The Perfect Bite-Sized Dessert for Banana Lovers!
These Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bites combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the nostalgic flavors of classic banana pudding—all in a convenient, bite-sized treat! With a vanilla wafer crust, a smooth banana cheesecake filling, and toppings of fresh banana slices and mini wafers, these little delights are perfect for parties, potlucks, or a sweet snack.
Best of all, they require no baking—just mix, chill, and enjoy! Below, you’ll find the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, FAQs, and tips for the best results.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups vanilla wafer crumbs (about 15–18 wafers, crushed)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning)
For the Topping:
- Mini vanilla wafers
- Sliced banana (tossed in lemon juice to prevent browning)
- Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan
- Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
2. Make the Crust
- In a bowl, mix vanilla wafer crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until it resembles wet sand.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the mixture into each muffin cup.
- Press down firmly with the back of a spoon.
- Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and mashed banana, mixing well.
- Gradually pour in heavy cream and lemon juice, beating until thick and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
4. Assemble the Cheesecake Bites
- Spoon or pipe the filling over the crusts, smoothing the tops.
- Chill for at least 2 hours (or until firm).
5. Add Toppings
- Before serving, top each bite with:
- A mini vanilla wafer
- A banana slice (lightly dipped in lemon juice)
- A dollop of whipped cream (optional)
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- Gently remove from the tin and serve chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
✅ Yes! They keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add banana slices and whipped cream just before serving to prevent sogginess.
2. How do I prevent the bananas from browning?
- Toss banana slices in lemon juice before placing them on top.
- Alternatively, use banana pudding mix in the filling for flavor without fresh bananas on top.
3. Can I use a different crust?
- Graham cracker crumbs or Nilla Wafers work well.
- For a nutty twist, try crushed shortbread cookies.
4. Can I freeze these cheesecake bites?
❌ Not recommended—the texture of the bananas and cream cheese can change after thawing.
5. Can I make this as a full-sized cheesecake?
✅ Yes! Use a 6-inch springform pan, press the crust into the bottom, and chill for 4+ hours before slicing.
Tips & Variations
- Extra Creamy Filling? Whip the heavy cream separately to stiff peaks, then fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
- More Banana Flavor? Add ½ teaspoon banana extract to the filling.
- Dairy-Free Option? Use vegan cream cheese and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Final Thoughts
These Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bites are a fun, no-bake twist on a classic dessert! They’re easy to make, perfectly portable, and guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Have you tried this recipe? Let us know your favorite variation in the comments! 🍌😋
