Description
Indulgent Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars blend Southern comfort with creamy cheesecake decadence, marrying classic dessert flavors in one irresistible treat. Silky layers and rich textures promise a delightful escape that will transport you to a world of sweet, nostalgic bliss.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (453 grams) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup mashed ripe bananas (about 1 medium banana)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Crust Ingredients:
- 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs (about 50 wafers)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Topping and Filling Ingredients:
- 1 package (3.4 ounces/96 grams) instant banana pudding mix
- 1 ¾ cups cold milk
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sliced bananas
- Crushed vanilla wafers
Instructions
- Create a sturdy foundation by combining crushed vanilla wafers with melted butter, pressing the mixture into a parchment-lined baking dish. Gently toast the crust in a preheated oven until it turns a delicate golden hue, then allow it to cool completely.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a velvety smooth consistency. Incorporate eggs gradually, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next. Fold in ripe, velvety mashed bananas and aromatic vanilla extract.
- Carefully pour the luxurious cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a gentle touch. Bake until the center sets with a subtle jiggle, indicating perfect doneness.
- Craft the luscious banana pudding layer by whisking pudding mix with cold milk until it reaches a thick, creamy texture. Gently fold in fluffy whipped topping to create a silky, cloud-like mixture.
- Lavish the cooled cheesecake with the pudding layer, spreading it with precision to create a uniform surface.
- Refrigerate the dessert for several hours, allowing the layers to meld and set into a harmonious masterpiece.
- Just before serving, embellish with dollops of whipped cream, delicate banana slices, and a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers for a stunning presentation that promises to delight the senses.
Notes
- Softening cream cheese at room temperature ensures a smooth, lump-free cheesecake layer that blends perfectly with banana flavors.
- Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter to prevent air bubbles and a cracked surface, which can happen when eggs are incorporated too vigorously.
- Use very ripe, almost brown bananas for maximum sweetness and intense banana flavor that will elevate the entire dessert.
- For a gluten-free version, swap vanilla wafer crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to maintain the crunchy base texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg