Banana Cream Cheesecake – Experience the pleasure of our Banana Cream Cheesecake – an exquisite fusion of velvety smoothness and the irresistible taste of perfectly ripened bananas. This delightful dessert takes you on a journey diving into the heartwarming realm of comfort food. Picture a combination of a vanilla wafer crust indulgent cream cheese filling and a delicate airy topping all infused with the essence of bananas. The key ingredients that shine in this masterpiece? Ripe bananas, cream cheese and a touch of vanilla extract.
The first time I whipped up this Banana Cream Cheesecake it was an absolute sensation, at our family gathering. My cheesecake-aficionado husband couldn’t stop raving about how it was the best he had ever tasted. Even my little one, who is quite selective when it comes to desserts couldn’t resist going for seconds. Witnessing the joy in their eyes was truly priceless. Since then this cherished recipe has become a family tradition celebrated during special occasions.
What makes this Banana Cream Cheesecake truly special?
What sets apart our Banana Cream Cheesecake is its allure – every layer meticulously crafted from scratch to guarantee freshness and flavor. The recipe strikes a balance, between the creaminess of the cheesecake and the gentle aromatic essence of ripe bananas resulting in a harmonious blend that never overwhelms your palate.
Its flexibility and adaptability make it a perfect option, for any event whether it’s a gathering, with loved ones or a joyous occasion guaranteeing that it will always stand out on the dessert table.
What You Need To Make This Banana Cream Cheesecake Recipe?
Vanilla Wafer Crumbs: These crumbs form the foundation of our cheesecake creating a crust that’s not only a base but also a statement piece. Their buttery sweetness sets the stage, for the layers providing a hint of vanilla that pairs perfectly with the banana flavor.
Salted Butter: The secret ingredient for a crust. Salted butter contributes to the depth of flavor enhancing the texture of the crust and introducing a contrast to its overall sweetness.
Cream Cheese: The heart and soul of our cheesecake. We carefully select the cream cheese to ensure that each bite melts in your mouth with a luxurious and rich texture. It serves as the canvas where all other ingredients come together magically.
Banana Extract & Pureed Bananas: We employ an approach to capture the essence of banana. The extract adds a burst of flavor while pureed bananas bring in subtle sweetness. Combined they create layers of taste that are both intricate and deeply satisfying.
Sour Cream: This ingredient is what gives our cheesecake its texture—silky, smooth and decadently creamy. It balances out the richness, from cream cheese while adding a tanginess that enhances the flavor profile.
Eggs: Eggs play a role in our masterpiece serving as the binding agents that bring everything together. Their subtle yet crucial contribution ensures the perfect consistency resulting in each slice being both elegant and delicious.
Bavarian Cream: When it comes to this cheesecake Bavarian Cream is an addition that truly sets it apart. This velvety layer of bliss combines the richness of cream, with the sweetness of powdered sugar elevated by just a hint of vanilla and banana extracts. Not only does this cream add a touch but it also introduces a delightful contrast in textures.
Whipped Cream Topping: The Whipped Cream Topping serves as the crowning glory. It’s light, airy and whipped to absolute perfection adding quality to the cheesecake. When paired with banana slices it becomes more, than a topping – it becomes a celebration of flavors and textures.
Steps To Make Banana Cream Cheesecake:
Step 1: To make the crust start by preheating your oven to 325°F and lining a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper. Mix the crust ingredients together and press them firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake it for 10 minutes. Then let it cool down.
Step 2: For the cheesecake itself, you’ll need to lower the temperature to 300°F. In a mixing bowl blend together cream cheese, sugar and flour until you have a smooth mixture. Then stir in sour cream and banana extract. Next mix in some banana puree followed by adding eggs one at a time. Pour this batter, over the crust and place the springform pan into a larger baking pan filled with water (water bath). Bake it for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Step 3: To prepare Bavarian cream begin by mixing gelatin with milk in one bowl while whisking egg yolks in another bowl. Heat up some cream along with sugar and extracts until warm but not boiling then slowly pour this mixture into the whisked yolks while continuously stirring (tempering). Return everything back to heat along with gelatin until it thickens up nicely. Allow it to cool down before folding in some whipped cream. Once ready spread this cream over your cooled cheesecake base. Refrigerate it for around 5 to 6 hours.
Step 4: Finally it’s time for the topping! Whip together some cream along with sugar and vanilla extract until you achieve peaks of whipped cream consistency. Use this topping to decorate your cheesecake along with some fresh slices of banana, on top. Enjoy your masterpiece!
Tip:
To achieve the balance of banana flavor without overpowering the creaminess of the cheesecake it’s recommended to use bananas that are ripe but not overly ripe, for the puree. Ripe bananas bring a subtle essence to the dessert enhancing its sweetness and flavor. On the other hand overripe bananas, which work well in banana bread can be too strong. Overpower the nuanced flavors of the cheesecake. By following this tip you can ensure that your Banana Cream Cheesecake has a blend of flavors where the banana complements rather than dominates the overall taste profile.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different crust base?
Of course! You have the option to use a crust base if you prefer. Graham cracker crumbs work well as a substitute, for vanilla wafer crumbs.
How do I ensure my cheesecake doesn’t crack?
To prevent your cheesecake from cracking it’s important to avoid overmixing the batter and allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven.
Can this cheesecake be made ahead of time?
Certainly! This cheesecake can be made ahead of time. In fact preparing it a day, in advance allows the flavors to blend together beautifully.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Banana Cream Cheesecake
Ingredients
CRUST:
- 2 1/4 c 302 grams vanilla wafer crumbs
- 10 tablespoon 140 grams salted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoon 39 grams sugar
CHEESECAKE FILLING:
- 24 oz 678 grams cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 c 207 grams sugar
- 3 tablespoon 24 grams all-purpose flour
- 1/4 c 58 grams sour cream, room temperature
- 4 teaspoon banana extract
- 1 c 240 ml pureed banana (2 medium-sized bananas)*
- 3 large eggs room temperature
BAVARIAN CREAM:
- 1 teaspoon powdered gelatin
- 2 tablespoon 30 ml milk
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/2 c 120 ml heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoon 26 grams sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon banana extract
- 2/3 c 160 ml heavy whipping cream, cold
- 5 tablespoon 36 grams powdered sugar
WHIPPED CREAM TOPPING:
- 1/2 c heavy whipping cream cold
- 1/4 c powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh sliced bananas
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a bowl mix together vanilla wafer crumbs, melted butter and sugar. Press this mixture into a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes and let it cool.
- Now let's prepare the cheesecake filling. Reduce the temperature to 300°F (148°C).
- In a bowl blend cream cheese, sugar and flour until it becomes smooth. Then mix in cream and banana extract.
- Next, add the banana puree followed by adding eggs one at a time while gently mixing everything together.
- Pour this filling into the crust. Bake it in a water bath, for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- While the cheesecake is baking we'll prepare the Bavarian Cream.
- Start by sprinkling gelatin over milk.
- In another bowl whisk egg yolks.
- Heat half a cup of cream along with sugar and extracts until warm. Gradually add this mixture to the egg yolks.
- Return this combined mixture to heat until it thickens. Then add gelatin. Allow it to cool.
- Whip two-thirds cup of cream with sugar separately. Fold this whipped cream into custard.
- Once your cheesecake has cooled completely after baking spread the Bavarian Cream over it evenly. Chill this for about five to six hours.
- Lastly we'll add a whipped cream topping!
- Whip some cream with powdered sugar and vanilla.
- Use a piping bag or spoon, to pipe or spread this whipped cream onto your chilled cheesecake.
- You can also garnish it with some slices of banana.
- And there you have it a delicious banana cheesecake ready to be enjoyed!
- After the cheesecake has completely set carefully take it out of the pan.
- Slice the cheesecake, into portions serve them and relish each bite that is filled with the goodness of bananas.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!