Mini Banana Pudding Cheesecakes

Mini Banana Pudding Cheesecakes are one of those desserts that instantly bring comfort and joy. I remember the first time I made them—it was a rainy Sunday, and the kids were restless. We had overripe bananas and a box of Nilla wafers, and I thought, “Why not?” What came out of the oven was magic. These creamy, dreamy mini banana pudding cheesecakes disappeared faster than I could blink. Now, they’re a go-to treat when I want something quick, nostalgic, and fun. If you love banana pudding and cheesecake, this recipe is the perfect bite-sized blend of both.

Why You’ll Love These Mini Banana Pudding Cheesecakes

Mini Banana Pudding Cheesecakes are the ultimate dessert mashup. They combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the nostalgic flavor of banana pudding—all in a perfectly portioned cup. These little cheesecakes are not only adorable but also incredibly satisfying. They’re just sweet enough, with a smooth banana cream filling and a crisp vanilla wafer crust that ties everything together.

What I love most is how quick they are to make and how beautifully they serve at parties, showers, or weeknight desserts. No need for a water bath or complicated steps. Just mix, pour, and bake. You’ll impress everyone with minimal effort.

If you’ve got ripe bananas on the counter, this is the way to turn them into a show-stopping dessert. And since they’re mini, it’s easy to enjoy more than one without guilt!

Ingredients :

Ingredients for mini banana pudding cheesecakes on marble

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up a batch of these creamy, dreamy banana cheesecake bites:

Ingredient Amount
Vanilla wafer cookies 12–14 (one per cupcake liner)
Cream cheese, softened 16 oz (2 packages)
Granulated sugar ½ cup
Ripe banana, mashed 1 medium
Eggs 2 large
Vanilla extract 1 tsp
Whipped topping or whipped cream For garnish
Banana slices & extra wafers Optional, for topping

Substitutions & Variations for Mini Banana Pudding Cheesecakes

This recipe is super flexible. Don’t be afraid to adjust it to suit what you have or prefer:

  • Crust swaps: If you don’t have vanilla wafers, try crushed graham crackers, Biscoff cookies, or even gingersnaps for a twist.
  • Flavor boosters: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon to the filling or a splash of banana liqueur for a grown-up version.
  • Lighter version: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener.
  • Topping ideas: Crushed wafers, banana chips, or caramel drizzle take these up a notch.

You can also double the batch and freeze half for later—they hold up beautifully!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Mini Banana Pudding Cheesecakes

Step-by-step images of making mini banana pudding cheesecakes

Making Mini Banana Pudding Cheesecakes is surprisingly simple and fun. Here’s how to do it, step by step:

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners. Place one vanilla wafer at the bottom of each cup. This is your quick, no-fuss crust.
  2. Beat the cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Add the sugar and mix until combined and creamy.
  3. Add the mashed banana, vanilla extract, and eggs. Mix on medium speed until fully incorporated and smooth. Don’t overmix—just enough to combine.
  4. Spoon the batter evenly into each cupcake liner, filling them almost to the top.
  5. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the centers are just set and the tops look slightly puffed. Don’t worry if they jiggle slightly—they’ll firm up as they cool.
  6. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.
  7. Top with whipped cream, banana slices, and crushed wafers just before serving.

Pro Tips :

  • Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps.
  • Don’t skip the cooling and chilling time—it helps the texture set perfectly.
  • Use ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum banana flavor.
  • If the tops crack slightly, don’t stress! Whipped cream covers everything beautifully.
  • A cookie scoop makes portioning the batter easier and more even.

These tips ensure you’ll get silky, delicious mini banana pudding cheesecakes every time.

Storage & Reheating Tips for Mini Banana Pudding Cheesecakes

Mini banana pudding cheesecakes store wonderfully, making them ideal for make-ahead desserts.

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Add toppings just before serving to keep them fresh and pretty.
  • Freezer: Freeze without toppings for up to 2 months. Wrap each cheesecake in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
  • Reheating: These are best served cold or at room temp. No reheating needed—just let them sit out for 10–15 minutes after chilling.

What to Serve With Mini Banana Pudding Cheesecakes

Mini banana pudding cheesecakes served on a plate

Mini Banana Pudding Cheesecakes are delicious enough to stand on their own, but pairing them with the right flavors makes dessert extra special. Here are a few favorites:

  • Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or blueberries adds color and a light, tart contrast.
  • Iced coffee or cold brew balances the sweetness with a bold, smooth finish.
  • Dark chocolate shavings or curls on top bring a rich twist to each bite.
  • A scoop of vanilla ice cream or banana ice cream transforms these into a full dessert plate.

They’re also perfect for potlucks or parties alongside mini cupcakes or lemon bars.

FAQs for Mini Banana Pudding Cheesecakes

Can I use banana pudding mix in the filling?

You could, but it changes the texture and adds artificial flavor. This recipe uses real banana for a more natural taste.

Do I need a water bath?

Nope! These mini cheesecakes bake perfectly without one.

Can I make these without cupcake liners?

You can use a well-greased muffin tin, but liners make removal and cleanup much easier.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! This recipe scales easily. Just use two muffin tins and rotate them in the oven for even baking.

How long do they need to chill?

At least 2 hours, but overnight chilling gives the best flavor and texture.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

NutrientAmount
Calories215
Total Fat13g
Saturated Fat8g
Cholesterol60mg
Sodium130mg
Carbohydrates19g
Sugar14g
Protein4g
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Mini Banana Pudding Cheesecakes topped with whipped cream and bananas

Mini Banana Pudding Cheesecakes


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  • Author: Emily
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Creamy, nostalgic Mini Banana Pudding Cheesecakes with real banana, rich cheesecake filling, and a vanilla wafer crust—perfect for parties or cozy nights in.


Ingredients

Scale

1214 vanilla wafer cookies

16 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup granulated sugar

1 medium ripe banana, mashed

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

Whipped topping or whipped cream (for garnish)

Banana slices & extra wafers (optional topping)


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Line muffin tin with paper liners. Place one vanilla wafer in each.

2. In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix well.

3. Add mashed banana, vanilla, and eggs. Mix just until combined.

4. Spoon batter into liners, filling almost to the top.

5. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until centers are set.

6. Cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to wire rack.

7. Chill at least 2 hours before serving.

8. Top with whipped cream, banana slices, and crumbled wafers.

Notes

Use ripe bananas for best flavor.

Chill overnight for even better texture.

Store in fridge for up to 4 days.

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 mini cheesecake
  • Calories: 215
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 130mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 19g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

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