February 8, 2013

If you watch the Big Bang Theory and there is a Cheesecake Factory around you you've gone there just to see if they actually wear those ugly uniform's.  Well, they don't and the food is outta this world not to mention the fantastic cheesecake's they have.  We have been there twice and both times I have said I wanted the banana pudding cheesecake well, when they ask me something totally different comes outta my mouth.  I have yet to have that cheesecake but, I will one day.  Most people that know me know I can't scratch bake.  It is one of my resolutions to do better at it.  This next recipe is from www.beta.abc.go.com .  Which happens to be The Chew another one of my favorite shows.  And you got it it's banana pudding cheesecake.

                                                   Banana Pudding Cheesecake

     For the crust:
1 1/2 c. Vanilla Wafer Cookies (finely crushed)
6 Tbls. melted unsalted butter
1/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. ground cinnamon

     For the filling:
2 8 oz. packages cream cheese (softened)
3/4 c. sugar
2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
4 large eggs
1 c. sour cream
1 tsp. banana extract
1 c. mashed very ripe bananas (about 3)
    1 sliced banana

Preheat oven to 350.  Butter a 9-inch round spring form pan.
For the crust:  In a medium bowl, stir together the crumbs with the butter, sugar and cinnamon.  Press the mixture evenly over the bottom and partially up the sides of the prepared pan.  Bake about 10 minutes until golden brown.  Let cool on a wire rack.
For the filling:  Combine the cream cheese, sugar and lemon juice in a bowl of an electric mixer and beat until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.  Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Scrape down the sides of the bowl and stir in sour cream, banana extract, and mashed bananas.
Pour the banana mixture into the prepared crust.  Bake for 1 hour, or until center is set and firm.  Turn off the oven and open the door.  Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature in the oven.  Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
Garnish with banana slices.

I don't know if this one taste just like the Cheesecake Factory but, it's pretty darn tasty.  I'm also glad it turned out so, my baking experience was a hit can't wait to bake something else from scratch.  Enjoy!!!!!!