Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake and Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Here are two crowd-favorite cheesecakes with Southern dessert vibes: a rich Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake and a creamy Banana Pudding Cheesecake. Each one features a decadent base, creamy filling, and signature toppings that make them unforgettable.

🍓 Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake

🍰 Ingredients:

Crust:

• 1½ cups Golden Oreos, crushed (or vanilla wafers)

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling:

• 24 oz (3 blocks) cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 3 large eggs

• ½ cup sour cream

• ½ cup heavy cream

Strawberry Topping:

• 1 cup strawberry preserves or pie filling

• Fresh sliced strawberries (optional)

Strawberry Crunch Crumble:

• ½ cup Golden Oreos, crushed

• ¼ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed

• 2 tbsp butter, melted

🧁 Directions:

1. Make crust:
   Mix Oreo crumbs with melted butter. Press into a greased 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes. Let cool.

2. Make filling:
   Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla, sour cream, and heavy cream. Mix until smooth.

3. Bake:
   Pour over crust. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 50–60 minutes, until center is set but slightly jiggly. Cool completely, then refrigerate 4+ hours or overnight.

4. Add strawberry topping:
   Spread preserves or pie filling on top.

5. Crunch topping:
   Mix crushed Oreos, freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter. Sprinkle on top for that signature crunch.

🍌 Banana Pudding Cheesecake

🍰 Ingredients:

Crust:

• 1½ cups vanilla wafer crumbs

• ¼ cup butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling:

• 24 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup sugar

• 3 large eggs

• ½ cup sour cream

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed

Topping:

• 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream

• 2 tbsp powdered sugar

• ½ tsp vanilla

• Vanilla wafers and banana slices for garnish

🧁 Directions:

1. Make crust:
   Combine wafer crumbs and butter. Press into a springform pan and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes. Cool.

2. Make filling:
   Beat cream cheese and sugar. Add eggs one at a time. Mix in mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla.

3. Bake:
   Pour into crust and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 50–60 minutes. Cool completely, then chill at least 4 hours.

4. Whipped topping:
   Beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe on top.

5. Garnish:
   Top with sliced bananas and vanilla wafers just before serving.

🍽 Tips for Both:

• Always bake cheesecakes in a water bath to avoid cracks.

• For extra flair, use banana pudding mix in the banana version or strawberry extract in the strawberry filling.

• Both freeze well — just wait to add toppings until ready to serve.