Banana Pudding Cheesecake Cups (Printable Version)
Creamy banana and cheesecake layers with vanilla wafer crunch in individual cups.
# Ingredient List:
→ Crust
01 - 1 cup vanilla wafer cookies, crushed
02 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
→ Cheesecake Filling
03 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
04 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
05 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
06 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
→ Banana Pudding Layer
07 - 1 (3.4 oz) package instant banana pudding mix
08 - 1 1/4 cups cold whole milk
09 - 2 ripe bananas, sliced
→ Topping
10 - Additional vanilla wafer crumbs
11 - Fresh banana slices
12 - Whipped cream (optional)
# How to Make:
01 - In a small bowl, combine crushed vanilla wafers and melted butter. Mix until evenly moistened. Spoon about 2 tablespoons into the bottom of each serving cup and press lightly to form the crust.
02 - In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
03 - In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.
04 - In another bowl, whisk together the banana pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened.
05 - Layer cheesecake filling over the crust in each cup, using about half the mixture.
06 - Add a layer of sliced bananas over the cheesecake filling.
07 - Spoon banana pudding over the banana layer, dividing evenly among cups.
08 - Top with remaining cheesecake mixture.
09 - Sprinkle each cup with additional wafer crumbs, more banana slices, and a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
10 - Cover and refrigerate the cups for at least 2 hours before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- No oven required, which means your kitchen stays cool and you still get an impressive dessert that looks like it came from a bakery.
- The layers look stunning in clear cups, making them perfect for dinner parties when you want to seem fancy without the effort.
02 -
- Bananas will brown if you slice them too early, so cut them right before layering or toss them in a little lemon juice to hold their color.
- The pudding sets quickly once mixed, so have everything else ready before you whisk it together.
03 -
- Freeze your mixing bowl and beaters for fifteen minutes before whipping cream for even fluffier results.
- Taste your bananas before using them because an unripe one will make the whole dessert fall flat.