Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs (about 60 cookies)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

For the Banana Pudding Layer:

• 1 box (3.4 ounces) instant banana pudding mix
• 1 1/2 cups cold milk
• 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping

For Topping:

• Additional sliced bananas
• Whipped cream

Instructions:

1. 
   
   Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Prepare the Crust:
   • In a bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form the crust.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
   • Add the sugar and continue to beat until well combined.
   • Mix in the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
   • Fold in the flour until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Pour Over Crust:
   • Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust in the springform pan.
5. 
   
   Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes or until the center is set and the top is lightly browned.
   • Allow the cheesecake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edge to loosen it.
6. Prepare Banana Pudding Layer:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the banana pudding mix and cold milk until well combined.
   • Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
   • Gently fold in the whipped cream or whipped topping.
7. Assemble:
   • Spread the banana pudding mixture over the cooled cheesecake.
8. Chill:
   • Place the cheesecake in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
9. Top and Serve:
   • Before serving, top the cheesecake with additional sliced bananas and whipped cream.
10. Slice and Enjoy:
    • Slice the Banana Pudding Cheesecake and enjoy this delightful dessert!

This cheesecake is a perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and the classic flavors of banana pudding. It's a great treat for banana lovers!