01 -
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
02 -
In a medium bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until evenly coated. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even layer. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool.
03 -
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Mix in the sour cream and flour until well combined.
04 -
Add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition until just combined. Stir in the banana pudding mix and vanilla extract, then fold in the mashed bananas.
05 -
Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust in the springform pan.
06 -
Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C). Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly puffed.
07 -
Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly open for 1 hour. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
08 -
In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form to prepare the whipped cream topping.
09 -
Once the cheesecake is chilled and set, remove it from the springform pan. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the top of the cheesecake.
10 -
Garnish with sliced bananas and extra vanilla wafers before serving.