No Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake Cups (Printable)
Creamy banana pudding and cheesecake layered in individual cups with fresh bananas and vanilla wafer crumbs for an effortless no-bake dessert.
# What You'll Need:
→ Crust
01 - 1 cup vanilla wafer cookies, crushed
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
→ Cheesecake Filling
03 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
04 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
05 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
06 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
→ Banana Pudding Layer
07 - 1 (3.4 oz) package instant banana pudding mix
08 - 1 1/4 cups cold whole milk
09 - 2 ripe bananas, sliced
→ Topping
10 - Additional vanilla wafer crumbs
11 - Fresh banana slices
12 - Whipped cream (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Combine crushed vanilla wafers and melted butter in a small bowl, mixing until evenly moistened. Distribute approximately 2 tablespoons into the bottom of each serving cup and press lightly to form a compact crust layer.
02 - Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl using a hand mixer until completely smooth and creamy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
03 - In a separate chilled bowl, whip cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated and no streaks remain.
04 - Whisk together instant banana pudding mix and cold milk in another bowl for 2 minutes until mixture begins to thicken properly.
05 - Layer half of the cheesecake filling over the crust in each cup. Arrange a layer of fresh banana slices over the cheesecake filling.
06 - Spoon prepared banana pudding over the banana layer, dividing evenly among all serving cups.
07 - Top each cup with the remaining cheesecake mixture, spreading evenly to cover the pudding layer.
08 - Sprinkle each cup generously with additional vanilla wafer crumbs, arrange fresh banana slices on top, and add a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
09 - Cover cups securely and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and layers to set properly before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The texture contrast between silky cheesecake and crisp wafer crumbs is absolutely addictive
- They come together in under 30 minutes but taste like you spent hours perfecting them
02 -
- Room temperature cream cheese is nonnegotiable here, cold cream cheese will leave you with a lumpy filling no matter how much you beat it
- Add your banana slices right before serving or toss them in a little lemon juice to prevent them from turning brown
03 -
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes before whipping the heavy cream, it makes the process faster and helps achieve better volume
- Use a piping bag for the cheesecake layers if you want perfectly neat stripes, though spooning it in creates a more rustic, homemade look