Description
These Mini Banana Pudding Cheesecakes combine the creamy richness of classic cheesecake with the delightful flavors of banana pudding. Featuring a buttery vanilla wafer crust and a smooth banana-infused cheesecake filling, topped with instant banana pudding, whipped cream, and fresh banana slices, these individual cheesecakes are perfect for a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s both elegant and easy to make.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
Banana Pudding Topping
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix
- 1 1/4 cups cold milk
Garnish
- Whipped cream
- Sliced bananas
- Crushed vanilla wafers
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners. This creates individual portions and makes serving easier.
- Make the crust: In a bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers, sugar, and melted butter until evenly mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of each paper liner to form the crust base.
- Bake crust: Bake the crusts for 5 minutes to set them. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
- Make the cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then blend in vanilla extract, sour cream, heavy cream, and the mashed banana until fully incorporated.
- Fill cupcake liners: Spoon the cheesecake mixture into the prepared liners, filling almost to the top to allow room for rising without overflowing.
- Bake cheesecakes: Bake the filled liners for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the centers are set but still slightly jiggly.
- Cool and chill: Remove cheesecakes from oven and cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, place them in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to fully set.
- Prepare pudding topping: While the cheesecakes chill, whisk together the instant banana pudding mix and cold milk until thickened according to package instructions.
- Add pudding topping: Spread the thickened pudding evenly over the chilled cheesecakes to create a creamy banana pudding layer on top.
- Garnish and serve: Just before serving, decorate each mini cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream, slices of fresh banana, and a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use fully softened cream cheese for a smooth filling without lumps.
- Make sure the mashed banana is ripe for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Do not overbake the cheesecakes; centers should be slightly jiggly to ensure a creamy texture after cooling.
- You can prepare the cheesecakes a day ahead and assemble the pudding topping just before serving to maintain freshness.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives, although texture might vary slightly.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American