Description
Delight in these Mini Banana Pudding Cheesecakes, a creamy and luscious treat combining the rich flavors of banana pudding with smooth cheesecake. Perfectly portioned in cupcake liners with a crunchy graham cracker crust, these individual cheesecakes are topped with whipped cream and fresh banana slices for an irresistible dessert ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 box instant banana pudding mix (approximately 3.4 oz)
Toppings
- Whipped cream for topping
- Banana slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for the cheesecakes.
- Prepare Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir well until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter and the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Form Crust: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the crumb mixture into each muffin cup. Press down gently with your fingers or the back of a spoon to create a firm, even crust layer.
- Mix Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the vanilla extract and eggs to the cream cheese mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to fully incorporate all ingredients.
- Combine Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the sour cream, heavy cream, mashed bananas, and instant banana pudding mix until everything is thoroughly blended to create a smooth batter.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crusts in each muffin cup, filling them about 3/4 full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the centers are just set with a slight jiggle when gently shaken.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the cheesecakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, top each mini cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with fresh banana slices to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake batter.
- If you prefer stronger banana flavor, add a little banana extract along with the vanilla.
- Instant banana pudding mix adds both flavor and helps set the cheesecake filling.
- Let cheesecakes chill completely to achieve the best texture and slice cleanly.
- These mini cheesecakes can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.