Banana Cream Cheesecake Bliss is the ultimate indulgence for dessert lovers. This luscious cheesecake combines creamy banana-flavored filling with a rich layer of Bavarian cream, all set on a buttery vanilla wafer crust. Finished with freshly whipped cream and sliced bananas, it’s a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or simply treating yourself to a luxurious slice of bliss.
INGREDIENTS- Vanilla wafer crumbs: 2¼ cups, for the perfect buttery crust.
- Salted butter: 10 tbsp, melted, to bind the crust together.
- Sugar: 3 tbsp (for crust) + 1 cup (for filling) + 2 tbsp (for Bavarian cream), to sweeten each layer.
- Cream cheese: 24 oz, softened, for the rich and creamy cheesecake filling.
- Flour: 3 tbsp, to stabilize the cheesecake mixture.
- Sour cream: ¼ cup, for a touch of tanginess in the filling.
- Banana extract: 4 tsp (for filling) + ¼ tsp (for Bavarian cream), to enhance the banana flavor.
- Pureed bananas: 1 cup (from 2 medium bananas), for natural sweetness and flavor.
- Eggs: 3 large, to create the cheesecake's silky texture.
- Gelatin: 1 tsp, to set the Bavarian cream.
- Milk: 2 tbsp, to bloom the gelatin.
- Heavy cream: ½ cup (for Bavarian cream) + ½ cup (for topping), to add richness and fluffiness.
- Powdered sugar: 5 tbsp (for Bavarian cream) + ¼ cup (for topping), to lightly sweeten the creams.
- Fresh sliced bananas: For garnish, adding a finishing touch.
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Mix vanilla wafer crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture into a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let it cool, then wrap the pan with foil to prepare for a water bath.
- Step 2:
- Lower the oven temperature to 300°F. In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and flour until smooth. Add sour cream, banana extract, and pureed bananas. Gradually mix in the eggs, one at a time, until fully combined.
- Step 3:
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust. Place the springform pan into a larger pan filled with hot water halfway up the sides. Bake for 90 minutes.
- Step 4:
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door closed for 30 minutes. Crack the oven door open and cool for another 30 minutes. Then, remove the cheesecake and cool completely.
- Step 5:
- For the Bavarian cream, sprinkle gelatin over milk and let it bloom. Heat heavy cream, sugar, and extracts until warm. Temper with egg yolks and return to the heat, stirring until thickened. Stir in gelatin and cool over an ice bath.
- Step 6:
- Fold in whipped cream made from cold heavy cream and powdered sugar. Spread the Bavarian cream evenly over the cooled cheesecake. Chill in the refrigerator for 5-6 hours until set.
- Step 7:
- Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract for the topping. Pipe the whipped cream decoratively onto the cheesecake and garnish with fresh banana slices before serving.
- Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Add fresh banana slices just before serving to prevent browning.
- Freeze the cheesecake (without toppings) for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before decorating and serving.
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother cheesecake filling.
- To avoid cracks, ensure the water bath is filled with enough water and avoid overmixing the batter.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce over the slices before serving.
- Keep the whipped cream topping light to highlight the rich banana and Bavarian cream layers.