Dreamy Banana Split Cheesecakes Recipe

Whip Up Dreamy Banana Split Cheesecakes: A Playful Sweet Recipe

Decadent desserts sometimes arrive in unexpected packages, like these divine banana split cheesecakes that blend classic ice cream parlor nostalgia with creamy cheesecake magic.

Sweet memories of summer afternoons melt into every delightful bite.

Ripe bananas whisper their tropical essence through rich, velvety layers of cream cheese.

Each miniature cheesecake captures the playful spirit of the beloved banana split sundae.

Chocolate drizzles, fresh banana slices, and vibrant maraschino cherries crown these irresistible treats.

Serve these mini indulgences, and watch faces light up with pure dessert delight.

This recipe promises to be your new favorite way to celebrate life’s sweetest moments.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 8

Banana Split Cheesecake Ingredients You’ll Crave

For Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a classic, crunchy base that adds delightful texture and traditional dessert flavor.
  • Sugar: Enhances sweetness and helps bind the crust ingredients together for a perfect compact base.
  • Melted Butter: Creates a rich, golden binding agent that helps the crust hold its shape and adds a luxurious flavor.
For Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Delivers the signature smooth, tangy foundation that makes cheesecake wonderfully creamy and rich.
  • Ripe Bananas: Brings natural sweetness, vibrant flavor, and creates a luscious, moist texture to the dessert.
  • Sugar: Balances the tanginess of cream cheese and adds a perfect level of sweetness.
  • Eggs: Acts as a crucial binding agent that helps the cheesecake set and achieve a silky, stable consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic depth that complements the banana and enhances overall flavor profile.
For Topping:
  • Whipped Cream: Adds a light, airy contrast to the dense cheesecake and creates a visually appealing finish.
  • Maraschino Cherries: Offers a pop of color and classic banana split-inspired sweetness.
  • Chocolate Sauce: Drizzles rich, decadent flavor that echoes traditional banana split desserts.
  • Chopped Nuts: Introduces a delightful crunch and nutty undertone to complement the creamy cheesecake.

Tools for, Fruity Cheesecake Minis

  • 12-cup muffin tin: Essential for creating perfectly sized individual cheesecakes.
  • Cupcake liners: Prevents sticking and makes serving easy.
  • Mixing bowl: For combining graham cracker crust ingredients.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Electric mixer or stand mixer: Helps create smooth, creamy cheesecake filling.
  • Rubber spatula: Helps scrape down bowl sides and mix evenly.
  • Baking sheet: Optional support for muffin tin in oven.

How to Build a Banana Split Cheesecake That Pops

  • Prepare Crust

Crush up graham crackers and blend with melted butter and sugar until you’ve got a perfectly crumbly mixture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

  • Craft Crust Base

Gently press the cracker mixture into each cupcake liner, creating a solid foundation for your delectable banana split cheesecake.

  • Bake Crust Briefly

Pop the muffin tin into a preheated 325°F oven and let the crust set for a quick 5-minute warmup, giving it a gorgeous golden touch.

  • Create Creamy Filling

Whip cream cheese until smooth and silky, then fold in sweet vanilla and eggs, blending everything into a cloud-like mixture that’ll make your dessert dreams come true.

  • Layer Banana Magic

Slice ripe bananas into delicate rounds and nestle them gently into your cream cheese base, adding natural sweetness and tropical flair.

  • Bake to Perfection

Slide your cheesecakes into the warm oven and bake until they’re set but still have a playful jiggle in the center, about 18-20 minutes.

  • Chill and Garnish

Let your mini cheesecakes cool completely, then crown them with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts for a showstopping finale.

Tips for Making It Rich,, and Balanced

  • Crust Perfection: Use a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup to press graham cracker mixture evenly and firmly into the cupcake liners for a solid, compact base.
  • Banana Boost: Choose ripe, spotty bananas for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor in the cheesecake filling.
  • Swirl and Style: Create beautiful swirl patterns on top by gently dragging a toothpick through chocolate and strawberry sauces before baking.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular graham crackers with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour to make the recipe celiac-safe.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: These mini cheesecakes can be prepared 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, making party planning easier.

How to Plate These Cheesecakes Like a Dessert Bar

  • Sundae-Style Presentation: Top each mini cheesecake with a classic banana split arrangement – a halved banana, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and drizzles of chocolate and strawberry sauces for a playful dessert experience.
  • Tropical Fruit Garnish: Sprinkle fresh banana slices, chopped pineapple, and a light dusting of toasted coconut flakes to enhance the tropical banana flavor and add vibrant color and texture.
  • Chocolate Lover's Dream: Create a decadent finish by drizzling warm chocolate ganache over the cheesecakes, then garnish with chocolate shavings, a maraschino cherry, and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for extra crunch.
  • Party-Ready Plating: Arrange cheesecakes on a decorative platter with fresh mint leaves, additional sliced bananas, and small chocolate wafer sticks for an elegant and inviting dessert display perfect for gatherings.

Smart Storage Tips to Keep Them Fresh and Fun

  • Quick Fridge Storage: Keep cheesecakes sealed in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cold temperatures maintain the creamy texture and prevent flavor loss.
  • Freezing Strategy: Wrap individual cheesecakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen treats stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Topping Freshness: Add banana slices, whipped cream, and chocolate drizzle just before serving to prevent sogginess. Prepare toppings separately and store in separate containers for maximum crispness.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the graham cracker base and cheesecake filling up to 2 days in advance. Store base and filling separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when ready to enjoy. This technique saves time and reduces day-of kitchen stress.
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Dreamy Banana Split Cheesecakes Recipe

Dreamy Banana Split Cheesecakes


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4.6 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Banana split cheesecakes blend classic dessert flavors into a delightful miniature treat. Creamy cheesecake layers combine with banana, chocolate, and strawberry notes for a perfect indulgence you’ll savor to the last bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large banana, mashed (about ½ cup)
  • 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 8 crackers)
  • 4 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsps granulated sugar
  • ½ cup chocolate sauce
  • ½ cup strawberry sauce or fresh strawberries, chopped
  • ½ cup pineapple chunks
  • whipped cream
  • maraschino cherries
  • chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Foundation: Preheat oven to 325°F and line muffin tin with cupcake liners, ensuring precise spacing and uniform placement.
  2. Craft Crust: Blend graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter into a cohesive mixture resembling fine, moist sand. Press firmly into each liner, creating a compact base.
  3. Initial Baking: Bake crust for 5 minutes until lightly golden, then remove and cool completely while maintaining structural integrity.
  4. Create Cheesecake Base: Whip cream cheese until ultra-smooth, eliminating any potential lumps. Gradually integrate sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs, blending until the mixture becomes glossy and homogeneous.
  5. Incorporate Banana Essence: Fold mashed bananas into the cheesecake mixture, ensuring even distribution for consistent flavor throughout each miniature dessert.
  6. Final Baking Process: Fill liners three-quarters full with banana-infused batter, then bake 18-20 minutes until centers are set but retain a subtle jiggle.
  7. Cooling and Refinement: Allow cheesecakes to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for several hours to develop optimal texture and flavor intensity.
  8. Elegant Presentation: Garnish with fresh banana slices, pillowy whipped cream, and a delicate chocolate sauce drizzle just before serving.

Notes

  • Prevent Banana Browning: Toss freshly sliced bananas with a splash of lemon juice to maintain their bright color and prevent quick oxidation.
  • Smooth Cream Cheese Technique: Ensure cream cheese is completely at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps and create a silky-smooth cheesecake base.
  • Moisture Control: Drain excess liquid from mashed bananas to prevent a watery cheesecake texture and maintain the perfect dense consistency.
  • Baking Precision: Use a water bath method or place a shallow pan of water on the lower oven rack to create gentle, even heat and prevent surface cracking on the cheesecakes.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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