Name: Chocolate Banana Cheesecake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 35 min
Total time: PT-491109H6M35S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 60 “Nilla” vanilla wafers; 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar; 1/3 cup (75 grams) unsalted butter, melted; 4 ounces (113 grams) bittersweet chocolate, chopped; 4 (8-ounce) packages (908 grams) cream cheese, room temperature; 1 1/4 cups (250 grams) granulated sugar; 4 eggs; 1 cup (227 grams) mashed bananas (approximately 2 medium bananas); 3/4 teaspoon banana extract; 1/8 cup (10.5 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder; 6 ounces (170 grams) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped; 3/4 cup (170 grams) heavy cream; Additional whipped cream; Additional vanilla wafers or cookies

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 62 reviews

If you have a soft spot for richly layered desserts, then this Chocolate Banana Cheesecake Recipe is going to feel like a warm hug from your favorite comfort food. Imagine a smooth, luscious cheesecake packed with the bold flavor of bittersweet chocolate and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, all resting on a crunchy vanilla wafer crust. It’s a smiling crowd-pleaser, perfect for celebrations or simply treating yourself to something divine without fuss. The blend of chocolate and banana makes every forkful feel like a mini celebration of decadence and freshness all at once.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a cheesecake with three main layers on a white plate; the bottom layer is light brown, crumbly crust, the middle layer is creamy off-white cheesecake, and the top layer is a smooth dark chocolate glaze. The cheesecake is decorated with swirls of white whipped cream evenly spaced on top, each topped with a small light tan cookie. Two triangular slices are served on light blue plates with patterned edges, each slice topped with a swirl of whipped cream and a small cookie. The setting is on a white marbled surface with two silver forks resting beside the plates and a folded white napkin with blue floral print under one plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Chocolate Banana Cheesecake Recipe makes its magic with simple but carefully chosen ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each one plays a vital role—whether it’s creating a buttery crust, lending creamy richness, or infusing that irresistible chocolate-banana harmony.

Vanilla wafers: The base of your crust, finely ground for a perfect crunchy foundation.
Granulated sugar: Adds balanced sweetness to both crust and cheesecake layers.
Unsalted butter: Melted to bind the crust crumbs and provide a rich flavor.
Bittersweet chocolate (4 oz): Melted into the batter, giving a deep chocolate tone without too much sweetness.
Cream cheese: The star ingredient that creates the rich, tangy filling with flawless texture.
Eggs: Bind everything together while lightening the cheesecake’s texture.
Mashed bananas: About two medium bananas to infuse natural flavor and a hint of moistness.
Banana extract: Enhances the banana notes for an unmistakable fruity finish.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds an earthy chocolate depth contrasting with the bananas.
Bittersweet or semisweet chocolate (6 oz): For the silky ganache topping that crowns this cheesecake beautifully.
Heavy cream: Whisked into the ganache to create a luxuriously smooth finish.
Optional whipped cream and cookies: For garnish to add extra flair and texture contrast.

How to Make Chocolate Banana Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9-inch springform pan. Crush those vanilla wafers finely—either in a food processor or by hand—and then mix them with sugar and melted butter until the crumbs stick together nicely. Press this mixture evenly into the pan’s bottom and bake for 5 minutes. This sets the crust so it won’t crumble later, giving you that satisfying crunch beneath the creamy cheesecake.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

While the crust cools, place 4 ounces of bittersweet chocolate in a metal bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir constantly until fully melted and smooth. Then remove the bowl and let the chocolate cool to lukewarm—this ensures it incorporates smoothly into the batter without cooking the eggs.

Step 3: Mix the Cheesecake Batter

Using a mixer on low speed, cream the room-temperature cream cheese with sugar until silky smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined—overmixing can affect that creamy texture. Split the batter in half: stir mashed bananas and banana extract into one half, and fold melted chocolate and cocoa powder into the other.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the chocolate batter carefully into the crust, then dollop and gently spread the banana batter on top. This dual-layer effect promises a beautiful marbled swirl once sliced. Bake at 300°F for 1 hour and 30 minutes. The cheesecake will be jiggly in the center when done—perfectly moist and creamy.

Step 5: Cool in the Oven

Turn the oven off, crack the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 30 minutes. This gradual temperature drop helps prevent cracks and keeps the texture tender. Then remove and cool completely on the counter.

Step 6: Prepare the Ganache

Simmer heavy cream and the remaining 6 ounces of chopped chocolate in a saucepan over low heat until a smooth ganache forms. Let it cool slightly so it’s pourable but not hot, then spread over the cheesecake leaving about a half-inch edge visible for a stunning glossy finish.

Step 7: Chill and Garnish

Refrigerate the cheesecake overnight to set the texture fully and let flavors meld. For serving, top with optional whipped cream and extra vanilla wafers to add crunch and creaminess.

How to Serve Chocolate Banana Cheesecake Recipe

The image shows a cheesecake with three visible layers: a dark brown crumbly base, a thick creamy yellow middle layer, and a smooth dark chocolate layer on top. Around the edge of the cheesecake, there are eight swirls of white whipped cream, each topped with a small oval-shaped golden cookie that is partly inserted into the cream. The cheesecake is placed on a white plate, and the background is a white marbled texture. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh whipped cream is a classic partner to the chocolate and banana flavors, adding airy lightness that cuts through the richness. Crumbled vanilla wafers sprinkled on top bring back the crust’s crunch in every bite. If you want to elevate it further, a few banana slices or chocolate shavings create an elegant look and highlight the main ingredients beautifully.

Side Dishes

This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with a simple raspberry or strawberry coulis, which adds a tart contrast to the sweet, creamy layers. You can also serve it alongside a hot cup of coffee or rich espresso—perfect for a cozy dessert moment. For celebrations, some candied nuts or salted caramel sauce drizzled on the side make delightful accompaniments.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the cheesecake into neat squares and serving mini bites on dessert spoons at parties. Alternatively, create a layered parfait with crumbled crust, cheesecake pieces, and fruit compote in clear glasses for a playful twist. You can even experiment by freezing small cheesecake pops dipped in chocolate for a handheld treat. The possibilities with this Chocolate Banana Cheesecake Recipe are endless, so don’t be afraid to have fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After indulging in some of this cheesecake, tightly cover the leftovers with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it will stay fresh and creamy for up to 4 days. This gives you plenty of time to savor each luscious slice.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this cheesecake at a later time, it freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic and foil to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve its texture and flavors perfectly.

Reheating

This cheesecake is best served chilled, so reheating is not recommended as it might change the texture. Instead, allow frozen slices to thaw fully in the refrigerator for a fresh-than-fresh taste that mimics just-out-of-the-oven goodness.

FAQs

Can I use regular bananas instead of banana extract?

Absolutely! This recipe uses both mashed bananas and banana extract for a richer, more pronounced banana flavor. If you skip the extract, just make sure your bananas are very ripe for natural sweetness.

Is it possible to make this cheesecake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the vanilla wafers with gluten-free cookies or graham crackers. Just ensure they have a similar texture for the crust to hold together well.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of bittersweet chocolate?

You can, but the bittersweet chocolate balances the banana’s sweetness better and adds depth. Milk chocolate will make the cheesecake sweeter and less intense, which some might prefer.

How do I avoid cracks on the cheesecake surface?

Slowly cooling the cheesecake in the turned-off oven with the door ajar is key. This gradual temperature change prevents cracks and keeps your cheesecake looking picture perfect.

Can I make mini cheesecakes with this recipe?

Definitely! Simply adjust the baking time as smaller cheesecakes bake faster—check for a slightly jiggly center around 30-40 minutes depending on size. It’s a fun way to serve individual portions.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of slicing into a beautifully marbled Chocolate Banana Cheesecake Recipe that marries indulgent chocolate with comforting banana sweetness. This recipe is a wonderful way to impress friends, celebrate a special occasion, or just treat yourself after a long day. Give it a go—you might find this dessert becoming your new favorite too!