Description
If you’re a fan of rich, creamy desserts with the sweet flavors of banana and a hint of crunchy walnut, this Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake is for you! This no-bake dessert combines smooth cream cheese, banana-flavored pudding, and a buttery Nilla Wafer crust for a luscious treat that’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is easy to prepare and ideal for both everyday enjoyment and special gatherings.
Ingredients
- Crust
- 3 cups Nilla Wafer cookie crumbs (approximately one 11-ounce box)
- ½ cup butter, melted
- Filling
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream
- ¾ cup sugar
- 24 ounces cream cheese (3 8-ounce packages), softened
- 2 packages instant banana cream pudding mix (3.4 ounces each)
- Optional Garnish
- Whipped topping and banana slices for a beautiful finish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
Start by preparing the base of this dessert: a buttery Nilla Wafer crust.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Nilla Wafer crumbs and melted butter.
- Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a square 8×8-inch baking pan (a 9×9-inch pan works well), lined with parchment paper that extends up the edges for easy removal later.
- Chill the crust in the refrigerator or freezer while you move on to preparing the filling.
2. Whip the Cream
The whipped cream adds a luxurious lightness to the cake’s filling.
- In a large metal mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to whip the heavy cream and sugar together until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial to achieve the perfect texture for the filling. Set the whipped cream aside.
3. Mix the Cheesecake Filling
The cream cheese and banana pudding come together to create a delightful, banana-infused cheesecake layer.
- In another large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the dry pudding mixes, beating well between each addition to ensure a smooth mixture.
- Gently fold in the whipped cream until everything is well combined and fluffy.
4. Assemble and Chill
Once the filling is ready, it’s time to put it all together.
- Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled crust.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cake for at least 8 hours or overnight, allowing it to set fully. This step is key to achieving the right texture and flavor.
5. Garnish and Serve
Finally, it’s time to enjoy this dreamy dessert!
- Once the cake has chilled, cut it into 9 squares for easy serving.
- Garnish with a dollop of whipped topping and banana slices for a finishing touch. Serve the cake chilled for the best experience.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Variations: Add crushed walnuts or chocolate chips to the crust for an extra layer of flavor. For a lighter dessert, you can use lower-fat cream cheese and sugar-free pudding.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this dessert with a cup of coffee or tea, or serve with additional banana slices for an extra burst of fruity goodness.
Notes
Serving Tips
- Serve Chilled: For the best flavor and texture, serve the cake chilled. The creamy filling holds its shape beautifully when served cold, offering a refreshing and smooth bite.
- Garnish with Fresh Banana Slices: Add freshly sliced bananas right before serving. This not only enhances the banana flavor but also adds a beautiful presentation. To prevent browning, you can brush the banana slices with a bit of lemon juice.
- Add a Whipped Topping Dollop: For an extra indulgent touch, top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or whipped topping.
- Pair with Coffee or Tea: The cake’s rich, creamy flavor complements a cup of hot coffee or tea, adding a nice contrast to the dessert’s sweetness.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh.
- Cover Tightly: If you’re storing the cake in the same pan, cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing any refrigerator odors.
- Avoid Freezing: This dessert is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing may alter the creamy texture of the filling and cause separation upon thawing.
- Prepare in Advance: The cake can be prepared up to a day in advance, making it a convenient dessert option for parties and gatherings. Just add garnishes right before serving.
Enjoy every creamy, banana-filled bite with these simple serving and storage tips to keep your cake tasting fresh and delightful!
