Put away that loaf pan!
This easy, creamy cheesecake recipe is perfect for your ripe bananas. Part banana pudding, part no-bake cheesecake, this original recipe is a cool blend of delicate flavors.
Ingredients (serves 8)
- 38 vanilla cookies (I used Nilla wafers)
- 5 T. salted butter, melted
- 2 8-ounce blocks of cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1 tsp. corn starch (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- Whipped cream or Cool Whip
Method
Start by crushing 30 of the cookies with a rolling pin, 10 at a time, in a plastic bag, to make the crust. In a round baking dish, combine the melted butter and the cookie crumbs. Gently press to form a crust that covers the bottom and goes up the sides of the dish a little. Refrigerate until firm, at least one hour.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, evaporated milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, stirring well until free of lumps. If you want the mixture to be on the stiff side, whisk a teaspoon of corn starch into the evaporated milk first.
Spoon half of the mixture on top of the cookie crust and spread it evenly. Slice two of the bananas and layer those on top of the cheesecake. Top with the rest of the batter and chill, covered with plastic wrap, for at least three hours until set.
Decorate with whipped cream or Cool Whip, the reserved vanilla cookies, and slices of the remaining banana.
Notes
Most no-bake cheesecake recipes use a whole can of sweetened, condensed milk. I wanted something a bit lighter, so went in a different direction. I also omitted the fresh lemon juice that some cheesecakes have, so the bananas would have no competition.
Don't skimp on the crust. Store-bought simply won't taste as good as this buttery, crumbly, homemade version.
If you don't like bananas, this would certainly work with other fresh fruit like ripe peaches or your own strawberry sauce on top.
**The photos in this article are by Sarina Petrocelly.
Do you have a favorite no-bake cheesecake recipe? Share it with us in the comments!
