Name: Strawberry Banana Cheesecake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 80 min
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs.; ¼ cup sugar.; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted.; 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened.; 1 cup sugar.; ½ cup sour cream.; 3 large eggs.; 2 tsp vanilla extract.; ½ cup mashed bananas.; ½ cup diced strawberries.; 1 cup whipped cream.; Fresh strawberry slices.; Banana slices.

Strawberry Banana Delight Cheesecake is a fruity and creamy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This cheesecake features a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth and rich cream cheese filling infused with mashed bananas and diced strawberries, and a whipped cream topping adorned with fresh strawberry and banana slices. Each bite offers a luscious blend of fruit and cheesecake, making it the ideal dessert for family gatherings, special events, or even as a sweet treat after dinner. Easy to prepare, this cheesecake will be a crowd-pleaser every time!

The Strawberry Banana Delight Cheesecake is a fusion of fruity sweetness and creamy indulgence, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. A buttery graham cracker crust serves as the base for this delightful treat, which is topped with a rich and creamy cheesecake filling infused with fresh bananas and strawberries. The cheesecake is then finished with a whipped cream topping and garnished with more fresh fruit, creating a dessert that is not only delicious but also visually stunning. It’s perfect for a family gathering, special event, or simply indulging your sweet tooth!

INGREDIENTS

Graham cracker crumbs: 1½ cups, creates the buttery crust
Sugar: ¼ cup for crust, 1 cup for filling, sweetens the cheesecake
Unsalted butter: ½ cup melted, holds the crust together
Cream cheese: 3 (8 oz) packages softened, the base of the creamy filling
Sour cream: ½ cup, adds tanginess and smoothness to the cheesecake
Eggs: 3 large, helps bind the filling
Vanilla extract: 2 tsp, adds flavor to the cheesecake
Mashed bananas: ½ cup, adds sweetness and flavor to the filling
Diced strawberries: ½ cup, provides fruity flavor in every bite
Whipped cream: 1 cup for topping
Fresh strawberries and bananas: For garnish, makes the dessert beautiful and flavorful

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
Step 2:: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the sour cream, vanilla, and eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Step 3:: Fold in the mashed bananas and diced strawberries. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust.
Step 4:: Bake the cheesecake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside the oven with the door slightly open.
Step 5:: Once fully cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 6:: Before serving, top the cheesecake with whipped cream, fresh strawberry slices, and banana slices.

Serving and Storage Tips

For best results, refrigerate the cheesecake overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set. Garnish with fresh fruit just before serving for the best presentation.
Leftover cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices and thaw them in the refrigerator when ready to serve.

Helpful Notes

Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake batter.
Use ripe bananas and fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture in the cheesecake filling.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

Chef Ina Garten suggests using a water bath to bake cheesecakes to prevent cracks. Simply wrap the springform pan in foil and place it in a larger pan filled with water halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan.