Equipment Needed
- 9-inch springform pan
- Food processor or plastic bag and rolling pin
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Large and medium mixing bowls
- Aluminum foil
- Roasting pan (for water bath)
Step-by-Step Instructions
I always start by preheating my oven to 325°F (165°C). Then, I make the crust. I put the graham crackers in a food processor and pulse them into fine crumbs, then I add the brown sugar and cinnamon and pulse again. In a medium bowl, I mix these dry ingredients with the melted butter until it resembles wet sand. I press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. I use the bottom of a measuring cup to really tamp it down—a solid, compact crust is key. I bake this for 10 minutes, then let it cool on a rack while I make the filling. The smell of toasting graham crackers and cinnamon is heavenly.
Next, I prepare the star components. For the cheesecake batter, I beat the softened cream cheese in my stand mixer on medium speed until it’s completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the bowl often. This takes a good 2-3 minutes. Then, I slowly add the sugar and beat again. In a separate bowl, I mash my very ripe bananas with a fork until they’re almost pureed, leaving just a few small lumps for texture. I add this banana mash, the room-temperature eggs (one at a time), vanilla, and salt to the cream cheese mixture, beating on low after each addition just until combined. Overbeating here incorporates too much air, which can cause cracks.
Now for the magic swirl. In a medium bowl, I whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with the cold milk for a full two minutes until it’s very thick. I then pour about two-thirds of my banana cheesecake batter over the cooled crust. I drop spoonfuls of the thick vanilla pudding all over this layer. Then, I carefully pour the remaining cheesecake batter over the top. Using a knife or a skewer, I make large, wide swirls through the batter, just a few times, to marble the pudding in. I don’t over-swirl, or the beautiful distinct layers will muddle together.(See the next page below to continue…)