Mini Banana Cheesecakes

Why Make This Recipe

Mini Banana Cheesecakes are a delicious and easy dessert that everyone will love. They combine the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the sweet taste of bananas. These mini treats are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, they are simple to make and require no baking, making them a great choice for any home cook.

How to Make Mini Banana Cheesecakes

Ingredients

• 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whipped topping
• 1 banana, thinly sliced
• Extra whipped topping for garnish
• Mini vanilla wafers or crushed cookie crumbs for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are fully coated and resemble wet sand. Spoon the mixture evenly into a 12-cup muffin tin lined with paper liners or silicone molds. Press down firmly to form a compact crust.

2. Make the cheesecake filling: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and free of lumps. Add the sweetened condensed milk, mashed banana, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. Gently fold in the whipped topping until just incorporated.

3. Assemble the cheesecakes: Place one slice of banana on top of each crust. Spoon or pipe the banana cheesecake filling over the slices, filling each cup to the top. Smooth the tops if needed.

4. Chill: Transfer the muffin tin to the refrigerator and chill the cheesecakes for 1–2 hours or until fully set. For a firmer texture, freeze them for 30 minutes before serving.

5. Garnish and serve: Just before serving, top each mini cheesecake with a dollop of whipped topping and garnish with a mini vanilla wafer or a sprinkle of crushed wafers.

How to Serve Mini Banana Cheesecakes

Serve Mini Banana Cheesecakes chilled, straight from the refrigerator. They make a great addition to any dessert table. You can also add fresh fruit or a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top for an extra touch. These mini treats are easy to pick up and enjoy, making them perfect for parties.

How to Store Mini Banana Cheesecakes

Store any leftover Mini Banana Cheesecakes in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.

Tips to Make Mini Banana Cheesecakes

• Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing for a smooth filling.
• Use ripe bananas for the best flavor.
• When topping with whipped cream, try using a piping bag for a fancy look.
• For a nutty twist, you can add crushed nuts to the crust mixture.

Variation

For a chocolatey flavor, you can add cocoa powder to the cheesecake filling or mix in chocolate chips. You can also swap out the vanilla wafers for chocolate wafers for a chocolate crust.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cheesecakes ahead of time?
   Yes! These mini cheesecakes can be made a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.

2. Can I use a different type of fruit?
   Absolutely! You can replace the bananas with other fruits like strawberries or blueberries for a different flavor.

3. What can I use instead of cream cheese?
   You can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you want a different option or need a dairy-free dessert.