Banana Split Cheesecakes Recipe

Irresistible Banana Split Cheesecakes Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Sweet banana split cheesecakes bring nostalgic summer memories right to your dessert plate.

Childhood flavors dance with creamy richness in this delightful treat.

Layers of classic sundae elements combine into a decadent mini-dessert experience.

Chocolate crumbs form a perfect base for silky cream cheese filling.

Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and tender texture throughout each bite.

Fresh strawberries and whipped cream crown these individual delights with playful charm.

Grab a spoon and indulge in a dessert that promises pure deliciousness.

Why Banana Split Cheesecakes Are So Fun

  • Craft an Irresistible Dessert Remix: Transform the classic banana split into adorable mini cheesecakes that pack all the nostalgic flavors into one cute bite-sized treat.
  • Celebrate Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for parties, potlucks, and gatherings where guests can enjoy individual portions without messy cutting or serving complications.
  • Customize with Playful Toppings: Unleash creativity by adding personal favorite ice cream flavors, sauces, nuts, and colorful sprinkles to make each cheesecake unique and Instagram-worthy.
  • Master Baker-Friendly Recipe: Designed for home bakers of all skill levels, this recipe offers straightforward steps and minimal technical challenges while delivering professional-looking results.

Banana Split Cheesecake Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:
  • Vanilla Wafer Crumbs: Classic cookie base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecakes.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and adds rich flavor.
  • Sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the crust.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates a smooth and creamy cheesecake texture.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tangy cream cheese.
  • Flour: Helps stabilize the cheesecake filling and prevent cracking.
  • Sour Cream: Provides extra moisture and tanginess to the cheesecake.
  • Banana Extract: Intensifies the banana flavor throughout the dessert.
  • Mashed Banana: Adds natural banana flavor and moisture to the filling.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help the cheesecake set properly.
For the Toppings:
  • Chocolate Ice Cream, Strawberry Ice Cream: Provide classic banana split flavors and cool, creamy contrast.
  • Chocolate Syrup, Caramel Sauce: Add decadent drizzles of sweetness.
  • Whipped Cream: Creates a light and airy topping.
  • Chopped Nuts: Offer a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
  • Sprinkles: Add a fun and colorful decorative element.
  • Maraschino Cherries: Provide a traditional banana split garnish with sweet, bright flavor.

How to Make Banana Split Cheesecakes

Step 1: Craft the Tasty Base

Create a delectable foundation for your mini cheesecakes by mixing together:
  • Vanilla wafer crumbs
  • Melted butter
  • Sugar

Gently press the mixture into cupcake liners placed in a muffin tin. Warm the base in the oven until it sets with a golden touch.

Let the crust cool and prepare for the creamy goodness to come.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

Blend cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth.

Incorporate these delightful ingredients:
  • Flour
  • Sour cream
  • Banana extract
  • Mashed ripe bananas

Gently fold in eggs one at a time, creating a luxurious and velvety mixture that will transform into a heavenly cheesecake.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Carefully pour the dreamy filling over the cooled crusts.

Slide the muffin tin into the oven and bake until the centers become beautifully set with a slight wiggle. After baking, turn off the oven and let the cheesecakes rest briefly.

Allow them to cool completely at room temperature before chilling in the refrigerator.

Step 4: Dress Up with Delightful Toppings

Transform these mini cheesecakes into a spectacular dessert by adding:
  • Chocolate ice cream scoops
  • Strawberry ice cream scoops
  • Chocolate syrup drizzle
  • Caramel sauce swirl
  • Fluffy whipped cream
  • Chopped nuts
  • Colorful sprinkles
  • Bright maraschino cherries

Step 5: Indulge and Enjoy

Serve these miniature banana split cheesecakes and watch as everyone falls in love with their irresistible combination of creamy cheesecake and classic banana split flavors!

Smart Ideas for Banana Split Cheesecakes

  • Use a food processor or place wafers in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin for uniform, fine crumbs that create a stable cheesecake base.
  • Mix mashed banana with lemon juice to stop oxidation and maintain a fresh, bright color in your cheesecake filling.
  • Beat cream cheese at room temperature and mix eggs gently to prevent over-mixing, which can cause surface cracks during baking.
  • Drain excess liquid from mashed bananas to ensure the cheesecake filling maintains the right consistency and doesn't become too wet.
  • Toast chopped nuts before adding as a topping to release their natural oils and create a more intense, nutty flavor profile.

Flavor Mixes for Banana Split Cheesecakes

  • Tropical Paradise: Replace strawberry ice cream with mango sorbet, add toasted coconut flakes, and garnish with fresh pineapple chunks for a Caribbean-inspired treat.
  • Peanut Butter Blast: Swirl creamy peanut butter into the cheesecake batter, top with chocolate ganache, chopped peanuts, and a drizzle of warm peanut butter sauce.
  • Berry Bliss: Substitute banana extract with raspberry extract, top with fresh mixed berries, raspberry coulis, and white chocolate shavings for a fruity celebration.
  • Nutella Dream: Mix Nutella into the cheesecake filling, crown with hazelnut praline, chocolate sauce, and crushed hazelnuts for an indulgent chocolate lover's version.

Dessert Pairings for Banana Split Cheesecakes

  • Brew Rich Coffee Pairing: Dark roast or espresso cuts through the sweetness, balancing the creamy cheesecake with robust coffee notes that enhance banana and chocolate undertones.
  • Select Sweet Wine Partner: Moscato d'Asti or late harvest Riesling offers light, fruity sweetness that harmonizes with the dessert's banana and caramel flavors without overwhelming delicate cheesecake textures.
  • Create Refreshing Contrast: Sparkling water with fresh lemon or mint provides a crisp, palate-cleansing experience that helps reset taste buds between each decadent cheesecake bite.

How to Save Banana Split Cheesecakes Properly

Store cheesecakes in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain texture.

Wrap individual cheesecakes tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.

Warm individual cheesecakes at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwave to prevent texture breakdown. Add fresh toppings after warming.

Remove toppings like whipped cream and ice cream before storing. Add fresh garnishes just before serving to maintain optimal taste and presentation.

FAQs

  • Can I use regular bananas instead of banana extract?

You can mash fresh ripe bananas, but banana extract provides a more intense and consistent banana flavor that enhances the cheesecake’s taste.

  • Do I need a special pan for these mini cheesecakes?

A standard 12-cup muffin tin works perfectly. Use cupcake liners to make removal and serving easy and clean.

  • How ripe should my bananas be for this recipe?

Choose bananas with brown spots or fully yellow with some brown specks. These are sweeter and softer, making them ideal for mashing into the cheesecake batter.

  • Can I make these cheesecakes ahead of time?

Yes, these can be prepared a day in advance. Keep them refrigerated and add fresh toppings just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Print
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Banana Split Cheesecakes Recipe

Banana Split Cheesecakes Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 42 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy banana split cheesecakes blend classic dessert magic with nostalgic charm. Sweet layers of rich cream cheese, fresh bananas, and chocolate drizzle invite you to indulge in a delightful culinary experience that celebrates comfort and flavor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 16 ounces (453 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 medium banana, mashed
  • 3 eggs, room temperature

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
  • 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

Topping Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup chocolate ice cream
  • 1/2 cup strawberry ice cream
  • 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream (optional)
  • 1/4 cup whipped cream
  • 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
  • 2 tablespoons caramel sauce
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts
  • 45 maraschino cherries
  • 2 tablespoons rainbow sprinkles

Additional Filling Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sour cream, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon banana extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare a precision workspace by setting the oven to 325F and positioning a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. Create a foundational crust by blending vanilla wafer crumbs with melted butter and sugar until thoroughly integrated.
  3. Distribute the crumb mixture into each liner, compressing firmly to establish a solid base.
  4. Briefly toast the crust for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to set and develop a subtle golden tone, then allow to cool completely.
  5. Whip cream cheese and sugar in a smooth, consistent motion until achieving a silky texture.
  6. Incorporate flour, sour cream, banana extract, and mashed banana, mixing until the ingredients harmonize seamlessly.
  7. Gently introduce eggs one at a time, blending on low speed to maintain the mixture’s delicate structure.
  8. Allocate the cheesecake filling evenly across the prepared crusts, ensuring balanced distribution.
  9. Bake for 18-22 minutes, monitoring until centers appear set yet retain a subtle wobble.
  10. After baking, deactivate the oven and leave the door slightly ajar, allowing gradual temperature equalization for 10 minutes.
  11. Permit cheesecakes to cool at ambient temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to achieve optimal consistency.
  12. Embellish with complementary ice cream scoops, chocolate and strawberry varieties.
  13. Artfully drizzle chocolate and caramel sauces across the surface.
  14. Crown with whipped cream, scattered nuts, colorful sprinkles, and vibrant maraschino cherries.
  15. Present these miniature indulgences, celebrating their creamy banana essence and playful garnishes.

Notes

  • Customize crust by swapping vanilla wafers with gluten-free graham crackers for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Prevent cheesecake cracking by avoiding overmixing eggs and using room temperature ingredients for smooth, silky texture.
  • Enhance banana flavor by using extra-ripe bananas with dark brown spots for deeper, more intense sweetness.
  • Create make-ahead friendly dessert by preparing cheesecakes up to 3 days in advance and storing covered in refrigerator.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 340 kcal
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Ethan Caldwell

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.

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