Banana Cream Cheesecake

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If you’re on the hunt for the perfect cheesecake, look no further. This Banana Cream Cheesecake will leave you and your guests in awe. With its rich, creamy texture and delightful banana flavor, this cheesecake is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients:

CRUST:

  • 2 1/4 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
  • 10 tbsp salted butter, melted
  • 3 tbsp sugar

CHEESECAKE FILLING:

  • 24 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sour cream, room temperature
  • 4 tsp banana extract
  • 1 cup pureed banana (2 medium-sized bananas)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature

BAVARIAN CREAM:

  • 1 tsp powdered gelatin
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp banana extract
  • 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 5 tbsp powdered sugar

WHIPPED CREAM TOPPING:

  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Fresh sliced bananas

Directions:

Crust:

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Mix the vanilla wafer crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well combined.
  3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan.
  4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes and then set aside to cool.

Cheesecake Filling:

  1. Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and flour until smooth.
  3. Add the sour cream and banana extract, mixing until well combined.
  4. Add the pureed bananas and mix well.
  5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing slowly to avoid incorporating too much air into the batter.
  6. Pour the filling into the cooled crust.
  7. Place the springform pan inside a larger pan filled with hot water (water bath).
  8. Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
  9. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for an additional 30 minutes.
  10. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Bavarian Cream:

  1. Sprinkle the powdered gelatin over the milk in a small bowl and let it sit for a few minutes.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks together.
  3. Heat the heavy whipping cream and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until warm.
  4. Slowly pour a small amount of the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the yolks.
  5. Pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in the gelatin until fully dissolved.
  7. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
  8. In a large bowl, whip the cold heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
  9. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled custard.
  10. Spread the Bavarian cream over the cooled cheesecake.

Whipped Cream Topping:

  1. In a large bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
  2. Pipe or spread the whipped cream over the top of the cheesecake.
  3. Decorate with fresh sliced bananas before serving.

Additional Information:

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12-14

Serving and Storage Tips :

Serving Tips:

  1. Chill Before Serving: Ensure the cheesecake is thoroughly chilled before serving. This enhances its texture and flavor.
  2. Cut with a Warm Knife: For clean slices, run a sharp knife under hot water, dry it, and then cut the cheesecake. Wipe the knife clean between each slice.
  3. Serve with Toppings: Add a dollop of whipped cream and a few fresh banana slices on each slice for an elegant presentation.
  4. Pair with Coffee or Tea: This rich cheesecake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, balancing the sweetness.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration: Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, to keep it fresh. It will last for up to 5 days.
  2. Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. The cheesecake can be frozen for up to 2 months.
  3. Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw the cheesecake in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures it retains its creamy texture.
  4. Avoid Room Temperature: Cheesecake should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage.

By following these tips, you can ensure your Banana Cream Cheesecake remains delicious and fresh, ready to delight at any moment!

Variations:

  • Chocolate Banana Cheesecake: Add 1/2 cup of melted chocolate to the cheesecake batter for a rich chocolate-banana flavor.
  • Peanut Butter Banana Cheesecake: Swirl 1/2 cup of peanut butter into the cheesecake batter before baking.
  • Banana Nut Cheesecake: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the cheesecake batter for a nutty twist.
  • Strawberry Banana Cheesecake: Add a layer of sliced strawberries on top of the Bavarian cream before adding the whipped cream topping.
  • Caramel Banana Cheesecake: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the whipped cream before serving.
  • Banana Foster Cheesecake: Add a layer of bananas sautéed in butter, brown sugar, and rum on top of the cheesecake before adding the Bavarian cream.
  • Coconut Banana Cheesecake: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the cheesecake batter and sprinkle toasted coconut on top of the whipped cream.
  • Banana Split Cheesecake: Top the cheesecake with chocolate sauce, strawberry sauce, and a cherry for a banana split-inspired dessert.
  • Banana Pudding Cheesecake: Add a layer of vanilla pudding on top of the cheesecake before adding the Bavarian cream.
  • Banana Rum Cheesecake: Add 2 tablespoons of rum to the cheesecake batter for a tropical twist.
  • Banana Chocolate Chip Cheesecake: Fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips into the cheesecake batter for a chocolatey surprise.
  • Banana Cinnamon Swirl Cheesecake: Add a cinnamon-sugar swirl into the cheesecake batter for a hint of spice.
  • Maple Banana Cheesecake: Substitute 1/4 cup of the sugar in the cheesecake batter with maple syrup for a warm, sweet flavor.
  • Berry Banana Cheesecake: Mix in 1/2 cup of mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, etc.) into the cheesecake batter.
  • Banana Mocha Cheesecake: Add 2 tablespoons of instant coffee granules to the cheesecake batter for a coffee-flavored twist.
  • Pineapple Banana Cheesecake: Fold in 1/2 cup of crushed pineapple into the cheesecake batter for a tropical flavor.
  • Banana Orange Cheesecake: Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the cheesecake batter for a citrusy note.
  • Salted Caramel Banana Cheesecake: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake before serving.
  • Banana Almond Cheesecake: Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the cheesecake batter and sprinkle sliced almonds on top.
  • Pumpkin Banana Cheesecake: Add 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the cheesecake batter for a fall-inspired treat.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use a different type of crust? Yes, you can use graham cracker crumbs or a cookie crust instead of vanilla wafer crumbs.
  2. Can I substitute the banana extract? You can use vanilla extract, but the banana flavor will be less intense.
  3. How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake? Baking the cheesecake in a water bath and allowing it to cool gradually in the oven helps prevent cracks.
  4. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time? Yes, this cheesecake can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
  5. Can I freeze the cheesecake? Yes, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
  6. How do I puree the bananas? Use a blender or food processor to puree the bananas until smooth.
  7. Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, thaw the bananas completely and drain any excess liquid before pureeing.
  8. What if I don’t have a springform pan? You can use a regular cake pan, but it will be harder to remove the cheesecake without damaging it.
  9. How long should I chill the cheesecake before serving? Chill the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture.
  10. Can I use low-fat cream cheese? Full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture and flavor, but you can use low-fat cream cheese if desired.

Enjoy this decadent Banana Cream Cheesecake, and prepare to impress your friends and family with this irresistible dessert!