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No-Bake Banana Cheesecake Recipe

Total time: 60 min
Difficulty: Low
Serves: 6-8
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Banana cheesecake is a creamy, dreamy no-bake dessert with a delicate banana flavor and a rich, silky texture. Perfect for special occasions or when you want something indulgent yet fruity, this cake brings together the sweetness of ripe bananas and the tang of cream cheese on a cocoa cookie crust. It’s the kind of dessert that makes a quiet evening feel like a celebration.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

  • No-bake ease: No oven needed, just chill and enjoy.
  • Balanced sweetness: Ripe bananas naturally sweeten the cream.
  • Elegant yet simple: Great for dinner parties or weekend treats.
  • Texture heaven: Silky banana cream meets a crunchy cocoa cookie base.
  • Customizable toppings: Dress it up with whipped cream, chocolate, or fresh banana slices.

What Is Banana Cheesecake?

Banana cheesecake is a no-bake dessert that combines a smooth banana-infused cream cheese filling with a buttery chocolate cookie base. While banana cream pies and traditional baked cheesecakes are well-known, this hybrid recipe takes the best of both worlds—light, mousse-like texture and rich banana flavor. It’s especially popular in modern European and American kitchens where fruit-forward cheesecakes are trending.

Cooking Tips

  • Use ripe bananas for the sweetest and most flavorful filling.
  • Strain the banana puree for a smoother, restaurant-style texture.
  • Chill thoroughly—4 hours is a minimum; overnight is even better.
  • Line the pan with parchment to make unmolding easy and clean.
  • Decorate just before serving to keep banana slices from browning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this banana cheesecake without gelatin?

Yes, but the structure will be softer. You can try using agar-agar as a vegetarian substitute, adjusting quantities based on the brand.

Can I use a graham cracker crust instead?

Absolutely. Replace cocoa cookies with 2 cups of graham crackers and follow the same method for the crust.

How do I keep the bananas from browning?

The lemon juice in the puree helps, but for decoration, brush banana slices lightly with lemon juice before placing them on top.

Can I make it in advance?

Yes! It’s ideal to prepare the cheesecake a day ahead so it sets properly and develops deeper flavor.

What kind of cream cheese should I use?

Use full-fat block-style cream cheese for the best structure and creamy texture.

How to Store

Store the banana cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it well-covered to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors. Serve chilled.

How to Freeze

You can freeze banana cheesecake (without toppings) for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and decorate just before eating. Note: freezing may slightly alter texture.

Ingredients

For the base:
190g cocoa cookies (2 cups, crushed)
85g melted butter (6 tbsp)
For the banana cream:
250g bananas, sliced (2 medium bananas)
400g cream cheese (1 ¾ cups)
150g sugar (¾ cup)
300ml heavy cream (1 ¼ cups)
12g gelatin sheets (about 4 sheets)
25g butter (2 tbsp)
Juice of ½ lemon
Vanilla extract, to taste
For decoration:
Dark chocolate shavings, to taste
Whipped cream, to taste
Banana slices, to taste

How to Make No-Bake Banana Cheesecake

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Crush the cocoa cookies in a food processor. Add melted butter and mix well. Press into a 9-inch (22 cm) springform pan lined with parchment paper. Level with a spoon and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

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In a pan, combine sliced bananas, 50g sugar, lemon juice, butter, and vanilla. Cook over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until soft. Puree with a sieve or mash until smooth.

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Beat the cream cheese with 50g sugar and the banana puree. Add 100ml heavy cream while mixing and continue until smooth.

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Soak gelatin in cold water for 10 minutes. Heat 50ml cream, then dissolve the squeezed gelatin in it. Let it cool slightly.

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Add the gelatin-cream mixture to the banana cream and mix until well combined.

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In a separate bowl, whip the remaining 150ml heavy cream with 50g sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold it into the banana mixture using a spatula.

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Pour the banana cream over the cookie base. Smooth the top and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).

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Once set, unmold and decorate with whipped cream, banana slices, and chocolate shavings. Serve chilled.

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