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