at room temperature. - Step 5 – Chill:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. - Step 6 – Add Topping:
If using banana pudding, prepare it with milk and spread a thin layer on top of the chilled cheesecake. Pipe whipped cream over it, then decorate with banana slices and crushed wafers.
Notes
For a firmer texture, add 1 tablespoon of flour to the batter.
To prevent browning, dip banana slices in lemon juice before layering or topping.
Always chill the cheesecake fully before slicing to get clean cuts.
This recipe works with graham crackers or shortbread cookies if vanilla wafers are unavailable.
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 60