Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Everyone knows that banana pudding is an irresistible, classic American dessert. From the creamy vanilla pudding to the crisp vanilla wafer cookies, and, of course, the slices of fresh banana, there's a bit of nostalgia in every bite. This recipe combines everything you love about banana pudding in the form of a cheesecake.

The crust is made from crushed vanilla wafer cookies and the flavorful filling is prepared with mashed ripe bananas. The chilled cheesecake is then topped with a vanilla pudding whipped topping and garnished with fresh banana slices and whole vanilla wafer cookies before serving. If you thought banana pudding was delicious, wait until you try a slice of this banana pudding cheesecake!

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 2 cups vanilla wafer cookie crumbs (finely crushed)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Filling:

• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese (softened)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups mashed very ripe bananas (about 4 large bananas)
• 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

For the Topping:

• 1 cup cold milk
• 1 (3.4-ounce) package vanilla flavored instant pudding and pie filling mix
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1(8-ounce) tub frozen whipped topping (thawed)

For the Garnish:

• 12 vanilla wafer cookies
• 12 slices fresh banana