Banana Strawberry Cheesecake (Printable Version)
Creamy cheesecake with mashed bananas, baked filling, and a strawberry glaze - chilled and topped with fresh slices.
# What You Need:
→ Graham Cracker Crust
01 - 7 oz graham crackers, finely crushed
02 - 2.8 oz unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
→ Cream Cheese Filling
04 - 17.6 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
05 - 7 oz granulated sugar
06 - 3 large eggs
07 - 2 ripe bananas, mashed
08 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
09 - 0.85 cup sour cream
10 - 1 tbsp cornstarch
→ Strawberry Layer and Garnish
11 - 8.8 oz fresh strawberries, sliced
12 - 3 tbsp strawberry jam
13 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
14 - Fresh banana and strawberry slices for garnish (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 340°F. Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper on the base and lightly grease the sides.
02 - Combine crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
03 - Using an electric mixer, beat softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Blend in mashed bananas, vanilla extract, sour cream, and cornstarch until the batter is fully combined and uniform.
04 - Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the center is just set but still slightly wobbly when gently shaken.
05 - Allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight for best results.
06 - Toss sliced strawberries with strawberry jam and lemon juice until evenly coated. Arrange the strawberry mixture over the chilled cheesecake. Garnish with additional fresh banana and strawberry slices if desired. Slice and serve chilled.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The banana flavor melts right into the cream cheese in a way that surprises even people who think they dont like fruit in their desserts.
- It looks like something from a bakery window but the steps are surprisingly manageable for a home cook.
02 -
- Opening the oven door during baking causes sudden temperature shifts that almost guarantee a cracked surface.
- Using bananas that are still firm and yellow will leave you with a faint, starchy flavor instead of that deep, sweet banana richness.
03 -
- The overnight chill is not optional if you want clean slices because the filling needs that time to fully set its structure.
- Wrapping the outside of the springform pan with aluminum foil and placing it in a water bath prevents cracks and gives you the creamiest texture possible.