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
- 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.
- 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.
- Mash ripe bananas until smooth and creamy, ensuring no large chunks remain for a consistent texture throughout the cheesecake filling.
- Beat cream cheese and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until silky and fully incorporated, scraping down the sides to prevent lumps.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth consistency.
- Fold in sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture becomes light and airy.
- Gently fold mashed bananas into the cream cheese mixture, creating a marbled effect that distributes banana flavor evenly.
- Pour the banana cheesecake filling over the graham cracker crust, spreading carefully to ensure an even layer.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken.
- Remove from oven and cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to set firmly.
- Dust the chilled bars with a mixture of powdered sugar and ground cinnamon using a fine-mesh sieve.
- Drizzle caramel sauce in a decorative pattern across the surface.
- Top with dollops of whipped cream just before serving for a luxurious finishing touch.
- 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