Bake Banana Split Cheesecake

Here’s a recipe for a delicious Banana Split Cheesecake:

Ingredients

Crust

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup melted butter

Cheesecake Filling

• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Toppings

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup sliced strawberries
• 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
• 1/2 cup chocolate syrup
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
• Maraschino cherries, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Prepare Crust:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
   • Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
   • Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
   • Mix in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Bake the Cheesecake:
   • Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly browned.
   • Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for about an hour.
   • Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
   • Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
5. Prepare the Whipped Cream:
   • In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.
6. Assemble the Banana Split Toppings:
   • Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, spread the whipped cream evenly over the top.
   • Arrange the sliced strawberries and pineapple chunks on top.
   • Drizzle with chocolate syrup.
   • Sprinkle with chopped nuts, if using.
   • Garnish with maraschino cherries.
7. Serve:
   • Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.
   • Slice and enjoy!

Tips

• For a firmer crust, bake it for an additional 5 minutes.
• Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
• Refrigerate the cheesecake overnight for the best flavor and texture.

Enjoy your Banana Split Cheesecake!