Banana Puddin' Cheesecake!

Some of my best dessert creations come from combining a favorite of my husband's with one of my favorites!    This is the case with this yummy "Banana Puddin' Cheesecake".     I love cheesecake, but my husband is not all that crazy about it!   However, he has never met a banana pudding he didn't like!  As you know, I have several banana pudding recipes on my site already, so I was thinking about how I could combine the two and this was the result!  I must say it did not disappoint!   

This is a great recipe for summer, because it's cool and creamy and no-bake!    In this record breaking heat, that is a good thing!  

Here is what you will need:

1 (8 oz.)  pkg cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/2 cup confectioners sugar

1 tsp. vanilla flavoring

1 (3.4 oz. pkg.) instant cheesecake flavored pudding mix (could use vanilla pudding)

1 cup milk

2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed  (I used Cool Whip)

1 (9.0 oz) prepared graham cracker crust  (this is the 2 extra serving one which works best for this)

2 large bananas sliced or 3 small

1/2   (11 oz.) box of vanilla wafers

whipped topping for garnish

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the confectioners sugar until it's light and fluffy.  Add the teaspoon of vanilla,  the instant pudding mix and 1 cup milk.  Beat until the mixture is well incorporated and starts to thicken.  When it's thick, fold in the 2 cups whipped topping.   This mixture should be thick.  If it's not, refrigerate for about 30 minutes before proceeding.

Pour half of the cheesecake mixture into the graham cracker crust!

Top the cheesecake layer with the banana slices.  I used two large bananas, but if your bananas are smaller, use three. 

Cover the banana layer with about half of the vanilla wafers.  

Pour the rest of the cheesecake filling over the top and smooth it out.  Refrigerate for 5-6 hours or if you are in a hurry, freeze for 1 hour.

Right before serving, crush the rest of the vanilla wafers and sprinkle over the top.  I also piped whipped topping around the edges and then put a dollop on top of each slice.  You could also put a slice of banana on top of each slice! 

This is delicious and it was gone in no time at our house!

Enjoy!!!