Description
This Banana Cream Cheesecake is a luscious no-bake dessert featuring a creamy banana-infused cheesecake filling on a buttery graham cracker crust. Topped with fresh banana slices, whipped cream, mini chocolate chips, and optional caramel sauce, it’s a perfect treat for banana lovers and cheesecake enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Filling
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Toppings
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- Whipped cream, for topping
- 1 tablespoon caramel sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare and bake crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until evenly mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to create the crust. Bake for 8–10 minutes until set, then remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
- Make the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add granulated sugar, vanilla extract, mashed bananas, and salt. Beat thoroughly until the mixture is silky and fully combined.
- Prepare whipped cream: In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream together with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, ensuring the cream holds its shape when lifted.
- Combine whipped cream and cream cheese mixture: Gently fold the whipped cream into the banana cream cheese mixture with a spatula, taking care not to deflate the whipped cream, resulting in a light and airy filling.
- Assemble cheesecake: Pour the creamy filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top evenly with a spatula to create a clean finish.
- Chill and set: Refrigerate the assembled cheesecake for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to fully set and develop flavors.
- Add toppings and serve: Before serving, garnish the cheesecake with sliced bananas, dollops of whipped cream, mini chocolate chips if desired, and drizzle with caramel sauce for added sweetness. Use a warm knife to slice cleanly and serve chilled.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe bananas for maximum flavor and sweetness.
- Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature before beating to ensure a smooth filling.
- Refrigerate overnight if possible for a firmer set and enhanced flavor.
- To prevent banana slices from browning, you can lightly brush them with lemon juice before topping.
- If you prefer a firmer crust, press the graham cracker mixture firmly and bake thoroughly.
- Use a warm knife when slicing to get clean cuts without cracking the cheesecake.
