Banana Strawberry Cheesecake
Are you craving a dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the delightful sweetness of bananas and strawberries? If so, you’re in for a treat! This Banana Strawberry Cheesecake recipe is the perfect balance of smooth, velvety cheesecake and fruity goodness, topped off with the bright flavors of banana and strawberry. It’s the kind of dessert that is sure to impress at any gathering or family dinner.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this cheesecake is simple to make and will leave your taste buds singing. The creamy filling, paired with a crunchy graham cracker crust, creates a perfect texture contrast that makes every bite irresistible. So grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into making this fruity delight!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
3 ripe bananas, mashed
3 tablespoons lemon juice
4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
For the Topping:
1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
The first step in making your Banana Strawberry Cheesecake is preparing the crust. The crust is simple but essential to provide the crunchy texture that complements the creamy filling.
Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This is the ideal temperature for baking the crust and cheesecake without overcooking it.
Mix the crust ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir them together until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter. The mixture should have a sandy texture that sticks together when pressed.
Press the mixture into the pan: Transfer the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan (or a standard pie dish if you don’t have a springform pan). Press the crumbs down firmly using the back of a spoon or your hands to create an even layer. Make sure the crust goes up the sides of the pan slightly for a more uniform appearance.
Bake the crust: Once the crust is pressed down, bake it in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. This will set the crust and give it a nice golden-brown color. After 10 minutes, remove the pan from the oven and set it aside to cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Now, it’s time to make the creamy banana-flavored cheesecake filling. The filling is the heart of the cheesecake, and it’s important to get it right for the perfect texture.
Mash the bananas: In a small bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher. You want the bananas to be smooth but with a few small lumps remaining for texture. Add the lemon juice to the mashed bananas and stir well. The lemon juice not only helps to enhance the flavor but also prevents the bananas from browning too much.
Mix the cream cheese and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This process typically takes 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is mixed evenly.
Add the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the cream cheese mixture, beating well after each addition. Be sure not to overmix after adding the eggs, as too much air can cause cracks in the cheesecake as it bakes.
Incorporate the bananas: Once the eggs are fully incorporated, add the mashed bananas and lemon juice mixture into the bowl. Stir gently to combine. This adds the fruity flavor that will make this cheesecake stand out.
Add the sour cream: Finally, add the sour cream to the mixture and stir until everything is smooth. Sour cream gives the cheesecake a creamy, slightly tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the bananas and sugar.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
Pour the filling into the crust: Once your cheesecake filling is ready, pour it carefully into the prepared graham cracker crust. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even layer.
Bake the cheesecake: Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake it at 325°F (165°C) for 50-60 minutes. The cheesecake is done when the edges are set, but the center still slightly wobbles when you gently shake the pan. It will continue to set as it cools.
Cool the cheesecake: Once the cheesecake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool to room temperature for about 1 hour. Afterward, transfer it to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours (overnight is ideal) to allow it to set fully.
Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Topping
While the cheesecake is chilling, you can prepare the strawberry topping. Fresh strawberries will add a burst of color and sweetness to your Banana Strawberry Cheesecake.
Slice the strawberries: Wash the strawberries thoroughly and slice them into thin slices. You can cut them into halves or quarters if you prefer larger pieces.
Sweeten the strawberries: In a small bowl, sprinkle the sliced strawberries with 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional). This will help release some of the juices from the strawberries and enhance their sweetness. Stir gently and set the strawberries aside to macerate for about 15 minutes.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
After the cheesecake has chilled and set, it’s time to assemble the final dish.
Top the cheesecake: Once the cheesecake has fully chilled and set, spread the sweetened strawberries evenly over the top. You can arrange them in a decorative pattern or simply scatter them across the surface for a more rustic look.
Slice and serve: Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan (or pie dish) and transfer it to a serving platter. Slice the cheesecake into wedges and serve chilled.
Additional Tips for Success
Use ripe bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cheesecake will be. Overripe bananas work great in this recipe.
Do not overmix the batter: When adding the eggs and other ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to cracks in your cheesecake.
Chill thoroughly: A chilled cheesecake is key to its texture. Don’t rush the chilling process; letting it sit overnight in the fridge will give the best results.
Conclusion
This Banana Strawberry Cheesecake is a decadent dessert that brings together creamy, tangy, and fruity flavors. The rich cheesecake filling pairs perfectly with the refreshing strawberries, while the banana gives it an added twist of natural sweetness. With its creamy texture, crunchy graham cracker crust, and beautiful strawberry topping, this cheesecake is sure to become a family favorite.
Enjoy this cheesecake for any special occasion, or just as a treat to brighten your day. Serve it at a dinner party, bring it to a potluck, or enjoy it for yourself after a delicious meal. You won’t be disappointed!
Optional Variations:
Add a swirl of strawberry sauce on top of the cheesecake for an extra touch of strawberry flavor.
Incorporate other fruits like blueberries or raspberries into the topping for a colorful, mixed-fruit version.
Recipe Notes:
Make sure to let the cheesecake cool completely before refrigerating it to avoid condensation.
If you’re in a hurry, you can freeze the cheesecake for a few hours to speed up the chilling process, though overnight chilling is best.