No Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake Cups (Printable)
Individual cups layered with creamy cheesecake filling and banana pudding, topped with fresh bananas and crispy vanilla wafer crumbs.
# Ingredient List:
→ Crust
01 - 1 cup vanilla wafer cookies, crushed
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
→ Cheesecake Filling
03 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
04 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
05 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
06 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
→ Banana Pudding Layer
07 - 1 (3.4 oz) package instant banana pudding mix
08 - 1 1/4 cups cold whole milk
09 - 2 ripe bananas, sliced
→ Topping
10 - Additional vanilla wafer crumbs
11 - Fresh banana slices
12 - Whipped cream (optional)
# How to Make:
01 - Combine crushed vanilla wafers and melted butter in a small bowl, mixing until evenly moistened. Distribute approximately 2 tablespoons into the bottom of each serving cup, pressing lightly to form a compact crust layer.
02 - Beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl using a hand mixer until completely smooth and creamy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
03 - Whip cold heavy cream in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated and no white streaks remain.
04 - Whisk instant banana pudding mix with cold milk for 2 minutes until mixture thickens considerably. Set aside briefly.
05 - Spoon half the cheesecake mixture over crust layer in each cup, spreading evenly to create a smooth foundation.
06 - Arrange sliced bananas over cheesecake filling, creating an even layer across all cups.
07 - Divide prepared banana pudding evenly among cups, spooning over banana layer.
08 - Finish cups with remaining cheesecake mixture, smoothing tops with a spoon or small spatula.
09 - Sprinkle each cup with additional vanilla wafer crumbs, top with fresh banana slices, and add whipped cream dollop if desired.
10 - Cover cups and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and layers to set.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- No oven required means your kitchen stays cool even while making something incredibly impressive
- Individual portions let everyone feel like they're getting their own special dessert
02 -
- Tossing your banana slices in a little lemon juice keeps them from turning brown without affecting the taste
- These actually taste better after sitting overnight, so they're perfect for make-ahead entertaining
03 -
- A sprinkle of cinnamon in the crust adds warmth that surprises people in the best way
- Room temperature ingredients are your best friend for smooth, lump-free layers