I’m a California girl, born and raised. I haven’t yet left, and when I do, I’m aiming straight for New York City, but there will always be a California-ness in me. Like the fact that I have terrible road rage that causes me to cuss and flail my arms, the fact that I just bought a coat last fall, and that I have no idea what kind of shoes people even wear in the snow.
But there’s a part of me that kind of wishes I was Southern. Southern people have a charm about them that I like, they make amazing food that I want to eat every day, and there’s just something so special about the South. I’ve never been, except for Austin, TX which doesn’t count since it’s like the San Francisco of Texas. But otherwise, I’m dreaming to go to the South, engorge on the food and pick up some of that Southern charm.
I happen to have a friend named Christina who is full of Southern charm and wonderful Southern-inspired recipes. You may have heard of her – she blogs at the ever-popular site Dessert For Two where she posts effortless dinners, sides, drinks and desserts for two people. It’s the cutest little site with amazing recipes, like her Jamberry and Moonshine Cocktails (yum) or her Double Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Christina happens to be pregnant and expecting her first child very soon, so a couple bloggy friends and I decided to throw her a virtual baby shower to celebrate Christina’s greatness and her new journey into motherhood. We’re so proud of you, Christina!
And since Christina is a Southern girl, I figured a Banana Pudding Cheesecake was necessary. Banana pudding, a classic Southern dish, with a creamy cheesecake twist. There’s really nothing better.
You guys have to give this cheesecake a try. It’s ridic.
Banana Pudding Cheesecake
Ingredients
- 2 (8 ounce each) pkgs cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 2/3 cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream full fat
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tsp banana extract
- 2 medium bananas very ripe and mashed
- 1 Nilla Wafer crust prepared or homemade
- Whipped cream
- Banana slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Place the prepared pie crust on a baking sheet and set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese and sugar on medium-high speed until creamed, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, until blended and creamy. Lastly, beat in the sour cream, extracts and bananas until combined and mostly smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared crust, smooth out the top. Bake for approx. 35-40 minutes or until the edges are set, the top is very lightly golden brown and the center is just slightly jiggly. Cool completely to room temperature, then refrigerate for at LEAST 3 hours, preferably overnight, before topping with whipped cream and sliced bananas if you'd like.
- Cut into squares and serve! Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
This cheesecake is so smooth and creamy, and the banana flavor is out of control! Sweet, fruity and absolutely delicious, and paired with the Nilla Wafer crust, it tastes just like banana pudding. You won’t be able to resist having a second piece, I promise 🙂
Be sure to check out some of the other yummy recipes my bloggy friends made for Christina’s virtual shower!
Fizzy Grapefruit Margaritas from Well Plated
Earl Grey Cake with Vanilla Bean Buttercream from Country Cleaver
Mini Bourbon and Bacon Tater Tot Casseroles from Climbing Grier Mountain
Maple-Chia Overnight Oatmeal from Feed Me Phoebe
Lemon Cake for Two from Keep It Sweet Desserts
Mini Raspberry Rhubarb Pavlovas from The Baker Chick
Almond Berry Cake Parfaits for Two from Edible Perspective
Peanut Butter Bourbon Blondies from The Frosted Vegan
Mixed Berry Mascarpone Scones from Bluebonnet Baker
Greek Yogurt Funfetti Cupcakes for Two from The Housewife in Training Files
Bourbon Barbeque Sliders with Bleu Cheese from Saucy Pear
Steak Fajita Tacos for Two from The Sweetphi Blog
Mango Madeleines from Stetted
Citrus Salad with Mint, Honey, and Lime from Rachel Cooks
Parfaits for Two from Order in the Kitchen
Peanut Butter Chocolate Mousse with Coconut Whipped Cream from Joyful Healthy Eats
French Breakfast Puffs from Stephie Cooks
Blueberry Vanilla Cream Hand Pies from Eats Well With Others
Banana Pudding Cheesecake from The Domestic Rebel
Have a great day!
xo, Hayley
Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg says
Hayley – This is the perfect baby shower treat. I’d be the first one in line for this dessert. You definitely should come to NYC. I’ve never been to California, but I did fall in love with Utah and Nevada when I visited. 🙂
thedomesticrebel says
You’ve never been to California?! You NEED to come! It’s gorgeous here – in certain parts 😉 And fun fact, I do plan on moving to NYC one of these days… if I can get my shopping under control, ha!
Laura @ Laura's Culinary Adventures says
Looks delicious! A little bit of me wishes I was from the south as well 🙂
thedomesticrebel says
Haha, I think everyone wishes they were Southern, even just a little 🙂
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
awwww yayyy! I love Christina and am SO excited about her impending little one!!
I also agree–sometimes I wish I was Southern lol. And I doooo declare that this cheesecake looks absolutely ravishin’ 😛
thedomesticrebel says
“I do declare” HA! The perfect Southern phrase. Thanks Kayle!
DessertForTwo says
Miss Hayley!! Thank you SO much for all the kind words! and thanks for being you! I’m so dang proud of YOU! I’m so glad that we do this crazy thing called blogging so that I can meet and chat with people like you! We need to hang out in real life! I’ll take ya to the South, lady. (shh! secret: we might be moving back, and you can come visit! and make this cheesecake! because seriously, banana pudding anything is a Southerner’s favorite! See!–you would fit right in because you already know the importance of banana pudding). <–Longest parenthesis ever.
Back to you and how much I love you! Thank you so much for all the kind words!
PS you owe me a cookbook update 😉
XOXOX
Katelyn @munchie pie says
I am so jealous you don’t know about winter shoes! Trust me…you don’t want to know! This pie looks amazing!! I love cheesecake and nilla wafer crust recipes!
Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain says
Clearly, I need to make these ASAP!! Such a fun treat for the baby shower today!
thedomesticrebel says
Thanks so much Lauren! 🙂
Annie @ Annie's Noms says
Ahhh this is SO cool! I absolutely love it. Pudding and cheesecake in one dessert?! Heck yes!
thedomesticrebel says
Thanks Annie!! xoxo!
Megan {Country cleaver} says
This is the perfect mix of southern charm and California flair!! Perfect for Christina and has the Haley-twist written all over it!
thedomesticrebel says
Thanks so much, Megan! You’re totally right – it’s the best of both worlds!
Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog says
Ha, love this! I’m from the midwest (chicago) and have lived in New York and can tell you that the shoes for snow are boots. Lots of boots, and the best ones are not so attractive lol. Funnily enough the majority (like a HUGE percentage) of my blog readers are from California, so I’m all about awesome Californians! This banana pudding cheesecake sounds amazing, and like something I’m going to need to make for my husband asap, he loves banana desserts and cheesecakes…sooo…could this be any more perfect?
thedomesticrebel says
Phi, I’m actually really glad the snow shoes are boots… because I LIVE in boots year-round! I LOVE them. (I don’t do sandals) so you totally made my day!
Jen @ Baked by an Introvert says
I am a huge sucker for banana pudding and cheesecake! Love this, Hayley!! It’s perfect for a baby shower!
thedomesticrebel says
Thanks Jen! xoxo!
Shawn @ I Wash You Dry says
This cheesecake looks lip smacking good! And y’all are so fun! My accent is fake. I’m from AZ. But seriously, it is awesome to be part of the blogging community, trying new foods, and having fun!
thedomesticrebel says
Ha, I know, right?! I still say ‘y’all’ after Austin’s conference and I’ve only been to Texas once. Haha!
Lynn @ Order in the Kitchen says
Sounds incredible! I’m in NYC as we speak and you should definitely come out here!! I’m from the south and it’s pretty cool but I’ve always wanted to spend some time in California so I guess it really is always greener huh? Ha 🙂 Anyway, this looks delicious! Enjoyed doing the shower with you! 🙂
thedomesticrebel says
Lynn, you and I should totally trade places! I’m meant to live in NYC, and I’m completely prepared to leave perpetually-sunny CA behind!
Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says
I have a slight obsession with cheesecake. LOVE this version! And how perfect for the baby shower!
thedomesticrebel says
Thanks Ashley!
krista @joyfulhealthyeats says
You so hit this on the head Hayley, Banana Pudding is the Southern classic and this cheesecake twist you put on it. Well.. lets just say you might need to make it for me this weekend! 🙂 hehe (for reals)
thedomesticrebel says
Lol I totally need to remake it – I didn’t eat nearly enough of it when I did originally 🙂 Thanks Krista!
Nicole says
This cheesecake is BLOWING MY MIND! I, like, NEED it.
thedomesticrebel says
Thanks Nicole! xoxo!
Cynthia B. says
Banana Pudding (The dessert of the South) and Cheesecake?!?! Have I died and gone to heaven! I can’t wait to try this!
thedomesticrebel says
Thanks so much, Cynthia! I’m so glad I hit the nail on the Southern head with this dessert 🙂
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
What a fun party!! And OMG this cheesecake. DYING.
thedomesticrebel says
Thanks Dorothy!
[email protected] says
I totally share your desire to be southern! What a fun twist on a southern dessert classic. Thanks so much for joining the shower!
thedomesticrebel says
Thanks so much for having me, Erin!! xoxo!!
Lauren at Keep It Sweet says
Why yes I would like a giant slice! I’ll take extra whipped cream, too;-)
thedomesticrebel says
Extra whipped cream is a necessity! Thanks Lauren!
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says
I’ve made bananas foster mini cheesecakes and now I must have this banana pudding cheesecake! Nothing beats a vanilla wafer crust.
thedomesticrebel says
Thanks Erin! I totally agree 🙂 And bananas foster cheesecakes sound divine!
Jill Roberts says
I am obsessed with desserts like this banana pudding cheesecake! I found your post from Pinterest ! Thanks for sharing, Hayley!