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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until smooth and creamy, gradually incorporating granulated sugar until fully integrated.
- 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.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly, avoiding over-baking to maintain a creamy texture.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to set fully.
- Before serving, garnish the chilled bars with a generous layer of whipped cream, arranging fresh banana slices strategically across the top.
- Drizzle caramel sauce in an elegant pattern over the whipped cream and banana slices.
- Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers as a final decorative and textural element, creating a visually appealing and crunchy topping.
- 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