Banana Split Cheesecakes

Looking for a dessert that’s a showstopper? These Banana Split Cheesecakes are your answer! Picture this: creamy, tangy cheesecake with a crunchy graham cracker crust, topped with layers of sliced bananas, strawberries, pineapple, and a cherry on top. Oh, and don’t forget the drizzle of chocolate sauce! These cheesecakes are a fun and creative twist on the classic banana split, making them the perfect treat for any summer party, birthday, or just a fun weeknight dessert. Trust me, you’re going to love every bite of these little individual cheesecakes.

Why You’ll Love Banana Split Cheesecakes

Here’s why these cheesecakes will be your new go-to dessert:

• No-Bake: These cheesecakes don’t require turning on the oven, so you can keep your kitchen cool, even on hot days!
• Tons of Flavor: From the rich, creamy cheesecake filling to the bright, fresh fruits, you get a little bit of everything with every bite—sweet, tangy, and creamy all in one.
• Customizable: Not a fan of pineapple? No worries! Switch up the toppings to suit your taste—maybe add some whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or even nuts.
• Individual Servings: These cheesecakes are perfectly portioned for single servings, making them great for sharing or packing for a picnic.
• No-Fuss: Despite being a showstopping dessert, they’re actually super simple to put together. You’ll spend more time enjoying them than making them!

Ingredients

Let’s talk ingredients for these delicious Banana Split Cheesecakes:

For the Crust:

Graham Crackers: The base of the crust, bringing a sweet and slightly buttery crunch.

Butter: Helps hold the crust together and adds richness.

Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the savory graham crackers.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

Cream Cheese: The star of the filling, giving it that smooth, creamy texture.

Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling without making it too gritty.

Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the flavor and complements the sweetness of the other ingredients.

Heavy Cream: Helps to lighten the filling and give it a fluffy texture.

For the Toppings:

Bananas: The classic banana split fruit, sliced into rounds.

Strawberries: Fresh, juicy, and sweet—perfect for balancing the creaminess of the cheesecake.

Pineapple: Adds a tangy, tropical twist that gives these cheesecakes extra freshness.

Chocolate Sauce: A rich, decadent drizzle to tie all the flavors together.

Cherries: No banana split is complete without a cherry on top! A maraschino cherry adds a pop of color and sweetness.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make these mouthwatering cheesecakes? Here’s how:

1. Prepare the Crust

In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers into fine crumbs. Add the melted butter and sugar, and pulse again until the mixture is well combined.

2. Form the Crusts

Divide the crust mixture evenly among the bottoms of your mini cheesecake pans or cupcake liners. Press the crumbs down firmly to create an even base. You can use the back of a spoon or your fingers to do this. Refrigerate the crusts while you make the filling.

3. Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and beat until combined. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, and continue beating until the filling is fluffy and holds its shape.

4. Assemble the Cheesecakes

Spoon the cheesecake filling over the prepared crusts, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Refrigerate the cheesecakes for at least 2-3 hours, or until they’re firm.

5. Add the Toppings

Once the cheesecakes are set, it’s time for the fun part! Top each one with banana slices, strawberries, pineapple chunks, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Finish with a cherry on top.

6. Serve & Enjoy

These cheesecakes are ready to be devoured! Serve them immediately or keep them chilled until you’re ready to enjoy.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 320

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 2-3 hours
Total Time: 2.5-3.5 hours

How to Serve Banana Split Cheesecakes

These individual cheesecakes are perfect for all sorts of occasions. Here are some ideas for how to serve them:

• At a Party: Serve them on a platter with a few extra cherries for a fun, interactive dessert. You can even have guests customize their own toppings!
• For a Picnic: They’re portable and perfect for packing in small containers for a picnic or a potluck.
• As a Sweet Snack: Sometimes you just need a little something sweet. These cheesecakes are ideal for an afternoon treat with coffee or tea.
• As a Gift: Package them up in cute little jars for a personalized and edible gift for someone special.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare these cheesecakes a day ahead. They keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Switch Up the Fruit: Not into pineapple? Try using other fruits like blueberries, mango, or even peaches.
• Non-Dairy Option: For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream in place of the heavy cream and vegan cream cheese for the filling.
• Graham Cracker Substitution: If you want to try something different for the crust, you can swap out the graham crackers for crushed-up cookies like Oreos or Biscoff cookies.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these cheesecakes in a large pan instead of individual servings?
A1: Yes, you can! Simply press the crust and cheesecake filling into a large, greased pan or pie dish. The chilling time may vary, so make sure the cheesecake is firm before serving.

Q2: Can I freeze these cheesecakes?
A2: Absolutely! You can freeze these cheesecakes for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw them in the fridge before serving.

Q3: Can I use a different crust besides graham crackers?
A3: Yes! You can use any crushed cookies you like, such as Oreos, vanilla wafers, or even pretzels for a salty-sweet twist.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftover cheesecakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re just as delicious the next day!

Q5: Can I make this dessert without the chocolate sauce?
A5: Of course! While the chocolate sauce adds a nice touch, you can easily skip it or substitute with caramel sauce, or even a dusting of cocoa powder.

Q6: Can I add nuts to these cheesecakes?
A6: Yes, if you love the added crunch, feel free to sprinkle some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans over the top.

Q7: Can I use whipped cream instead of the cheesecake filling?
A7: You can, but it will change the texture and flavor of the dessert. The cheesecake filling gives a creamy richness that whipped cream can’t fully replicate.

Q8: What type of jam can I use instead of fresh fruit?
A8: If fresh fruit isn’t available, you can use fruit jam or preserves like strawberry, raspberry, or even cherry jam. Just spoon a little on top before adding the whipped cream or chocolate drizzle.

Q9: Can I make these cheesecakes without the pineapple?
A9: Yes, you can leave out the pineapple or replace it with another fruit of your choice, such as sliced peaches or berries.

Q10: How can I make these cheesecakes more decadent?
A10: For an extra indulgent touch, you can drizzle caramel sauce over the fruit or top with some mini chocolate chips.

Conclusion

These Banana Split Cheesecakes are everything you want in a dessert—creamy, fruity, and just the right amount of indulgent. They’re perfect for any occasion, easy to make, and packed with flavor. Plus, the combination of fresh fruit and cheesecake is absolutely irresistible. So grab your ingredients, start assembling, and enjoy a sweet treat that’s sure to put a smile on your face!

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