Heavenly Strawberry Banana Bliss Cheesecake
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
24 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries
For the Strawberry Topping:
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Prepare the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form the crust.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then let it cool while you prepare the filling.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add the granulated sugar and beat until well combined.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and mashed bananas until smooth.
Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries.
Bake the Cheesecake:
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly ajar for about 1 hour.
Remove from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely.
Prepare the Strawberry Topping:
In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice.
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries release their juices and the mixture begins to simmer.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water to create a slurry, then stir it into the strawberry mixture.
Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the topping thickens. Let it cool completely.
Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Assemble the Cheesecake:
Spread the cooled strawberry topping evenly over the chilled cheesecake.
Pipe or spread the whipped cream topping around the edges of the cheesecake.
Serve:
Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving platter.
Slice and enjoy the heavenly combination of strawberry, banana, and creamy cheesecake!
Yield:
This recipe makes one 9-inch Heavenly Strawberry Banana Bliss Cheesecake, serving about 8-10 slices.
