Ingredients
– 1 ½ cups Nilla wafer crumbs
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon banana extract (optional, for extra flavor)
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup ripe bananas, mashed (about 2 medium bananas)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– Sliced bananas, for topping
– Additional Nilla wafers, for garnish
Equipment Needed
– 9-inch springform pan
– Mixing bowls
– Electric mixer or stand mixer
– Rubber spatula
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Plastic wrap
– A large baking dish (for the water bath)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). In my kitchen, I love to mix the Nilla wafer crumbs and melted butter together until it forms a sandy texture. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, and make sure to pack it down as you want it to hold together. Next, I whip up the cream cheese and granulated sugar with my electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy, adding in the vanilla and banana extracts. This step fills the kitchen with such a lovely scent! (See the next page below to continue steps…)