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Home » Recipes » Cheesecake Recipes

Southern Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Published: Sep 18, 2022 Last Updated: Sep 18, 2022 by Marye 1443 words. | About 8 minutes to read this article.

This layered banana pudding cheesecake is the perfect twist on the classic southern dessert. The bourbon, maple, and pecan topping is to die for!
Total time 9 hours
Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe
A slice of cheesecake being removed from the cake plate with text overlay for Pinterest.

If you love classic southern desserts you'll want to make this soon!

The cheesecake on a cake stand.
Jump to:
  • ❤️ Why you'll love it
  • 🧾 Ingredients
  • 🔪 Instructions
  • 🥫 Storage
  • 📖 Variations
  • 💭 Things to know
  • 👩‍🍳 FAQs
  • 📚 Related recipes
  • 🍽️ Serve with...
  • 📞 The last word
  • Southern Banana Pudding Cheesecake
  • 💬 Comments

❤️ Why you'll love it

  • All the great flavors of two classic desserts in one!
  • Unlike other cheesecake recipes, this one never cracks or curdles.
  • The bourbon maple pecan topping is one of my family's favorite things ever—seriously.

This banana pudding cheesecake recipe is the perfect dessert for, well, just about everything!

With fresh bananas, a sweet/salty topping, and a never-fail cheesecake worthy of the Cheesecake Factory, it's so good you might actually go bananas.

🧾 Ingredients

This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the green recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

Labeled ingredients for this recipe.

🔪 Instructions

This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions are in the green recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Step by step images showing how to layer the cheesecake.
  1. Mix the vanilla wafer crumbs and melted butter.
  2. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a springform pan.
  3. Blend the cream cheese and eggs. Add sour cream and vanilla extract.
  4. Layer the cheesecake mixture, bananas, chopped wafers, and more of the cheesecake filling into the vanilla wafer crust. Bake cheesecake.
Step by step images showing how to make the topping for this cheesecake.
  • Simmer the brown sugar, bourbon, and maple syrup.
  • Whisk, letting the mixture thicken.
  • Remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator.
  • Pour the bourbon/sugar mixture over the top of the cheesecake, then sprinkle with pecans.

🥫 Storage

Because of the high dairy content in this creamy banana pudding cheesecake, it's best to keep it refrigerated at all times.

Covered with plastic wrap or portioned into an airtight container, the cheesecake leftovers will last for up to four days. However, the vanilla wafer cookies will continue to soften a little bit.

I like to make banana pudding cheesecake one day before we plan to eat it. That seems to be the "sweet spot" for this tasty treat.

Overhead view of the pecan topping.

📖 Variations

  • Vanilla wafers bring the classic banana pudding flavor through, but you can use graham cracker crumbs for the crust if you really want to.
  • Bourbon vanilla refers to where the vanilla comes from. If you can't find it, another good-quality vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste will work.
  • Swap the pecans for walnuts if you prefer.
  • If you don't like bourbon or maple (crazy!) you could make a regular caramel to go on top.
  • Don't forget to serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or cool whip!

💭 Things to know

Expert Tip: The water bath (or bain-marie) ensures that your banana pudding cheesecake cooks slowly and evenly. This makes the final result extra creamy and delicious.

  • The bain-marie also prevents the dreaded cracks!
  • Make sure to wrap the outside of your springform pan tightly with foil. Don't skip the bottom of the pan, either! Otherwise, water could seep in and make your crust mushy.
  • Put the vanilla wafers in a food processor for easy prep. Just a few pulses will chop them, and, after a few more pulses, you'll have fine crumbs for the crust.
  • Don't whip too much air into the cream cheese mixture. It tastes best when it's mixed just on low speed to combine everything together.
  • If using a stand mixer, use the paddle attachment instead of the whisk.
  • If using an electric hand mixer, use the beaters instead of the whisks.
  • Real bananas taste best in this dessert, so don't try to swap them with banana flavoring or banana pudding mix.
  • You can use a banana slicer to make prep faster.
  • Sliced bananas turn brown once exposed to air, so don't let them sit out for too long before you get started baking.

👩‍🍳 FAQs

What is a springform pan?

A springform pan (or, cheesecake form) has removable sides. This way, you can easily lift away the outer ring (the outer edges/side of the pan) and display your beautiful cheesecake on a stand or platter.

Wait—what is banana pudding?

Oh, you're missing out! (And, I'll assume, not from the south!) Classic banana pudding is a layered dessert made of fresh banana slices, vanilla wafer cookies, and vanilla pudding or custard (though, some use banana cream pudding mix.)

Can I use this recipe for banana pudding cheesecake bars in a larger pan?

I haven't tested the baking time for bars, but you probably could make banana pudding bars with this recipe. The cheesecake is done cooking when the internal temp is 145-150 degrees F, and the time will depend on the shape of the pan you use. However, keep in mind, too, that the water bath is important, so don't skip that.

Is this a no-bake banana pudding cheesecake?

Nope, this cheesecake gets baked in the oven. I think it's extra delicious that way. However, if you're looking for a no-bake banana recipe, try this one instead.

Closeup of a slice of cheesecake with a bite removed.

📚 Related recipes

  • From-scratch Banana Pudding is comforting and delicious like nothing else! With real ingredients and optional meringue, it's a classic that everyone should make at least once (or, once a month!)
  • Nutter Butter Banana Pudding is a fun twist on the classic southern dessert. If you love peanut butter and bananas, this is a must-try!
  • Bananas Foster Cheesecake is another dessert combo that brings together elegant flavors with Southern classics—pull this one out for a special occasion and prepare for the highest of praise!
  • Closeup of cheesecake with a slice removed.
    Peppermint Bark Cheesecake
  • Closeup of a slice of Irish Cream cheesecake.
    Bailey's Irish Cream Cheesecake
  • Closeup of cheesecake.
    Reeses Peanut Butter Cheesecake
  • Collage of four cheesecakes representing all the recipes in this post.
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🍽️ Serve with...

Make it a classic Southern feast:

  • Southern Crockpot Mac and Cheese
  • Southern Green Beans
  • Mudslide Cocktail

📞 The last word

There's nothing like a creamy cheesecake to make people's eye's light up. This is so easy but it looks fancy!

If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need. Don't forget that you can click on "add to collection" to save it to your own, private recipe box!

If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Feature image showing the layers of cheesecake and bananas.
4.75 from 12 votes

Southern Banana Pudding Cheesecake

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This layered banana pudding cheesecake is the perfect twist on the classic southern dessert. The bourbon, maple, and pecan topping is to die for!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American - Southern
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Chill: 8 hours
Total Time: 9 hours
Servings:16 servings
Calories:549
Author:Marye Audet-White
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Equipment Needed

  • Springform pan

Ingredients

Cheesecake

  • 1 package 'Nilla Wafers, half turned to crumbs in the blender, half broken into large chunks
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 bananas, peeled and sliced
  • 32 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 6 eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla
  • 16 ounces sour cream

Bourbon Pecan Maple Glaze

  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ⅛ cup bourbon
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • ½ pound pecans, chopped

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

Instructions

Cheesecake

  • Preheat the oven to 375F.
  • Mix Nilla Wafers crumbs and butter and press into bottom and partly up sides of a 9-inch springform pan.
  • Wrap the bottom and sides of the springform with aluminum foil to seal out water.
  • Put the paddle attachment on the mixer.
  • Beat the cream cheese on low speed until blended.
  • Add sugar and continue to beat on low.
  • Add the eggs one at a time.
  • Remove from mixer and fold in sour cream and the vanilla.
  • Pour half the filling into the crust. Sprinkle with sliced bananas and remaining (chopped) 'Nilla Wafers.
  • Pour the remaining filling over in the prepared crust carefully.
  • Bake for 45 minutes in a bain marie (place cheesecake pan in another pan and add water until it comes halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan).
  • Leave oven door closed and turn off heat. Allow to stand for one hour.
  • Remove from oven and bain marie and allow to come to room temperature.
  • Chill for 8 hours.

Bourbon Pecan Maple Glaze

  • Bring all of the ingredients except the pecans to a simmer.
  • Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and mixture is reduced by half. It should be thickened.
  • Spread the glaze over the cooked cake, sprinkle on the pecans and press them in lightly.
  • Refrigerate until it is time to serve.

Notes

Storage:
Covered with plastic wrap or portioned into an airtight container, the cheesecake leftovers will last for up to four days.
Tips:
  • Walnuts may be used in place of the pecans.
  • The bain-marie also prevents the dreaded cracks!
  • Make sure to wrap the outside of your springform pan tightly with foil. Don't skip the bottom of the pan, either! Otherwise, water could seep in and make your crust mushy.
  • A little water always seeps in - it's ok. Just wrap and seal with aluminum foil as tightly as possible.
  • Put the vanilla wafers in a food processor for easy prep. Just a few pulses will chop them, and, after a few more pulses, you'll have fine crumbs for the crust.
  • Don't whip too much air into the cream cheese mixture. It tastes best when it's mixed just on low speed to combine everything together.
  • Real bananas taste best in this dessert, so don't try to swap them with banana flavoring or banana pudding mix.
  • Sliced bananas turn brown once exposed to air, so don't let them sit out for too long before you get started baking.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 549kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 146mg | Sodium: 234mg | Potassium: 294mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 37g | Vitamin A: 1140IU | Vitamin C: 2.3mg | Calcium: 116mg | Iron: 1mg

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    First published November 30, 2009. Last updated September 18, 2022 for better images and editorial content.

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    About Marye

    With a 40 year focus on the importance of family and a passion for southern comfort food, Marye Audet-White is an expert in melding the two together effortlessly. Marye's a NY Times Bestselling author with 10 cookbooks under her belt and her recipes have been featured in Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Today, House Beautiful, Texas Living, Food & Wine, and many more.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Catherine

      January 26, 2016 at 8:42 pm

      Dear Marye, this just sounds like a little slice of heaven to me! I wish I could taste this...I am sure it is absolutely divine. What a wonderful idea. xo, Catherine

      Reply
    2. Renée ♥ The Good Hearted Woman

      January 26, 2016 at 6:47 pm

      You had me at Bourbon Maple Glaze. Wow. Definitely putting this one on the "Must Make" list. Thank you!

      Reply
    3. Jennifer A Stewart

      January 26, 2016 at 6:31 pm

      5 stars
      Who in world thought that you could improve on banana pudding? Then this doozy comes along! YES!!

      Reply
    4. Kathy Hester

      January 26, 2016 at 12:48 pm

      I'm down with banana pudding everything, but your cheesecake may be what I dream about tonight. It looks amazing!

      Reply
    5. Marlynn @ UrbanBlissLife

      January 26, 2016 at 11:21 am

      5 stars
      Would it be okay to just eat spoonfuls of that bourbon maple glaze by itself? YUM! This entire dessert looks decadent and tasty. Great tip about the secret to a great cheesecake, too!

      Reply
    6. kellie @ The Suburban Soapbox

      January 26, 2016 at 8:45 am

      Now THAT looks incredible!!!! I wish I had it for breakfast.

      Reply
    7. allie @ Through Her Looking Glass

      January 26, 2016 at 8:40 am

      5 stars
      Gorgeous, Marye. You always have the BEST dessert ideas. I love banana pudding and cheesecake, and this dessert is one I'd love to make.

      Reply
    8. Lisa LaRocco

      April 03, 2014 at 8:49 am

      I CANNOT wait to make this for Easter. All my favorite things together in one dessert--banana pudding and cheesecake! What a brilliant idea.

      You photos are beyond gorgeous. I love the old fashion cake stand--looks just like something my Southern Grandma would have. Thanks for sharing,

      Lisa

      Reply

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