There’s something undeniably comforting about banana pudding—the creamy vanilla custard, the layers of ripe bananas, and the delicate crunch of vanilla wafers. Now, imagine all those flavors transformed into a decadent, bite-sized dessert: Mini Banana Pudding Cheesecakes!
These adorable individual cheesecakes combine the richness of classic cheesecake with the nostalgic flavors of Southern banana pudding. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just treating yourself, these mini delights are easy to make, irresistibly creamy, and topped with whipped cream and fresh banana slices for the ultimate finish.
Why You’ll Love These Mini Cheesecakes
✅ Perfect Portion Control – No slicing needed; everyone gets their own little cheesecake!
✅ Creamy & Dreamy Texture – Smooth cheesecake filling meets fluffy whipped cream.
✅ Banana Pudding Flavor – All the classic taste in cheesecake form.
✅ Easy to Make Ahead – Great for entertaining since they store well.
✅ Adorable Presentation – Impress guests with these cute, layered desserts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups vanilla wafer cookies (crushed into fine crumbs)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 ripe banana, mashed (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (helps prevent cracking)
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For Garnish (Optional):
- Sliced bananas
- Crushed vanilla wafers
- Caramel drizzle
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners (or use a silicone mold for easy removal).
- In a bowl, mix vanilla wafer crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined.
- Press 1 heaping tablespoon of the mixture into the bottom of each liner. Use a small glass to press firmly.
- Bake for 5 minutes, then let cool while preparing the filling.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth (~2 minutes).
- Add sour cream, vanilla, and mashed banana, mixing well.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, until just combined.
- Gently fold in flour to stabilize the batter.
- Divide the filling evenly among the muffin cups, filling almost to the top.
3. Bake & Cool
- Bake for 18-22 minutes—centers should be set but slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let them sit for 10 minutes (prevents cracking).
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight).
4. Add the Whipped Cream & Garnish
- Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Pipe or spoon whipped cream onto each cheesecake.
- Top with banana slices, crushed vanilla wafers, and a caramel drizzle (if desired).
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Best enjoyed within 2 days (bananas may brown slightly).
Tips for Perfect Mini Cheesecakes
🔹 Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensures a smooth, lump-free filling.
🔹 Don’t Overmix – Too much air can cause cracks.
🔹 Prevent Soggy Bananas – Add fresh banana slices just before serving.
🔹 No Muffin Tin? – Use ramekins or a mini cheesecake pan.
🔹 Make Them Gluten-Free – Swap vanilla wafers for gluten-free cookies.
Delicious Variations
🍫 Chocolate Banana – Add cocoa powder to the crust or drizzle with chocolate sauce.
🍌 Banana Foster – Top with caramelized bananas and rum glaze.
🥜 Peanut Butter Banana – Swirl peanut butter into the filling.
🌱 Vegan Version – Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipped cream.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect for baby showers, brunches, or holiday parties.
- Pair with coffee, milk, or a bourbon-spiked milkshake for adults.
- Serve in mini mason jars for a cute layered parfait effect.
Final Thoughts
These Mini Banana Pudding Cheesecakes are the ultimate bite-sized indulgence—creamy, flavorful, and irresistibly nostalgic. Whether you’re a banana pudding fanatic or a cheesecake lover, this dessert is guaranteed to be a hit!