Description

This Banana-Strawberry Cheesecake Fantasy is a luscious and creamy dessert that combines the rich flavors of ripe bananas and fresh strawberries in a smooth, baked cheesecake. It features a crunchy graham cracker crust and a velvety cream cheese filling sweetened with sugar and enhanced by a touch of vanilla and sour cream. Topped with warm strawberry preserves and fresh fruit slices, this delightful cheesecake is perfect for special occasions or a decadent treat any time.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
0.25 cup granulated sugar
0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted

Filling

16 ounces cream cheese, softened
0.75 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.5 cup sour cream
1 ripe banana, mashed
1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped

Topping

0.5 cup strawberry preserves
Sliced strawberries and banana for topping (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F and grease a 9-inch springform pan. In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 0.25 cup sugar, and melted butter until well mixed. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 8 minutes, then allow it to cool slightly.
Make the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 0.75 cup sugar until smooth and creamy using a mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently just until incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until combined. Carefully fold in the mashed banana and the finely chopped fresh strawberries to maintain the fruit’s texture.
Assemble and bake: Pour the cheesecake batter over the slightly cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle when gently shaken.
Cool the cheesecake: Turn off the oven and crack the door open, allowing the cheesecake to cool inside the oven for 1 hour. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracks on the surface.
Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let it fully set and develop flavors.
Add toppings and serve: Gently warm the strawberry preserves until fluid and spread evenly over the chilled cheesecake. Garnish with fresh sliced strawberries and banana if desired before slicing and serving.

Notes

To achieve the best texture and prevent cracks on the cheesecake surface, be careful not to overmix the batter when adding eggs.
This cheesecake can be prepared a day in advance and kept refrigerated until ready to serve, which also improves the flavor melding.