Preheat and prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish to form an even crust. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup to pack it tightly. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until slightly set, then let it cool completely before adding the filling.
Make the cheesecake mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining. This creates the rich, tangy base for your cheesecake layer. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form — the cream should hold its shape but still look silky. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in batches, using a spatula to maintain the light, airy texture.
Assemble the first layers: Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust, smoothing it out with a spatula. Arrange the banana slices in a single, even layer on top of this creamy base. The bananas should be ripe but firm, so they add natural sweetness without turning mushy.
Prepare the pudding layer: In a medium bowl, whisk together the banana pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes, or until smooth and slightly thickened. Allow the pudding to rest for another 2–3 minutes so it can fully set. Pour the pudding over the banana layer and gently spread it out to cover evenly.
Finish the layers: Spoon the remaining half of the cream cheese mixture on top of the pudding layer, spreading it gently and evenly to completely seal the surface. Take care not to disturb the layers beneath. The top should look smooth and glossy.
Chill and serve: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible, to let the layers firm up and the flavors meld. Once chilled, slice the dessert into neat squares using a sharp knife. For the cleanest cuts, wipe the knife between slices. Serve cold and enjoy each bite filled with creamy cheesecake, bananas, and pudding perfection.
