Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (150g) vanilla wafer crumbs
  • 5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (30g) chopped pecans
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 3 (8-ounce/227g each) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon banana extract (optional)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup (30g) confectioners' sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Extra vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, whipped cream

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Vanilla Wafer Crust: Combine wafer crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press firmly into the bottom of the springform pan. Chill.
  2. Make the Pecan Streusel Topping: Whisk together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and pecans. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Chill until ready to bake.
  3. Make the Cheesecake Filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add sour cream, vanilla extract, and banana extract (if using). Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined.
  4. Assemble the Cheesecake: Arrange banana slices over the chilled crust. Pour cheesecake filling over the bananas. Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over the cheesecake.
  5. Bake the Cheesecake: Bake in a preheated oven (350°F/175°C) for 55-65 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
  6. Cool and Chill: Turn off the oven and crack the door slightly. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. Then, remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
  7. Make the Banana Pudding Layer: Whip heavy cream with confectioners' sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
  8. Assemble and Serve: Release the cheesecake from the springform pan. Top with whipped cream and garnish with extra vanilla wafers and banana slices, if desired. Slice and serve.