Banana Split Cheesecake Recipe

Dreamy Banana Split Cheesecake Recipe: A Sweet Fusion Delight

Creamy cheesecake meets classic banana split in this delightful dessert that blends nostalgic flavors and decadent textures.

Rich cream cheese mingles with sweet bananas, creating a dreamy fusion of comfort and indulgence.

Layers of smooth filling sit atop a buttery graham cracker crust, promising a symphony of taste in every bite.

Fresh bananas and velvety chocolate drizzle add luxurious depth to this irresistible treat.

Vibrant cherries and crunchy nuts complete the dessert, echoing the beloved ice cream parlor favorite.

Each slice delivers a perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and rich elements that dance across your palate.

This showstopping dessert will become the star of any gathering, leaving everyone craving another forkful.

FAQs

  • What is a water bath, and why is it important for this cheesecake?

A water bath helps distribute heat evenly and prevents the cheesecake from cracking by creating a moist baking environment. It allows the cheesecake to cook gently and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.

  • Can I use real bananas instead of banana extract?

Yes, you can use mashed ripe bananas, which are already included in the recipe. The extract provides an extra boost of banana flavor, but the mashed bananas contribute natural sweetness and texture.

  • How do I know when the cheesecake is properly baked?

The cheesecake is done when the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly. It will continue to set as it cools in the oven, which helps prevent cracks and ensures a creamy consistency.

Why Banana Split Cheesecake Always Feels Like Summer

  • Create Nostalgic Dessert Twist: Transform a classic banana split into a creamy, indulgent cheesecake that brings back sweet childhood memories with every delightful bite.
  • Master Showstopping Presentation
  • Customize with Playful Toppings: Personalize your cheesecake by adding favorite banana split ingredients like fresh fruits, crunchy nuts, and rich chocolate sauce for a totally unique dessert experience.
  • Foolproof Baking Technique: Follow the gentle water bath and slow cooling method to guarantee a perfectly smooth, crack-free cheesecake that looks and tastes professional.

What Goes Into Banana Split Cheesecake Bliss

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients together and adds richness.
  • Sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the crust.
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary component that creates the smooth and creamy texture of the cheesecake.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps stabilize the cheesecake and prevent cracking.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and contributes to the creamy consistency.
  • Banana Extract: Provides a concentrated banana flavor.
  • Mashed Bananas: Adds natural banana taste and moisture to the filling.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients and help the cheesecake set properly.
Whipped Cream “Ice Cream” and Topping Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream, Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Create the base for the whipped cream scoops and swirls.
  • Pink Food Coloring: Gives the strawberry whipped cream its color.
  • Pineapple, Strawberries, Cherries, Nuts, Bananas: Provide additional flavor and decoration.
  • Chocolate Sauce: Adds a decadent finishing touch to the dessert.

Craft Your Perfect Banana Split Cheesecake At Home

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Set your oven to 325°F.

Grab a 9-inch springform pan and line it with parchment paper, making sure to grease the sides thoroughly for easy removal.

Step 2: Create the Crust

  • Graham crackers
  • Butter
  • Sugar

Crush the graham crackers and mix with melted butter and sugar.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool completely.

Step 3: Lower Oven Temperature

Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F, preparing for the cheesecake’s delicate baking process.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling

  • Cream cheese
  • Sugar
  • Flour
  • Sour cream
  • Banana extract
  • Mashed bananas
  • Eggs

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and flour on low speed until silky smooth.

Gently fold in sour cream, banana extract, and mashed bananas.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated to maintain a luxurious texture.

Step 5: Bake in a Water Bath

Pour the creamy filling into the cooled crust.

Create a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger baking dish filled with hot water.

Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes, then turn off the oven, leaving the cheesecake inside to cool slowly and prevent cracking.

Step 6: Prepare Whipped Cream “Ice Cream” Layers

For each whipped cream layer:
  • Heavy cream
  • Powdered sugar
  • Flavoring

Whip the cream until stiff peaks form.

For the strawberry version, add a touch of pink food coloring for a playful look.

Step 7: Freeze the Whipped Cream Layers

Freeze the whipped cream “ice cream” layers until firm and scoopable.

Step 8: Final Assembly

Once the cheesecake is completely chilled, arrange the frozen whipped cream “ice cream” scoops on top of the cheesecake.

Step 9: Garnish and Decorate

Pipe vanilla whipped cream swirls around the scoops.

Sprinkle with delightful toppings:
  • Fresh pineapple chunks
  • Sliced strawberries
  • Maraschino cherries
  • Chopped nuts
  • Sliced bananas
  • Chocolate sauce drizzle

Serve chilled and enjoy your spectacular banana split cheesecake!

Insider Tips For Banana Split Cheesecake Mastery

  • Cool the cheesecake slowly inside the oven after baking to minimize surface cracks and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Use very ripe, almost overripe bananas for a more intense, natural sweetness and deeper banana taste in the filling.
  • Wrap the springform pan in heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping into the crust during baking.
  • Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and achieve the ideal firm consistency.

Fun Ways To Remix Banana Split Cheesecake

  • Gluten-Free Banana Split Cheesecake: Replace graham cracker crust with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs. Use certified gluten-free ingredients for a safe, delicious alternative.
  • Vegan Banana Split Cheesecake: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese. Use coconut cream, silken tofu, or vegan cream cheese. Substitute eggs with cornstarch or aquafaba for binding.
  • Low-Carb Banana Alternative: Replace bananas with sugar-free banana extract and mashed cauliflower. Use almond flour or crushed nuts for the crust. Swap sugar with stevia or erythritol.

Banana Split Cheesecake: Serving For Smiles

  • Banana Lovers' Paradise: Top the cheesecake with fresh banana slices and caramelized banana chunks for an extra burst of fruity flavor.
  • Party-Perfect Presentation: Create individual mini banana split cheesecake portions for elegant dessert gatherings, using small ramekins or dessert glasses.
  • Chocolate Lover's Dream: Sprinkle dark chocolate shavings and drizzle warm chocolate ganache over the whipped cream scoops for intense chocolate lovers.
  • Nutty Crunch Delight: Sprinkle toasted almond slivers, chopped pecans, or candied walnuts around the edges for a delightful textural contrast and added crunch.

Store Banana Split Cheesecake For Later Happiness

  • Store the banana split cheesecake in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring the cake stays fresh and maintains its creamy texture.
  • Wrap the cheesecake securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve its delicate flavor and texture.
  • Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power. Alternatively, let the slice sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before enjoying.
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Banana Split Cheesecake Recipe

Banana Split Cheesecake Recipe


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4.8 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent banana split cheesecake blends classic dessert charm with creamy cheesecake perfection. Rich layers of banana, chocolate, and vanilla create a delightful symphony that delights taste buds and brings nostalgic summer memories home.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese
  • 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) mashed bananas

Crust Ingredients:

  • 2¼ cups (270 grams) vanilla wafer crumbs
  • 10 tablespoons (142 grams) salted butter
  • 3 tablespoons (36 grams) sugar

Additional Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons (24 grams) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) sour cream
  • 2 teaspoons banana extract
  • Pineapple
  • Strawberries
  • Cherries
  • Nuts
  • Bananas
  • Chocolate sauce

Whipped Cream Toppings:

  • 4½ cups (1080 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
  • 18 tablespoons (135 grams) powdered sugar
  • 6 tablespoons (30 grams) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2¼ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup (45 grams) freeze-dried strawberries
  • Pink gel icing color (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 325°F and ready a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and grease, ensuring easy removal.
  2. Craft the crust by combining ingredients, pressing firmly into the pan’s base, and baking for 10 minutes until lightly golden. Allow to cool completely.
  3. Reduce oven temperature to 300°F for the delicate cheesecake preparation.
  4. Create the creamy filling by gently blending cream cheese, sugar, and flour until silky smooth. Fold in sour cream, banana extract, and mashed bananas carefully.
  5. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing minimally to maintain a luxurious texture. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense cheesecake.
  6. Transfer the filling into the prepared crust, positioning the pan within a water bath to ensure even, gentle baking.
  7. Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes, then switch off the oven, allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually inside, preventing unsightly cracks.
  8. Whip each cream “ice cream” variant separately, achieving stiff, sculptural peaks. For strawberry version, introduce a soft pink hue.
  9. Freeze the whipped cream “ice cream” scoops until firm and structured.
  10. After complete chilling and setting, artfully arrange the frozen cream scoops atop the cheesecake.
  11. Create elegant vanilla whipped cream swirls around the scoops just before serving.
  12. Embellish with an array of classic banana split toppings: fresh pineapple, ripe strawberries, maraschino cherries, chopped nuts, sliced bananas, and a decadent chocolate sauce drizzle.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter and even mixing.
  • Always wrap the springform pan’s exterior with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping into the delicate crust during the water bath.
  • Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually inside the turned-off oven to minimize surface cracking and achieve a creamy, silky texture.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, replace graham cracker crust with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to maintain a similar crisp base.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 438
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 186 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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