Creamy Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars

Creamy Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars combine the classic flavors of banana pudding with the creamy richness of cheesecake, all nestled on a buttery vanilla wafer crust. These delightful bars are perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving a dessert that’s both nostalgic and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines two beloved desserts: banana pudding and cheesecake.
• Easy to serve in bar form, making it perfect for parties or potlucks.
• Smooth, creamy, and packed with real banana flavor.
• The vanilla wafer crust adds a delightful crunch and nostalgic charm.
• Easy to make ahead of time for convenient entertaining.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Vanilla wafer cookies
• Unsalted butter
• Cream cheese
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Mashed ripe bananas
• Vanilla extract
• Instant banana pudding mix
• Milk
• Whipped topping or heavy cream
• Sliced bananas (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Crust:
   Preheat your oven and line a baking pan with parchment paper. Crush vanilla wafer cookies into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan to form the crust. Bake for a few minutes and let it cool.
2. Make the Cheesecake Layer:
   Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined. Stir in mashed bananas and vanilla extract. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust.
3. Bake the Cheesecake Layer:
   Bake until the cheesecake is set but slightly jiggly in the center. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
4. Prepare the Banana Pudding Layer:
   Whisk together instant banana pudding mix and milk until thickened. Spread the pudding over the cooled cheesecake layer.
5. Top and Chill:
   Spread whipped topping or freshly whipped cream over the pudding layer. Garnish with sliced bananas and extra vanilla wafer crumbs, if desired. Chill in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight to set.
6. Serve:
   Slice into bars and serve cold.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-16 bars
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Chill Time: 4-6 hours
• Total Time: 5-7 hours

Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free vanilla wafers or cookies for the crust.
• Lighter Version: Swap regular cream cheese with reduced-fat cream cheese and use light whipped topping.
• Chocolate Twist: Add a layer of melted chocolate or drizzle chocolate syrup on top for a chocolate-banana combo.
• Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added texture.
• Caramel Delight: Drizzle caramel sauce over the whipped topping before serving.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheating: These bars are best enjoyed cold, so reheating is unnecessary.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe without bananas?

Yes, but the banana flavor will be absent. You can use vanilla pudding mix for a vanilla cheesecake bar instead.

2. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Absolutely! Freshly whipped cream adds a lovely homemade touch to the dessert.

3. How do I prevent my cheesecake layer from cracking?

Avoid overmixing the batter and bake at a consistent temperature. Allow it to cool gradually.

4. Can I use a graham cracker crust instead of vanilla wafers?

Yes, graham crackers make an excellent alternative for the crust.

5. Can I use banana extract instead of mashed bananas?

Banana extract can be used for flavor, but the mashed bananas add moisture and texture to the cheesecake.

6. How long should I chill the bars?

Chill the bars for at least 4-6 hours or overnight for the best results.

7. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for making ahead as it needs time to chill and set.

8. What’s the best way to slice these bars cleanly?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat slices.

9. Can I add other fruits to this recipe?

Yes, strawberries or blueberries make a great addition to the topping.

10. What can I do if my pudding layer is too runny?

Ensure you use the correct amount of milk as indicated on the pudding mix package, and let it thicken before spreading.

Conclusion

Creamy Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars are a delightful twist on classic desserts, offering layers of flavor and texture in every bite. With their easy preparation and impressive presentation, these bars are sure to become a favorite for any occasion. Try them today and treat yourself to a slice of creamy, nostalgic bliss!

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