Dreamy Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Creamy, dreamy banana cream cheesecake bars burst with irresistible flavors that dance across your palate.

Soft layers of smooth cream cheese mingle with ripe banana goodness.

Sweet crumbles form a delectable graham cracker base that provides delightful crunch.

Decadent swirls of silky filling promise pure indulgence in every single bite.

Delicate hints of vanilla enhance the rich, luxurious texture of these heavenly dessert squares.

Whipping up these bars requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Come explore this simple yet spectacular treat that will definitely become your new favorite weekend baking adventure!

Why Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars Are So Dreamy

• Conquer Complexity: Achieve impressive bakery-style banana cheesecake bars with surprisingly straightforward steps that don't require professional pastry skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Create a universally loved treat perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and casual celebrations where everyone craves a delightful sweet bite.
• Maximize Flavor Depth: Combine multiple complementary ingredients like banana liqueur, vanilla extract, and ripe bananas to elevate the traditional cheesecake into a rich, multi-dimensional dessert experience.
• Smart Make-Ahead Option: Prepare these bars in advance and store in the refrigerator, ensuring stress-free entertaining and enjoying a delectable dessert with minimal last-minute preparation.

Ingredients For Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet, crunchy foundation for the cheesecake bars.
• Butter: Helps bind the crumbs together and adds rich flavor to the crust.

• Cream Cheese: The primary component that creates the smooth, creamy texture of the cheesecake.
• Ripe Bananas: Offer natural sweetness and intense banana flavor to the dessert.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tanginess of the cream cheese.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a deeper, caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the filling.
• Sour Cream: Contributes to the creamy texture and adds a subtle tangy note.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet essence.
• Banana Liqueur: Intensifies the banana flavor and adds complexity to the dessert.

• Eggs: Act as a crucial binding agent that helps set the cheesecake and create a smooth texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps stabilize the cheesecake filling.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the other flavors in the dessert.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cheesecake achieve a light, slightly risen texture.
• Heavy Cream: Used for creating a smooth, billowy topping that adds richness.

How To Make Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Heat the oven to 325°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting edges hang over for easy lifting later.

Step 2: Create Crumbly Crust

Melt butter and mix with graham cracker crumbs. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan’s bottom, creating a solid foundation for the cheesecake.

Step 3: Whip Cream Cheese Smooth

Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until completely smooth and free of any lumps. The texture should be silky and creamy.

Step 4: Blend Sweetening Ingredients

• Granulated sugar
• Sour cream
• Brown sugar

Mix until the combination becomes perfectly integrated and glossy.

Step 5: Incorporate Banana Goodness

Thoroughly mash ripe bananas. Fold them into the cream cheese mixture along with vanilla extract and banana liqueur, creating a rich banana-infused base.

Step 6: Add Egg Binding

Crack eggs into the mixture one at a time. Blend thoroughly after each addition to maintain a uniform, smooth consistency.

Step 7: Introduce Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Salt
• Baking powder

Gently fold these dry ingredients into the cheesecake batter, being careful not to overmix.

Step 8: Pour and Smooth

Transfer the banana-cream mixture over the graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to spread evenly and create a perfectly flat surface.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 40-45 minutes. The center should be just set but still slightly wobbly when gently shaken.

Step 10: Cool Completely

Remove from oven and let cool at room temperature for approximately 1 hour.

Step 11: Whip Cream Topping

Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 12: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 3 hours or overnight to ensure complete setting.

Step 13: Finish and Serve

Spread whipped cream on top. Slice into neat, even bars and serve chilled.

Helpful Tips For Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars

• Prevent Crust Crumbling: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to ensure a solid, compact base that holds together when cutting.
• Smooth Cream Cheese Technique: Bring cream cheese to room temperature and beat until completely smooth, scraping down sides of bowl to eliminate potential lumps.
• Banana Ripeness Matters: Use overripe bananas with dark brown spots for maximum sweetness and deeper banana flavor in the cheesecake bars.
• Avoid Overbaking Trick: Watch for slight jiggle in the center when shaking the pan, which indicates perfectly baked cheesecake that will set beautifully when chilled.
• Chill for Perfect Texture: Refrigerate bars for minimum 3 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and achieve ideal firm yet creamy consistency.

Fun Variations Of Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars

• Banana Caramel Cheesecake Bars: Replace banana liqueur with caramel sauce, drizzling extra on top for rich sweetness.
• Nutty Banana Cheesecake Bars: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the graham cracker crust and sprinkle toasted nuts on whipped cream for extra crunch.
• Gluten-Free Banana Cheesecake Bars: Substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Chocolate Banana Cheesecake Bars: Mix dark chocolate chips into the batter and create a chocolate graham cracker base for intense chocolate-banana flavor profile.

Pairing Tips For Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars

• Savor Sweet Bourbon Companions: Pair this creamy banana cheesecake with smooth, rich bourbon like Woodford Reserve for a luxurious flavor match.
• Caramelize Banana Rum Drizzle: Top each bar with a quick caramel rum sauce made from dark rum, brown sugar, and butter to enhance the banana's natural sweetness.
• Spice Up Coffee Complement: Serve alongside a warm, spiced vanilla latte or cappuccino to highlight the dessert's creamy texture and banana undertones.
• Nutty Crunch Contrast: Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top to add a delightful crunch and earthy depth that balances the cheesecake's smooth consistency.

Best Way To Store Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars

• Store leftover banana cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dessert's flavor.
• Wrap individual bars or the entire pan tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual bars briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften. Alternatively, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to take the chill off without compromising texture.
• For optimal taste and texture, consume chilled directly from the refrigerator. The cold temperature helps maintain the creamy consistency and rich banana flavor.

FAQs On Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars

• Can I use unripe bananas for this recipe?

No, ripe bananas are crucial. They provide natural sweetness, moisture, and deeper flavor that unripe bananas cannot deliver.

• Is banana liqueur mandatory?

Not really. You can substitute with additional vanilla extract or banana extract if you prefer. The liqueur enhances flavor but isn’t essential.

• What if I don't have a 9×13-inch pan?

Use a similar sized baking pan with comparable depth. Adjust baking time slightly and check for doneness by watching the center’s firmness.

• How do I know if the cheesecake bars are fully baked?

Look for a slightly jiggly center when gently shaken. The edges should be set, and the top should look matte, not glossy. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.

Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars!! Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy banana cream cheesecake bars blend indulgent flavors with silky smooth textures. Cool layers of rich cream cheese and ripe bananas create a delightful dessert slice that will satisfy sweet cravings and impress guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 3 ripe bananas
• 16 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp banana liqueur (optional)

Binding and Stabilizing:

• 3 large eggs
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
2. Melt the butter and combine with graham cracker crumbs, pressing the mixture firmly into the prepared pan to create a compact, even crust.
3. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly cream the cream cheese until smooth and velvety, ensuring no lumps remain.
4. Incorporate granulated sugar, sour cream, and brown sugar into the cream cheese, mixing until the mixture becomes silky and well-integrated.
5. Mash the ripe bananas completely, then fold them into the cream cheese mixture along with vanilla extract and banana liqueur.
6. Crack the eggs into the mixture one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition to maintain a uniform consistency.
7. Sift together flour, salt, and baking powder, then gently fold into the cheesecake batter to prevent overmixing.
8. Pour the luscious banana-cream mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
9. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken.
10. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 1 hour.
11. Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then refrigerate until ready to garnish.
12. Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 3 hours or overnight to fully set.
13. Before serving, spread the whipped cream on top and slice into neat, even bars.

Notes

• Ripeness Matters: Select bananas with deep yellow peels and brown speckles for maximum natural sweetness and intense banana flavor.
• Softening Cream Cheese: Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing to guarantee a smooth, lump-free batter and perfect texture.
• Prevent Cracking: Avoid overbaking by removing cheesecake when center remains slightly wobbly, which prevents unsightly surface cracks and maintains creamy consistency.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg