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Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick cooking spray or line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Cheesecake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add in the vanilla extract, eggs (one at a time), sour cream, mashed bananas, and lemon juice. Beat until well combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Bake the Cheesecake
- Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. The cheesecake will continue to firm up as it cools.
4. Make the Crunch Topping
- While the cheesecake is baking, prepare the crunch topping. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers, chopped pecans, melted butter, and brown sugar. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
5. Add the Crunch Topping
- After the cheesecake has finished baking, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the crunch topping evenly over the top. Return the cheesecake to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the topping is golden and crispy.
6. Cool and Chill
- Once baked, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to set properly.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Before serving, you can garnish the cheesecake with additional banana slices or whipped cream, if desired. To slice, run a knife around the edges of the springform pan before releasing the sides. Cut into wedges and serve chilled.
Tips for the Perfect Banana Pudding Crunch Cheesecake
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the more flavorful your cheesecake will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best taste.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the eggs to the batter, mix just until combined to ensure a smooth texture without cracks.
- Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding a splash of rum or banana liqueur to the batter for an adult twist!
Conclusion
Banana Pudding Crunch Cheesecake is a delightful fusion of two classic desserts that will leave everyone raving. Its creamy texture, rich banana flavor, and crunchy topping make it a must-try for any dessert lover. Whether you serve it for a special occasion or as a sweet treat for family and friends, this cheesecake is sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy the compliments that come your way as you slice into this delicious masterpiece!