Banana Cream Cheesecake:

Ingredients:

Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling:

• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed

Banana Cream Topping:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 bananas, sliced for garnish

Instructions:

Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter together in a medium bowl.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
4. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Cheesecake Filling:

1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth.
2. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just blended.
4. Fold in the mashed bananas.
5. Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top.

Baking:

1. Place the springform pan in a larger baking pan and fill the larger pan with enough hot water to come halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
2. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly jiggly.
3. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 1 hour.
4. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and water bath, and let it cool to room temperature.
5. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Topping:

1. In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
2. Spread the whipped cream over the chilled cheesecake.
3. Garnish with banana slices just before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Banana Cream Cheesecake