Instructions

• Preheat nothing — line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and spray the sides with non-stick baking spray.
• In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups graham cracker crumbs and ½ cup granulated sugar. Stir in ¾ cup melted salted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
• (Optional) Reserve a small amount of the graham crumb mixture for garnish, then press the remaining crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form the crust.
• Place the crust-lined pan in the freezer while you make the fillings so the crust firms up.
• In a medium bowl, beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Add the 3.4-ounce package of vanilla instant pudding mix and beat until fully combined; the mixture will thicken.
• With the mixer running on low, slowly drizzle in 2 cups of the heavy cream and continue beating until the pudding mixture is smooth and creamy. Set aside the remaining 1 cup heavy cream for the topping.
• Slice 3 to 4 medium bananas. Arrange a single even layer of banana slices over the chilled graham cracker crust.
• Spread half of the pudding mixture over the first banana layer. Add another single layer of banana slices over that, then spread the remaining half of the pudding mixture evenly over the top.
• In a separate large bowl, beat 16 ounces softened cream cheese with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and ⅓ cup sour cream until smooth and fluffy. Add 1 cup of the powdered sugar and beat until fully incorporated and smooth.
• Spread the cream-cheese cheesecake filling evenly over the top of the pudding layer, smoothing the surface with an offset spatula.
• Chill the assembled cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (or place in the freezer for at least 2 hours) to set.
• Just before serving, whip the reserved 1 cup heavy cream with the remaining ¼ cup powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Pipe or spread the whipped cream over the chilled cheesecake and sprinkle with the reserved graham cracker crumbs for garnish.