Half Banana Pudding Half Strawberry Shortcake (Print Version)

Ingredients:

01 - 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers.
02 - 1/2 cup chopped pecans.
03 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar.
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted.
05 - 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries.
06 - 16 oz cream cheese, softened.
07 - 1 cup granulated sugar.
08 - 1 tsp vanilla extract.
09 - 4 large eggs.
10 - 1 cup mashed ripe bananas.
11 - 1/2 cup sour cream.
12 - 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream.
13 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour.
14 - 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream.
15 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar.
16 - 1 tsp vanilla extract.
17 - 9-inch springform pan.
18 - Mixing bowls.
19 - Measuring cups and spoons.
20 - Hand mixer or stand mixer.
21 - Rubber spatula.
22 - Food processor (optional).

Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers, chopped pecans, and granulated sugar. Pour the melted butter over the mixture and stir until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Allow the crust to cool for at least 10 minutes. Once the crust has cooled, arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the crust in a single layer.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add in the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the mashed bananas, sour cream, heavy whipping cream, and flour until well combined. Pour the cheesecake batter over the strawberry layer. Bake the cheesecake for 60-70 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned and the center is set. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before removing it from the springform pan.
03 - Once the cheesecake has cooled, carefully remove it from the springform pan and place it onto a serving platter. To make the whipped cream, add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to a mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the top of the cheesecake. Garnish with additional sliced strawberries and crushed vanilla wafers, if desired.

Notes:

01 - This Half Banana Pudding Half Strawberry Shortcake combines the best of both worlds—rich banana pudding cheesecake with a crunchy strawberry shortcake layer. Perfect for special occasions or when you want an indulgent dessert.