Name: Banana Pudding Cookie Butter Cheesecake Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1.5 cups sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix; 1 cup cold milk; 0.5 cup cookie butter (spread); 1 cup heavy cream; 0.5 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1.5 teaspoons baking powder; 0.25 teaspoon salt; 0.5 cup crushed vanilla wafer cookies; Whipped cream (for frosting); Banana slices (for decoration); Extra cookie crumbs (optional, for garnish)

Sweet banana pudding meets indulgent cookie butter in a cheesecake cake that defies dessert expectations.

Creamy layers blend nostalgic flavors into an unexpected culinary adventure.

Smooth cheesecake whispers comfort while cookie butter adds a playful crunch.

Soft banana undertones dance through each decadent bite, creating magic on your plate.

Delicate textures contrast perfectly against rich, velvety cream cheese foundations.

Unexpected ingredient combinations promise a dessert that will spark conversation and delight taste buds.

Dive in and savor every incredible forkful of this irresistible treat.

For the Cake Layers:

All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cake.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and contributes to the cake's soft texture.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the cake.
Milk: Helps create a smooth, moist cake batter.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

For the Leavening and Seasoning:

Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

For the Banana Pudding Cheesecake Layer:

Cream Cheese: Creates a rich and creamy base for the cheesecake layer.
Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps stabilize the mixture.
Ripe Bananas: Provide natural sweetness and banana flavor to the cheesecake.
Instant Pudding Mix: Adds thickness and banana flavor to the filling.
Cold Milk: Helps activate the pudding mix and creates a smooth consistency.
Heavy Cream: Adds lightness and creates a fluffy texture when whipped.

For the Cookie Butter Filling:

Cookie Butter: Provides a unique, spiced flavor and creamy texture.
Heavy Cream: Helps make the cookie butter more spreadable and smooth.

For the Toppings:

Vanilla Wafer Cookies: Adds crunch and a classic banana pudding element.
Banana Slices: Provides fresh fruit garnish and additional banana flavor.

Stepwise Instructions to Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake Cake

Step 1: Craft Cake Base

Warm up your oven to 350F. Butter and dust two round cake pans with flour.

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud. Gently incorporate eggs one by one, then splash in vanilla extract.

Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together. Slowly blend dry ingredients with milk into the creamy mixture.

Split batter evenly between pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean.

Let cakes cool completely.

Step 2: Whip Banana Pudding Cheesecake Layer

Smooth out cream cheese in a bowl until silky.

Blend in:

Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Mashed bananas

In another bowl, whisk pudding mix with cold milk until thickening. Fold pudding into cream cheese blend.

Whip heavy cream until peaks stand tall. Gently fold whipped cream into banana pudding mixture.

Refrigerate until assembly time.

Step 3: Create Cookie Butter Magic

Warm cookie butter in microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Stir in heavy cream until perfectly smooth.

Step 4: Build Dreamy Cake Layers

Position first cake layer on serving plate.

Spread half the cookie butter filling evenly. Add banana pudding cheesecake layer.

Stack second cake layer. Repeat filling layers.

Cover entire cake with whipped cream, smoothing edges carefully.

Step 5: Decorate with Flair

Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafer cookies across top.

Garnish with banana slices and extra cookie crumbs for stunning presentation.

Tips to Achieve the Perfect Texture in Cheesecake Cake

Swap whole milk for dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk to create a vegan-friendly version of this decadent dessert.
Prevent banana browning by tossing fresh banana slices in a bit of lemon juice before garnishing the cake.
Chill the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to help the layers set and enhance the flavor melding.
Use room temperature ingredients like cream cheese and eggs to ensure smoother, more evenly mixed batters and fillings.
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain its creamy texture and delicious taste.

Gluten-Free Banana Pudding Cookie Butter Cheesecake Cake: Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring all ingredients like pudding mix and cookie butter are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly enjoyment.
Vegan Cookie Butter Banana Cake: Substitute dairy ingredients with coconut cream, plant-based cream cheese, almond milk, and vegan butter. Use egg replacer or mashed banana to bind the cake layers, creating a compassionate dessert option.
Low-Sugar Banana Pudding Cheesecake: Swap regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use sugar-free pudding mix and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the rich, creamy texture of the original recipe.

Ideal Pairings to Serve Alongside Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Pair with Complementary Drinks:

Sip Caramel Macchiato: Creamy espresso with vanilla and caramel notes perfectly balances the rich, sweet cheesecake layers, enhancing the dessert's complex flavor profile.
Enjoy Banana Liqueur Cocktail: A smooth, sweet liqueur highlights the banana pudding element, creating a delightful harmony between the drink and cake's fruity undertones.
Match with Spiced Rum Horchata: The cinnamon and creamy rice milk blend wonderfully with the cookie butter and banana flavors, offering a warm, comforting accompaniment.
Indulge in Hazelnut Latte: The nutty, smooth coffee drink complements the cake's creamy texture and brings out the subtle warmth of the cookie butter filling.

Store the cheesecake cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed cake container to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
Wrap the entire cake securely in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Individually wrap cake slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw individual slices in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cookie butter?

Yes, you can substitute with speculoos, gingersnap, or any other similar spiced cookie spread that complements the banana flavor.

Is it necessary to use instant pudding mix?

Instant pudding mix helps create a stable and creamy texture. If unavailable, you can make a homemade pudding, but the consistency might be slightly different.

How do I prevent the cheesecake layer from being too soft?

Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature and whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks before folding into the mixture. Chilling the layer before assembling helps maintain its structure.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components a day in advance and assemble the cake a few hours before serving. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Craft a Luxurious Dessert: Create an indulgent cake that combines multiple flavor profiles of banana pudding, cookie butter, and cheesecake in one stunning dessert.
Perfect for Special Celebrations: An impressive layer cake ideal for birthdays, holiday gatherings, or family reunions that will wow guests with its complex flavor combinations.
Bake with Minimal Skill: Despite its elaborate appearance, this recipe requires basic baking techniques that even intermediate home bakers can successfully execute without advanced pastry training.
Customize with Personal Touches: Easily modify toppings and decorations like banana slices or extra cookie crumbs to match personal preferences or make the cake uniquely yours.

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

Playful Banana Pudding Cookie Butter Cheesecake Cake Recipe