No Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake (Printable Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Crust

01 - 200 g crushed vanilla wafer cookies
02 - 85 g unsalted butter, melted
03 - 25 g granulated sugar

→ Cheesecake Filling

04 - 450 g cream cheese, softened
05 - 200 g granulated sugar
06 - 5 ml vanilla extract
07 - 96 g instant banana pudding mix
08 - 360 ml cold whole milk
09 - 360 ml heavy whipping cream
10 - 3 medium ripe bananas, sliced

→ Topping (optional)

11 - Whipped cream or whipped topping
12 - Crushed vanilla wafers
13 - Sliced bananas

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Crush vanilla wafers into fine crumbs and combine with melted butter and sugar until mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the base of a springform pan and refrigerate for a minimum of 20 minutes.
02 - Whisk banana pudding mix with cold whole milk in a large bowl until smooth and slightly thickened. Set aside to thicken further.
03 - Beat heavy whipping cream in a chilled bowl until stiff peaks form, providing a light and airy texture.
04 - Beat softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until fluffy and smooth. Incorporate the banana pudding mixture, then gently fold in the whipped cream to maintain airiness.
05 - Spread half of the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust. Layer with sliced bananas, then cover with remaining filling evenly.
06 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow the filling to set firmly for clean slices.
07 - Decorate the top with piped whipped cream, additional banana slices, and a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers before serving.

# Helpful Notes:

01 - Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. This dessert is best served chilled and fresh. Store-bought whipped topping can be substituted for whipped cream if needed.