Easy Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Dreamy Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Creamy banana dreams collide with velvety cheesecake in these delectable bars that promise pure indulgence.

Unexpected layers of smooth richness await your taste buds.

Soft banana slices mingle with rich cream cheese, creating a dessert that feels like a sweet adventure.

Our recipe blends classic comfort with modern twists, ensuring every bite surprises you.

Decadent yet simple, these bars come together with minimal kitchen effort.

Perfectly balanced flavors dance between fruity and tangy notes that make hearts melt.

You’ll want to savor each luxurious square and share the magic with everyone around.

Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars FAQs Made Easy

  • Are bananas essential for this cheesecake recipe?

Bananas provide the signature flavor and moisture, creating a rich and creamy texture that distinguishes these bars from traditional cheesecake.

  • Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best texture and richness. Low-fat versions might result in a less creamy and less stable cheesecake.

  • How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?

Avoid overmixing the batter, bake at a consistent temperature, and let the cheesecake cool gradually to minimize surface cracking.

  • What if my bananas aren't super ripe?

Very ripe bananas with brown spots provide the most intense flavor and natural sweetness. If your bananas are less ripe, you can add an extra tablespoon of sugar to compensate.

Why Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars Are Creamy And Dreamy

  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: This banana cheesecake delivers irresistible flavors that make everyone at the gathering smile and ask for seconds.
  • Master Simple Baking Skills: Novice bakers can confidently follow straightforward steps, creating a professional-looking dessert without advanced culinary training.
  • Customize with Easy Variations: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or different drizzle sauces to personalize the recipe and match individual taste preferences.
  • Prepare Make-Ahead Magic: Refrigerate the bars in advance, making it perfect for dinner parties, potlucks, or weekend treat preparation without last-minute stress.

What You’ll Need For Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars

For the Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A sweet and crunchy base that provides a classic foundation for the cheesecake bars.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crumbs together and creates a rich, golden crust.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, rich, and creamy texture that is essential to the cheesecake.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to balance the tanginess of the cream cheese.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the filling together.
  • Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tangy flavor to the cheesecake.
  • Heavy Cream: Contributes to the light and airy texture of the filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.
  • Ripe Bananas: Bring a natural sweetness and distinct banana flavor to the cheesecake.
For the Toppings and Garnish:
  • Powdered Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Creates a delicate, spiced dusting that adds visual appeal and extra flavor.
  • Caramel Sauce: Provides a rich, sweet drizzle that complements the banana cheesecake.
  • Whipped Cream: Offers a light, fluffy topping that adds a luxurious finishing touch.

Steps To Make Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy lifting later.

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Base

Toss graham cracker crumbs and melted butter into a food processor. Pulse until the mixture looks like damp sand. Press the crumbly mixture firmly into the pan, creating a solid foundation for your cheesecake bars.

Step 3: Mash Those Bananas

Grab ripe bananas and smash them until super smooth. Make sure no chunky bits remain for a silky-smooth texture in the filling.

Step 4: Whip the Cream Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese and sugar until the mixture becomes luxuriously creamy. Scrape down the sides to eliminate any potential lumps.

Step 5: Add Eggs Carefully

Introduce eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This ensures a perfectly smooth and uniform filling.

Step 6: Create a Dreamy Mixture

Fold in sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture becomes light and airy like a fluffy cloud.

Step 7: Swirl in Banana Magic

Gently fold the mashed bananas into the cream cheese mixture. Create beautiful marbled swirls that distribute banana flavor throughout.

Step 8: Pour and Spread

Carefully pour the banana cheesecake filling over the graham cracker crust. Spread evenly to ensure a perfect layer in every bite.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Look for a center that’s almost set but still slightly wobbly when gently shaken.

Step 10: Cool and Chill

Let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to set it firmly.

Step 11: Add Decorative Dusting

Sprinkle a delicate layer of powdered sugar and ground cinnamon over the top using a fine-mesh sieve.

Step 12: Drizzle with Caramel

Create an artistic drizzle of caramel sauce across the surface for extra indulgence.

Step 13: Finish with Whipped Cream

Just before serving, add dollops of fluffy whipped cream for a luxurious final touch.

Step 14: Slice and Serve

Cut into neat bars and serve chilled. Enjoy the most decadent banana cheesecake experience imaginable!

Tips For Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars

  • Crumb Perfection: Pulse graham crackers until they resemble fine, moist sand for a sturdy, compact crust that holds together beautifully.
  • Banana Smoothness: Thoroughly mash bananas to eliminate chunks, ensuring a silky, uniform texture throughout the cheesecake filling.
  • Mixing Magic: Beat cream cheese and sugar until completely smooth, scraping bowl sides to prevent any unwanted lumps from forming.
  • Gentle Folding Technique: Incorporate eggs and cream gently to maintain a light, airy consistency that creates a luxurious cheesecake texture.
  • Chill for Success: Refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow bars to set completely, developing rich flavors and achieving the perfect creamy consistency.

Sweet Variations For Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars

  • Gluten-Free Banana Cheesecake Bars: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Banana Cream Bars: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut cream instead of dairy, and replace eggs with flax eggs for a plant-based alternative.
  • Chocolate Banana Swirl Bars: Incorporate melted dark chocolate into half the cheesecake mixture, creating a rich marbled chocolate-banana pattern before baking.
  • Low-Sugar Banana Cheesecake Bars: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of granulated sugar, and opt for Greek yogurt to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining creamy texture.

What To Pair With Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars

  • Pair with Rich Caramel Bourbon: Smooth bourbon complements the banana's sweetness and cuts through the creamy cheesecake texture, creating a sophisticated adult dessert experience.
  • Serve with Fresh Banana Smoothie: A chilled banana smoothie echoes the dessert's primary flavor, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, dense cheesecake bars.
  • Match with Cinnamon Spice Tea: Warm, aromatic cinnamon tea balances the creamy dessert, enhancing the subtle spice notes already present in the powdered sugar topping.
  • Complement with Vanilla Bean Latte: The creamy coffee drink's vanilla undertones harmonize beautifully with the cheesecake's vanilla extract, creating a luxurious flavor combination.

Best Way To Store Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars

  • Store banana cheesecake bars in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, keeping them flat and covered. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and taste.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Preheat oven to 325°F. Remove bars from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Warm gently for 5-7 minutes to restore soft texture without drying out.
  • Remove frozen bars from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Serve slightly chilled for best flavor and creamy consistency.
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Easy Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars Recipe


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4.7 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 60 minutes (4 hours)
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Indulgent banana cream cheesecake bars blend creamy richness with classic dessert charm. Layers of velvety filling and buttery graham cracker crust promise a delightful escape that satisfies sweet cravings with each heavenly bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 medium bananas
  • 16 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup granulated sugar

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Finishing and Flavor Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup caramel sauce
  • 1/2 cup whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
  2. Pulse graham cracker crumbs with melted butter in a food processor until the mixture resembles coarse, moistened sand, then press firmly into the prepared pan to create an even, compact base.
  3. Mash ripe bananas until smooth and creamy, ensuring no large chunks remain for a consistent texture throughout the cheesecake filling.
  4. Beat cream cheese and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until silky and fully incorporated, scraping down the sides to prevent lumps.
  5. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth consistency.
  6. Fold in sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture becomes light and airy.
  7. Gently fold mashed bananas into the cream cheese mixture, creating a marbled effect that distributes banana flavor evenly.
  8. Pour the banana cheesecake filling over the graham cracker crust, spreading carefully to ensure an even layer.
  9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken.
  10. Remove from oven and cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to set firmly.
  11. Dust the chilled bars with a mixture of powdered sugar and ground cinnamon using a fine-mesh sieve.
  12. Drizzle caramel sauce in a decorative pattern across the surface.
  13. Top with dollops of whipped cream just before serving for a luxurious finishing touch.
  14. Slice into neat bars and serve chilled for the most decadent texture and flavor experience.

Notes

  • Select fully ripe bananas with brown speckles for maximum sweetness and intense banana flavor that enhances the cheesecake’s richness.
  • Ensure cream cheese is softened at room temperature to prevent lumps and achieve a silky smooth filling without overmixing.
  • Use parchment paper overhang as a convenient lifting tool to remove bars cleanly and slice them with precision.
  • Refrigerate bars overnight for deeper flavor development and a firmer, more stable cheesecake texture that cuts beautifully.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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