Introduction
Banana Cream Cheesecake marries the rich, velvety texture of cheesecake with the fruity sweetness of ripe bananas and the creamy allure of banana cream pie. The result is a delightful dessert that teases your palate with tropical vibes and timeless cheesecake charm. Dive into this recipe to experience the perfect union of banana and cheesecake in a dish that’s bound to become a favorite at gatherings and cozy evenings alike.
Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (+ cooling & chilling time)
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Sliced bananas and grated chocolate, for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). In a medium-sized bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Set aside.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Incorporate the mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the filling over the prepared crust in the springform pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the center is almost set. Turn off the oven, crack the oven door slightly, and allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven for 1 hour.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Prepare the Topping: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe this whipped cream over the top of the chilled cheesecake.
- Garnish with sliced bananas and grated chocolate just before serving.
Notes
- For a more intense banana flavor, consider adding a few drops of banana extract to the filling.
- To prevent browning, you can brush the sliced bananas with a little lemon juice.
FAQ
1. How do I store this cheesecake? Keep the Banana Cream Cheesecake refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for best flavor.
2. Can I add a chocolate drizzle on top? Absolutely! A chocolate or caramel drizzle can elevate the aesthetics and add an extra layer of flavor.
3. Can I use a different crust, like an Oreo base? Yes, an Oreo or even a Nilla Wafer crust would be a delightful variation.