Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Banana Cheesecake Cups with Chocolate Ganache Topping are everything you love about rich, creamy cheesecake—shrunk into perfect little bites, bursting with banana flavor and finished with a glossy, melt-in-your-mouth layer of chocolate ganache. They’re quick to make, beautiful to serve, and absolutely irresistible.
Whether you’re hosting a party, craving something indulgent but portion-controlled, or just need a sweet fix with tropical vibes, these cups are a hit every time. No slicing needed—just grab a spoon, dive in, and savor that creamy banana-chocolate magic.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the banana cheesecake filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the chocolate ganache topping:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional toppings:
- Banana slices, whipped cream, chopped nuts, or chocolate shavings
Directions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a muffin pan with 10–12 paper liners.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of mixture into each liner and press firmly to form a crust.
- Bake crusts for 5 minutes, then remove and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add mashed banana, egg, vanilla, and flour. Mix until creamy and well combined.
- Pour the banana cheesecake filling evenly over each crust, filling each liner about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until centers are set but slightly jiggly. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cups cool, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until steaming (not boiling). Remove from heat and pour over chocolate chips. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Spoon a layer of ganache over each cooled cheesecake cup. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Top with banana slices, whipped cream, or nuts if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10–12 cheesecake cups
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 20 minutes
- Cooling + Chilling Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: About 2 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- No-Bake Version: Skip baking and chill the crust and filling for 4+ hours. Use gelatin for structure.
- Nutty Base: Swap graham crackers with crushed vanilla wafers or pecans for a twist.
- Banana-Chocolate Swirl: Add mini chocolate chips into the filling for extra richness.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese, chocolate, and coconut cream.
- Extra Toppings: Add caramel drizzle, peanut butter chips, or toasted coconut.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cheesecake cups without ganache. Wrap well and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and add ganache before serving.
- Reheating: Not needed—serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use banana extract instead of real banana?
Yes, but real banana gives better texture and natural sweetness.
Do these freeze well?
Absolutely! Just freeze without the ganache and add it after thawing for best results.
Can I make them in mini muffin tins?
Yes—just reduce bake time to 10–12 minutes and adjust the amount of filling per cup.
Is the ganache too rich?
It’s perfectly balanced with the fruity banana cheesecake. You can use milk chocolate for a milder version.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Make them the night before and chill overnight. Perfect for parties or gifting.
What’s the texture like?
Smooth, creamy, and slightly dense—classic cheesecake meets banana pudding!
Conclusion
Banana Cheesecake Cups with Chocolate Ganache Topping are the perfect bite-sized treat for anyone who loves the combo of banana and chocolate. They’re simple to make, delightfully creamy, and beautifully elegant with that glossy ganache finish. Whether for a party tray, dessert table, or quiet night in, they deliver rich flavor and sweet satisfaction every time.
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