Let’s be honest—some days feel like a marathon of to-do lists, carpools, Zoom calls, and figuring out what’s for dinner (again). So when life gives you overripe bananas and a craving for something sweet, you make Banana Strawberry Cheesecake. It’s rich, fruity, and comforting—just what you need to reward yourself after another whirlwind week. This dessert is like a warm hug in cheesecake form, and trust me, it’s worth every dreamy, creamy bite.

Whether you’re prepping for a backyard barbecue, a family potluck, or just need a midweek win, this cheesecake has your name written all over it.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Strawberry Cheesecake

• No fancy tools needed: Just basic kitchen staples and a 9-inch springform pan.
• Sweet but not too sweet: Ripe bananas bring natural sugars, and the strawberry topping balances it beautifully.
• Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or anytime you need a dessert that impresses.
• Kid-approved: A great way to sneak fruit into dessert.
• Flexible for seasons: While perfect for summer, it’s cozy enough to enjoy year-round.
• Make-ahead magic: Preps beautifully a day ahead—hello, less stress!

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Topping

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water

Psst: Got extra strawberries? Dice a few and toss them into a fruit salad for a refreshing side!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl until evenly moistened.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 10 minutes.
4. Set aside to cool while you tackle the creamy filling.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling

5. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).
6. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy—no lumps allowed!
7. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
8. Stir in sour cream, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract until just combined.
9. Pour the banana cheesecake filling over the cooled crust.

3. Bake the Cheesecake

10. Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the center is set but has a gentle jiggle—like Jell-O doing the cha-cha.
11. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
12. Transfer to the fridge and chill at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture.

4. Prepare the Strawberry Topping

13. Combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat.
14. Cook until strawberries release their juices (about 5 minutes).
15. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water, then add to the strawberries.
16. Stir until the topping thickens (2–3 minutes), then cool completely.

5. Assemble the Cheesecake

17. Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan once fully chilled.
18. Spoon the strawberry topping over the cheesecake and spread evenly.
19. Garnish with extra sliced strawberries if you’re feeling fancy.

Pro Tips & Tricks

• Banana hack: Use very ripe bananas for the sweetest flavor—they should be freckled and fragrant.
• No springform? A deep pie dish works in a pinch, though you may need to adjust baking time.
• Crust boost: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the crust for extra warmth.
• Want it no-bake? Skip the eggs, use whipped topping with the cream cheese, and chill instead of baking. You’ll still get that banana-strawberry cheesecake vibe—without turning on the oven!
• Freeze it: You can freeze individual slices for a grab-and-go dessert moment.

A Personal Kitchen Story

When I was growing up, Sundays were cheesecake days. My grandma—who believed every fruit deserved its dessert moment—used to let us pick one flavor combo. One week, I mashed up a banana and added it to her classic cheesecake mix. She wasn’t thrilled… until she took a bite. We topped it with strawberries from her backyard, and just like that, Banana Strawberry Cheesecake became a family staple.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wished dessert could give you a hug, this Banana Strawberry Cheesecake is it. It’s creamy, dreamy, and just the right mix of nostalgic and impressive. Whether you bake it ahead for a summer gathering or savor a quiet slice on a Tuesday night, this dessert earns its spot on your favorites list. Try it, love it, and don’t forget to tag your creations—I’d love to see your spins, swaps, or even a no-bake version gone wild!

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