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Introduction
Banana pudding cheesecake bars are a sweet and creamy dessert that brings together two favorite treats in one simple recipe. You get the smooth and rich taste of cheesecake and the soft and comforting flavor of banana pudding in every bite. These bars are easy to slice, easy to serve, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. The base is buttery and crunchy, the middle is creamy and full of banana flavor, and the top is soft and fluffy. Even if you are new to baking, you can make this recipe without stress because the steps are clear and simple to follow.
People love this recipe because it feels both classic and special at the same time. Banana pudding reminds many people of home, childhood, and family gatherings. Cheesecake feels fancy and rich, like something you would order at a nice cafe. When you mix these two together, you get a dessert that feels comforting but also impressive. The texture is also a big reason why people enjoy it so much. Each layer adds something different. The crust gives a light crunch, the cheesecake layer gives a creamy bite, and the topping adds a soft finish.
This is a great dessert to make for parties, weekend treats, birthdays, and holiday dinners. It is also perfect when you want something sweet that feels homemade and full of love. You can make it for guests or just as a reward for yourself after a long week. If you enjoy banana flavor and creamy desserts, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. It is also good when you want a dessert that can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge until serving.
Ingredients You Will Need
For the crust
2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
1 half cup melted butter
2 tablespoons sugar
For the cheesecake layer
2 blocks cream cheese, softened, each about 8 ounces
3 fourth cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 half cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup mashed ripe bananas, about 2 medium bananas
For the pudding layer
1 box instant banana pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
For the topping
1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping
1 sliced banana for garnish
Extra vanilla wafers crushed for garnish
Step by Step Method
First preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Take a square baking pan and line it with baking paper. Leave a little paper hanging over the sides so you can lift the bars out later. Lightly grease the paper so nothing sticks.
Now make the crust. Put the vanilla wafer crumbs into a large bowl. Add the sugar and melted butter. Mix everything with a spoon until the crumbs are fully coated and look like wet sand. Pour this mixture into the prepared pan. Press it down firmly using the back of a spoon or a flat cup. Make sure the crust is even and tight. Bake this crust for about 10 minutes. Take it out and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
In another large bowl add the softened cream cheese and sugar. Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat it until smooth and creamy. There should be no lumps. Add the eggs one at a time and mix well after each one. Then add the sour cream and vanilla extract. Mix again until smooth.
Peel and mash the bananas in a small bowl. Make sure they are well mashed with very few lumps. Add the mashed bananas to the cream cheese mixture. Mix slowly until everything is fully combined and creamy.
Pour this cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust. Spread it evenly with a spoon or spatula so the top is smooth. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. The center should look set but still slightly soft. It will firm up more as it cools. Remove from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for about 45 minutes. Then place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours so it can chill and set properly.
After the cheesecake layer is cold, prepare the pudding layer. In a bowl add the instant banana pudding mix and cold milk. Whisk for about 2 minutes until it becomes thick. Let it sit for 5 minutes to fully set.
Spread the pudding evenly over the chilled cheesecake layer. Use a spoon or spatula to smooth the top. Try to make it even across all sides.
Next spread the whipped cream over the pudding layer. You can spread it flat or make soft swirls for a pretty look. Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers on top. Add banana slices if you like. This adds extra flavor and makes it look fresh and beautiful.
Place the pan back in the fridge for at least 1 more hour before cutting. When ready to serve, lift the dessert out using the baking paper edges. Place on a board and cut into squares. Clean the knife between cuts for neat slices.
Why This Recipe Is Special
This banana pudding cheesecake bars recipe is special because it combines comfort and richness in one easy dessert. Many desserts are either very heavy or very light, but this one gives a perfect balance. The banana adds natural sweetness and flavor. The cream cheese adds richness and smooth texture. The crust adds a buttery crunch that makes every bite more interesting.
Another great point is that this recipe is beginner friendly. You do not need advanced baking skills or special tools. A bowl, a whisk, and a basic pan are enough. The steps are simple and clear, which makes it perfect for new bakers. It is also a good recipe to make with kids or family members since the process is fun and not too messy.
This dessert is also flexible. You can adjust sweetness, add toppings, or change cookies in the crust. It works well for many events and tastes. Because it is served as bars, it is easier to handle than a full cheesecake. That makes it great for sharing at gatherings and celebrations.
Extra Tips for Better Taste
Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor. Bananas with brown spots are sweeter and mash more easily. They give a stronger banana taste to the cheesecake layer.
Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. If it is too cold, the batter will have lumps. Soft cream cheese blends smoothly and gives a creamy texture.
Chill the bars long enough before slicing. Cold layers cut more cleanly and hold their shape better. If you rush this step, the layers may slide.
Add a spoon of lemon juice to the mashed bananas if you want a brighter flavor. It also helps keep the color fresh.
You can add a small amount of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust for a warm taste. Just a pinch is enough to add depth without overpowering the banana flavor.
For extra richness, mix a few spoonfuls of whipped cream into the pudding before spreading it. This makes the pudding layer lighter and more mousse like.
If you want a stronger cookie base, mix in some crushed butter cookies along with the vanilla wafers. This gives a deeper flavor.
Final Thoughts
Banana pudding cheesecake bars are a joyful dessert that brings smiles with every bite. They are creamy, sweet, and full of familiar flavor. The layered look makes them feel special, but the method stays simple and friendly for beginners. You can make them ahead of time, serve them cold, and enjoy them slowly. Whether you bake for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is a lovely choice that is both comforting and impressive.
Nutrition Details
Approximate values for the whole recipe
Calories about 3200
Protein about 48 grams
Fat about 190 grams
Carbohydrates about 340 grams
Sugar about 230 grams
Approximate values per serving if cut into 12 bars
Calories about 267
Protein about 4 grams
Fat about 16 grams
Carbohydrates about 28 grams
Sugar about 19 grams
Nutrition values can change based on brands and exact ingredient amounts used.