Kristy Cook
banana pudding crunch cheesecake
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
INGREDIENTS
Ingredients for the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Ingredients for the Cheesecake:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup banana pudding mix (dry)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers for added crunch
For the Topping:
- Sliced bananas, for garnish
- Additional crushed graham crackers
- Chopped peanuts, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preparing the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, peanuts, walnuts, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. This base gives the cheesecake its unique texture and nutty flavor.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and set aside.
- Making the Cheesecake Mixture:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add granulated sugar and continue beating until the mixture is creamy.
- Incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well mixed into the batter.
- Stir in the mashed bananas, dry banana pudding mix, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth.
- To add that signature crunch, fold in the crushed graham crackers.
- Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Baking and Cooling:
- Bake the cheesecake for about 55-60 minutes or until the center is just set and the top appears slightly golden. This baking time is crucial for achieving the perfect texture—firm yet creamy.
- To prevent cracking, turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool gradually for 1 hour in the oven. This slow cooling process helps avoid sudden temperature changes that can cause the surface to crack.
- After cooling in the oven, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to set properly.
- Garnishing and Serving:
- Just before serving, garnish the cheesecake with fresh banana slices, additional crushed graham crackers, and chopped peanuts. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds to the visual appeal of the dessert.
