Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Ingredients
for 8 servings

BANANA BREAD CRUST

nonstick cooking spray
11 oz (310 g) vanilla wafer, 1 box, divided
1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, melted
2 ripe bananas
1 cup (200 g) sugar
½ cup (120 mL) vegetable oil
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
CHEESECAKE FILLING

2 cups (480 mL) whole milk, hot
2 ½ teaspoons gelatin powder
3 oz (85 g) banana pudding mix, 2 boxes
½ cup (100 g) sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
32 oz (905 g) cream cheese
6 large eggs
FOR DECORATION

2 large bananas, sliced
whipped cream
7 vanilla wafers

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 10-inch (25 cm) springform pan with nonstick spray.
2. Make the banana bread crust: Set aside 7 vanilla wafers, then add the rest to a zip-top plastic bag and pound with a rolling pin into fine crumbs.
3. Transfer the crushed wafers to a medium bowl, add the melted butter, and stir to combine.
4. Pour the crust into the prepared pan and press against the bottom to about ¼ inch (6 mm) thick with a flat-bottomed measuring cup.
5. In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth. Add the sugar, oil, egg, vanilla, salt, flour, and baking powder. Beat with an electric hand mixer until well-combined.
6. Pour the banana bread mixture over the crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
7. Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Make the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, combine the milk, gelatin, and banana pudding mix. Beat with an electric hand mixer until thick and smooth.
9. Add the sugar, vanilla, and cream cheese, and beat again until well-combined.
10. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.
11. Pour the cheesecake filling over the banana bread crust.
12. Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven. Prop the oven door open slightly with a kitchen towel to let the hot air slowly escape. After 2 hours, remove the cheesecake from the oven. Refrigerate overnight.
13. Arrange the sliced bananas on top of the cheesecake. Release the springform, then pipe whipped cream on top of 7 of the bananas. Place the reserved vanilla wafer cookies on top of the whipped cream.
14. Slice and serve.