Quick & Sweet Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Creamy banana pudding cheesecake bars bring comfort straight to your plate with a nostalgic twist.

Layers of smooth cream cheese meld perfectly with sweet banana essence.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this delightful dessert that combines classic flavors.

Soft graham cracker crusts provide a delicate crunch against silky pudding-infused filling.

Rich textures and decadent notes promise an indulgent experience for anyone seeking a classic treat.

Crumbling cookies and whipped cream add playful dimensions to each delectable bite.

You’ll want to slice these bars and savor every single moment of deliciousness.

Flavor Options For Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars

• Gluten-Free Banana Cheesecake Bars: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs, ensuring a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Banana Cream Bars: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut cream instead of dairy, and replace eggs with flax eggs to create a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Banana Cheesecake Squares: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining a sweet flavor profile.
• Tropical Banana Coconut Bars: Incorporate shredded coconut into the crust and topping, add a splash of coconut extract to the filling for an enhanced tropical experience.

What To Serve With Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars

• Brew Bold Coffee Companion: Dark roast or espresso cuts through the richness, balancing the sweet cheesecake with robust, slightly bitter notes that cleanse the palate and enhance the dessert's complex flavors.
• Select Sweet Wine Sidekick: Moscato d'Asti or late harvest Riesling offers delicate sweetness that complements the caramel and banana, creating a harmonious taste experience without overwhelming the dessert's nuanced profile.
• Create Contrasting Cocktail Mate: Bourbon old fashioned with its caramel undertones and slight spice echoes the dessert's caramel drizzle, while the alcohol's warmth provides a sophisticated counterpoint to the creamy cheesecake texture.
• Match Nutty Beverage Partner

Storing Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars Properly

• Wrap banana cheesecake bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, keeping them in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Pack bars in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers, storing them for 2-3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual bars at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften and restore creamy texture, avoiding microwave to prevent texture changes.
• Garnish with fresh whipped cream and banana slices after reheating to restore the original vibrant presentation and enhance flavor profile.

Questions About Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars

• Can I use a different type of crust?

Yes, you can substitute graham cracker crumbs with crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits for a unique base flavor.

• How ripe should the bananas be?

Use very ripe, almost completely brown bananas for the most intense, sweet banana flavor in the cheesecake bars.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour to create a gluten-free version.

• Can I freeze these banana cheesecake bars?

Yes, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Why Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars Are A Must-Make

• Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Irresistible bars that combine classic banana pudding with rich cheesecake, guaranteed to make everyone smile and ask for seconds.
• Master Simple Baking Technique: Straightforward recipe perfect for beginners, requiring basic mixing skills and minimal kitchen equipment to produce a stunning dessert that looks professionally made.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allowing personal touches like extra caramel drizzle, different cookie crumbles, or varied garnishing techniques to match your taste and style.
• Prep-Ahead Party Hero: Make in advance and refrigerate, making it ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions where you want delicious dessert without last-minute stress.

Ingredients For Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A sweet and buttery foundation that provides a classic base for the cheesecake bars.
• Butter: Helps bind the graham cracker crumbs and creates a rich, golden crust.

• Cream Cheese: The primary component that gives the bars a smooth, tangy, and creamy texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tanginess of the cream cheese.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cheesecake filling together.
• Sour Cream: Contributes to the rich, velvety consistency of the cheesecake.
• Bananas: Bring natural sweetness and a subtle fruity flavor to the dessert.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, aromatic notes.

• Whipped Cream, Banana Slices: Create a fresh and visually appealing layer on top of the cheesecake bars.
• Caramel Sauce: Adds a luxurious, sweet drizzle that complements the banana flavor.
• Vanilla Wafers: Provide a crunchy textural contrast to the creamy cheesecake.

Directions To Prepare Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing extra paper to hang over sides for easy lifting later.

Step 2: Create Crumbly Crust

Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan, creating a solid foundation for the cheesecake bars.

Step 3: Whip Cream Cheese Base

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until it becomes incredibly smooth and creamy. Gradually add sugar, mixing until the mixture is completely combined and silky.

Step 4: Blend Filling Ingredients

• Sour cream
• Mashed bananas
• Vanilla extract

Continue mixing until the filling is uniform and luxuriously smooth.

Step 5: Pour and Spread Cheesecake Layer

Transfer the creamy filling over the graham cracker crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a perfectly flat surface.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in a preheated oven at 325°F. Bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a slightly jiggly center that indicates ideal doneness. Avoid over-baking to maintain a luscious, creamy texture.

Step 7: Cool and Chill

Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to ensure complete setting.

Step 8: Dress with Whipped Cream

Top the chilled bars with a generous layer of fluffy whipped cream, creating a cloud-like surface.

Step 9: Add Fresh Banana Accents

Arrange fresh banana slices artfully across the whipped cream topping.

Step 10: Drizzle and Decorate

Gracefully drizzle caramel sauce over the banana slices, creating an elegant pattern.

Step 11: Add Crunchy Finishing Touch

Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers over the top, providing a delightful textural contrast and visual appeal.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Slice into squares and serve chilled, savoring the delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and classic banana pudding flavors.

Tips For Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars

• Prevent Crust Crumbling: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid, compact base that holds together when slicing.
• Achieve Smooth Filling: Whip cream cheese thoroughly and add eggs gradually to prevent lumps and ensure a silky, consistent texture.
• Avoid Cheesecake Cracking: Bake at a low temperature and remove when center is slightly jiggly to maintain creamy consistency and prevent surface cracks.
• Control Moisture Levels: Use ripe, well-mashed bananas and drain excess liquid to prevent watery cheesecake bars.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Let bars chill overnight to allow flavors to meld and develop a richer, more complex taste profile.

Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 55-60 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets creamy indulgence in these banana pudding cheesecake bars, blending classic dessert nostalgia with rich, smooth layers. Cream cheese, ripe bananas, and vanilla wafer crust unite to deliver a dessert that will make you swoon with pure Southern delight.

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Ingredients

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Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping:

• 1 cup whipped cream
• 2 bananas, sliced
• 1/4 cup caramel sauce
• 1/4 cup crushed vanilla wafers

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a compact crust.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until smooth and creamy, gradually incorporating granulated sugar until fully integrated.
4. Blend in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is thoroughly mixed before adding the next, then fold in sour cream, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract until the filling is uniform and silky.
5. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly, avoiding over-baking to maintain a creamy texture.
7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to set fully.
8. Before serving, garnish the chilled bars with a generous layer of whipped cream, arranging fresh banana slices strategically across the top.
9. Drizzle caramel sauce in an elegant pattern over the whipped cream and banana slices.
10. Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers as a final decorative and textural element, creating a visually appealing and crunchy topping.
11. Cut into squares and serve chilled, enjoying the harmonious blend of creamy cheesecake and classic banana pudding flavors.

Notes

• Select perfectly ripe bananas with yellow peels and minimal brown spots for the most intense, natural sweetness in your cheesecake bars.
• Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to ensure smooth blending and prevent lumpy texture during mixing.
• Gently tap the baking pan on the counter after pouring the filling to release any trapped air bubbles, which helps create a silky, uniform cheesecake surface.
• Wrap the outside of the baking pan with aluminum foil to prevent potential moisture seepage and ensure even baking of the delicate cheesecake layers.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg