Creamy Banana Cheesecake 🍌🧀🍰
If you’ve ever wished your banana bread could transform into a rich, creamy dessert—this Creamy Banana Cheesecakeis your answer. It’s silky smooth, full of real banana flavor, and nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust. Each bite delivers tropical comfort wrapped in cheesecake indulgence, perfect for birthdays, brunches, or just because you had ripe bananas that needed using.
Why I Love This Recipe
This cheesecake hits the sweet spot between familiar and elevated. The ripe bananas lend a natural sweetness and tender texture that makes the cream cheese filling extra smooth, while cinnamon and vanilla round out the flavor profile beautifully. It’s also simple to make, with no fancy techniques or water bath required.
Best of all? It pairs perfectly with nostalgic classics like banana pudding, or something cool like ice cream sandwich cakefor the ultimate dessert duo.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups crushed graham crackers
- ½ cup melted butter
For the Filling:
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Topping:
- Fresh banana slices, for garnish
🍰 Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Cream cheese: Full-fat works best for a dense, creamy texture.
- Bananas: Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum flavor.
- Cinnamon: Optional—but adds a warm background note that complements the bananas beautifully.
- Crust twist: Swap graham crackers for vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits if preferred.
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter until it resembles wet sand.
Press the mixture firmly into the base of a greased 9-inch springform pan.
Set aside.
2. Make the Filling
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
Add the mashed bananas, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Mix just until combined—don’t overbeat.
3. Assemble and Bake
Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until the center is just set and barely jiggles.
Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake sit for 30 minutes.
Remove and let cool completely at room temperature.
4. Chill and Top
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Top with fresh banana slices just before serving.
💡 Tips for Success
- Room temp cream cheese and eggs ensure a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Don’t overmix once eggs are added—this prevents cracking.
- Cool gradually—abrupt temperature changes can lead to surface cracks.
- Add banana slices last-minute to prevent browning, or brush with lemon juice.
🍽 Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve this rich cheesecake alongside:
- Big Family Banana Pudding – for a banana-themed dessert table
- Ice Cream Sandwich Cake – for hot days and freezer treats
- Oreo Cream Pie – no-bake contrast to baked indulgence
- Grasshopper Pie – cool, minty pairing
- Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs – rich and decadent companion
🧊 Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze whole or in slices for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Topping: Always add banana slices just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
🥄 More Recipes You’ll Love
- Banana Pudding – the ultimate crowd-pleasing classic
- No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie – rich and quick
- Ice Cream Sandwich Cake – freezer-friendly and fun
- Grasshopper Pie – refreshing mint chocolate magic
- Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs – decadent dessert bites
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Banana Cheesecake delivers everything you love about banana desserts—wrapped in a silky, rich cheesecake form. It’s easy to prepare, gorgeous to slice, and an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just using up those ripe bananas, this recipe’s a winner.
Tried it? Snap a pic, tag @ChefManiac, and let us know! For more dreamy dessert inspiration, visit ChefManiac.com.
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