Irresistible Mini Banana Split Cheesecakes: Your Easy Small Batch Recipe

These small batch mini banana cheesecakes are a dream come true for anyone craving the classic flavors of a banana split, but without the hassle and mess of melted ice cream. Get ready for a perfectly portioned, creamy, and utterly delicious dessert experience!

Are you a devoted fan of food competition shows, much like I am? For years, I’ve been captivated by series like Food Network Star, watching contestants battle it out in the kitchen. While the format has evolved over the seasons, my passion for discovering delicious food and innovative recipes remains constant. It’s these shows that often spark my imagination, pushing me to create new twists on beloved classics, or perfect small-batch versions of decadent desserts.

My culinary journey often leads me to explore unique dessert concepts, especially those that bring a touch of nostalgia and fun to the table. And let’s be honest, while Food Network excels at many things, a dedicated, consistently running dessert show has been notably absent for a while. This absence only fuels my desire to share more fantastic baking recipes right here on my blog. So, until a new dessert series graces our screens, consider this your go-to spot for sweet inspiration, starting with these incredible Mini Banana Split Cheesecakes.

The Magic of Mini Banana Split Cheesecakes

I envisioned these mini banana cheesecakes as a perfect tribute to the iconic banana split – rich, fruity, and topped with all the essentials. The goal was to capture that quintessential flavor profile: the creamy banana, the sweet tang of pineapple and strawberries, a hint of chocolate fudge, and a generous dollop of whipped cream, all culminating in a delightful cherry on top. What truly sets these apart is their individual size, making them ideal for portion control and elegant serving, eliminating the sticky aftermath of a traditional ice cream sundae.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. You start with a buttery graham cracker crust, followed by a smooth, rich cheesecake filling infused with real banana. Then come the vibrant layers of crushed pineapple and chopped strawberries, perfectly mirroring the fruit components of a classic split. And of course, no banana split is complete without its signature garnishes, which we’ll delve into shortly.

A Sweet History: The Banana Split’s Origins

Did you know that the beloved banana split was invented right here in Latrobe, Pennsylvania? This charming town is situated about an hour east of Pittsburgh and a mere 40 minutes east of my own hometown. It’s quite a fun fact to grow up so close to the birthplace of such a famous dessert! Latrobe isn’t just known for its sweet invention; it also hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers’ training camp, which has brought me to the area a few times. Despite my visits, I confess I haven’t yet indulged in a banana split there – a culinary oversight I absolutely intend to correct!

For me, banana splits carry a special personal connection, often reminding me of my dad. He has always loved to order them whenever we visit an ice cream parlor, making them a cherished family tradition. The quintessential banana split is a masterpiece of flavors and textures, traditionally adorned with crushed pineapple, fresh strawberries, a sprinkle of nuts, luscious hot fudge sauce, fluffy whipped cream, and of course, a bright red maraschino cherry crowning it all. It was crucial to me that these mini cheesecakes encapsulate every one of these delightful elements.

Crafting the Perfect Toppings (Don’t Forget the Nuts!)

When developing this recipe, my primary goal was to ensure that every flavor associated with a traditional banana split was present in each bite of these mini cheesecakes. The creamy banana base, the vibrant fruit pieces, and the decadent chocolate sauce all play their part. However, you might notice something conspicuously absent in some of the photos: the chopped nuts. In a moment of post-shoot realization (and a classic baking “oops!”), I discovered the bowl of beautifully chopped nuts still sitting on my kitchen counter. Lesson learned!

Despite their absence in some of the visuals, I cannot emphasize enough how important those nuts are. A generous sprinkle of chopped peanuts, walnuts, or pecans adds a crucial textural contrast and a nutty depth that truly completes the banana split experience. So, please, learn from my minor oversight and make sure to sprinkle some chopped nuts on top before serving for that authentic, irresistible crunch!

Why Small Batch Cheesecakes are a Game Changer

There’s a unique appeal to small batch recipes, especially when it comes to desserts as rich and satisfying as cheesecake. These mini cheesecakes are perfectly sized, yielding exactly 8 servings, making them ideal for a multitude of occasions:

Perfect for Small Gatherings: Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two, a small family celebration, or just a treat for yourself, a small batch prevents an overwhelming amount of leftovers.
Reduces Waste: No more half-eaten large cheesecakes sitting in the fridge. Enjoy fresh, perfectly portioned desserts every time.
Quicker and Easier: While cheesecake always requires some chill time, a smaller batch means less prep and often a slightly shorter bake time compared to a full-sized counterpart.
Experiment with Flavors: Small batches allow you to try new flavor combinations without committing to a huge recipe.
Beginner-Friendly: Less intimidating for novice bakers who might shy away from a full-sized cheesecake recipe.

These benefits, combined with the sheer deliciousness, make this small batch mini banana split cheesecake recipe an absolute winner for any dessert enthusiast.

Tips for Cheesecake Success: Achieving Perfection Every Time

Making a successful cheesecake, even a mini one, involves a few key steps that ensure a creamy texture and prevent cracks. Follow these tips for an exceptional result:

Room Temperature Ingredients: This is paramount for cheesecake. Ensure your cream cheese and egg are at room temperature. Cold ingredients will not blend smoothly, leading to lumps in your batter and potential overmixing. Room temperature ingredients emulsify better, creating a velvety smooth filling.
Don’t Overbeat the Batter: While you want to beat the cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy, be careful once the egg is added. Overmixing after the egg can incorporate too much air, which expands during baking and then collapses, causing cracks. Beat just until smooth.
Proper Cooling is Crucial: Cheesecakes need a gradual cool-down. After baking, cool them for an hour at room temperature before refrigerating. This slow transition helps prevent cracking. Then, a minimum of 4 hours (or ideally overnight) in the refrigerator allows them to fully set and develop their rich texture.
Drain Pineapple Thoroughly: Excess moisture from the crushed pineapple can make your cheesecake soggy. Press out as much liquid as possible before adding it to the batter.
Use Ripe Bananas: Ripe (but not overly brown) bananas will offer the best natural sweetness and banana flavor for your cheesecake filling.
Garnish Just Before Serving: For the freshest and most appealing presentation, add your whipped cream, hot fudge, nuts, and cherries just before you’re ready to serve. This keeps the whipped cream light and prevents the nuts from becoming soggy.

By following these simple guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to creating mini banana split cheesecakes that are not only beautiful but also incredibly delicious and perfectly textured.

Mini Banana Split Cheesecakes

Yield:
8 mini cheesecakes

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
35 minutes

Chill Time:
4 hours

Total Time:
4 hours 55 minutes

These small batch mini banana cheesecakes taste like a banana split but without the mess of melted ice cream.

Ingredients

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
3 tablespoons butter, melted
8 ounces (1 block or 8 tablespoons) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature and not cold to the touch (do not sub fat free)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg, room temperature and not cold to the touch
1/2 cup mashed banana (roughly 1 banana)
1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/4 cup chopped strawberries
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 recipe Small Batch Whipped Cream, for garnish
Hot fudge sauce, chopped nuts, and maraschino cherries, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325F. Line a muffin pan with 8 paper liners. If not using paper liners, grease with cooking spray.
In a small bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until moistened and clumpy.
Press roughly 2 tablespoons crumbs into the bottom of each paper liner. Bake 5-8 minutes or until set and no longer looks wet. Cool while you make the filling.
In a large mixing bowl on high speed, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
Beat in the egg for 1 minute or until smooth (do not overbeat). Beat in the banana, pineapple, strawberries, and vanilla.
Divide the filling among the paper liners. They should be filled to the top. Bake 30-35 minutes or until tops and edges are firm, the center slightly jiggles when moved, and internal temperature is 150F.
Cool for 1 hour at room temperature then cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight before garnishing and serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.

Notes

Looking for more recipes like this? Check out my full list of Easy Mini Cheesecake Recipes.

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More Delicious Banana Recipes to Try

If you’re as big a fan of banana desserts as I am, you’re in for a treat! Beyond these irresistible mini cheesecakes, there’s a whole world of banana-infused delights waiting to be explored. From comforting cupcakes to crunchy biscotti and rich blondies, bananas offer a versatile base for countless sweet creations. Here are some of my favorite banana recipes to inspire your next baking adventure:

Banana Cupcakes with Chocolate Fudge Frosting

Roasted Banana Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Ganache Frosting

Banana Walnut Biscotti

Banana Nut Blondies

Banana Chocolate Chip Bread

Small Batch Banana Muffins

Mini Banana Split Cheesecake Delights