I’m excited to share my recipe for Mini Banana Pudding Cheesecakes, a delightful mashup of banana pudding and creamy cheesecake in a convenient handheld format.
Short description
These mini cheesecakes combine a graham cracker crust, banana-infused cheesecake filling, and pudding-inspired topping. They’re perfect for parties or whenever I need a sweet banana fix!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how each bite bursts with banana flavor without being overly sweet. The creamy texture of the cheesecake meets the nostalgia of banana pudding. Plus, being mini, they’re easy to serve and adorable to present.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Butter, melted
- Cream cheese, softened
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Ripe bananas, mashed
- Vanilla extract
- Sour cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla wafers, crushed, for topping
Directions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C), and line a mini muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press a bit into the bottom of each mini cup to form the crust.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk, mashed bananas, vanilla extract, sour cream, and powdered sugar. Beat until silky.
- Spoon the banana cheesecake mixture over the crust in each cup, filling almost to the top.
- Bake 12–15 minutes, until edges are set but centers still jiggle slightly.
- Cool to room temp, then refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, top each cheesecake with crushed vanilla wafers and thin banana slices, if desired.
Servings and timing
I usually make 24 mini cheesecakes. Prep time is about 20 minutes, bake time is around 15 minutes, and refrigeration is at least 2 hours, or overnight if I’m prepping ahead.
Variations
- Chocolate Crunch: Substitute crushed chocolate cookies for the graham crust.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl a spoonful of peanut butter into the batter before baking.
- Caramel Banana: Drizzle caramel sauce on top instead of vanilla wafers.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top for texture.
Storage/reheating
I store any leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. For best flavor, I let them sit out 10 minutes before eating. They don’t reheat — these are best enjoyed chilled.
FAQs
How long will these cheesecakes last in the fridge?
I store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days. After that, the bananas may start to brown and the texture changes.
Can I freeze them?
Yes—I freeze them individually in a sealed container. They stay good for up to 2 months. I thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.
Can I use fresh banana slices on top?
Absolutely. I sometimes top with fresh banana slices right before serving for a burst of fresh flavor, but I add them just before eating to prevent browning.
Can I make them dairy-free or vegan?
I haven’t tried a fully vegan version, but I’ve swapped cream cheese for plant-based cheese and sour cream for coconut yogurt. The texture is a bit different but still tasty.
Can I make these in a regular muffin tin or springform pan?
Yes—just adjust bake time. For standard muffins, I bake around 18–20 minutes. For one large cheesecake (springform), bake about 40–45 minutes until the center is set.
Conclusion
I hope these Mini Banana Pudding Cheesecakes bring a smile to your day. They strike the perfect balance between creamy cheesecake and nostalgic banana pudding, all in a cute mini form. I love how adaptable they are—easy to switch up with chocolate, nuts, or caramel. Enjoy every bite!
PrintMini Banana Pudding Cheesecakes
Mini Banana Pudding Cheesecakes combine the classic flavors of banana pudding with rich, creamy cheesecake in a bite-sized treat perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 24 mini cheesecakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- Crushed vanilla wafers, for topping
- Banana slices, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a mini muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press into the bottom of each mini cup to form the crust.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk, mashed bananas, vanilla extract, sour cream, and powdered sugar. Beat until silky.
- Spoon the banana cheesecake mixture over the crusts, filling almost to the top.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until edges are set but centers still jiggle slightly.
- Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, top with crushed vanilla wafers and banana slices if desired.
Notes
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Best enjoyed chilled — allow to sit at room temp for 10 minutes before eating.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months and thawed overnight in the fridge.
- Fresh banana slices should be added just before serving to avoid browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cheesecake
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg