banana pudding crunch cheesecake

Ingredients:

• For the crust:
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • ¼ cup sugar
• For the cheesecake filling:
  • 24 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3.4 oz instant banana pudding mix
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (2-3 bananas)
• For the banana pudding layer:
  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1 ½ cups vanilla wafers, crushed

Instructions:

1. Make the crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (149°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then let cool completely.

2. Make the cheesecake filling: Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and flour on low speed until smooth. Add the banana pudding mix, sour cream, and vanilla extract, and mix until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Finally, fold in the mashed bananas.

3. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly wobbly.

4. While the cheesecake bakes, make the banana pudding layer. In a saucepan, whisk together milk, cornstarch, and sugar. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and bubbles. Remove from heat and stir in the egg yolks and vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.

5. Once the cheesecake is baked, let it cool completely at room temperature. Then, pour the banana pudding layer over the cheesecake. Top with sliced bananas and crushed vanilla wafers.

6. Chill the cheesecake for at least 8 hours, or overnight, before serving.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, use brown sugar in the crust.
• If you don’t have instant banana pudding mix, you can use vanilla pudding mix and add 1/2 teaspoon of banana extract to the cheesecake filling.
• You can also add a layer of whipped cream and chopped nuts for an extra decadent dessert.

Enjoy your banana pudding crunch cheesecake