Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Hey there! Today, I want to share with you my all-time favorite dessert recipe – Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars. These creamy, dreamy bars are a delightful fusion of classic banana pudding and indulgent cheesecake. They are the perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in. Trust me, once you try these bars, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This

I make this dessert when I want to impress my guests with something truly special. The combination of smooth cheesecake, luscious banana pudding, and buttery graham cracker crust is simply irresistible. My family goes crazy for this because it’s the best of both worlds – a classic comfort dessert with a twist of sophistication.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the cheesecake filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the banana pudding layer:

• 1 box instant banana pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk

For the whipped cream topping:

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar for the crust. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until well combined.

4. In a separate bowl, prepare the banana pudding according to the package instructions, using the cold milk. Let it set for a few minutes to thicken.

5. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the baking dish, spreading it evenly. Then, carefully spread the banana pudding layer on top of the cream cheese mixture.

6. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.

7. While the bars are cooling, prepare the whipped cream topping. In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.

8. Once the bars have cooled, spread the whipped cream topping over the banana pudding layer. You can get creative and garnish with sliced bananas or crushed graham crackers if you like.

9. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the bars to set.

10. When you’re ready to serve, cut the chilled bars into squares and enjoy! They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though honestly, in my house, they never last more than a day!

Variations

I love experimenting with different flavors and textures. Here are a few variations you can try:

– Instead of graham cracker crumbs, use crushed vanilla wafers for the crust. It adds a delightful twist to the overall taste.

– For a tropical twist, add some shredded coconut to the crust or sprinkle it on top of the whipped cream.

– If you’re a chocolate lover, try adding a layer of chocolate ganache between the cream cheese mixture and the banana pudding. It takes the bars to a whole new level of decadence.

Pro Tips

– When mashing the bananas for the cheesecake filling, leave some small chunks for extra bursts of banana flavor in every bite.

– To achieve a perfectly smooth cream cheese filling, make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing it with the other ingredients.

– Allow the bars to chill for the recommended time to ensure they set properly and have the best texture.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different type of pudding mix?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or even caramel. Just make sure to adjust the amount of milk according to the package instructions.

Q: Can I freeze these bars?

A: While it’s technically possible to freeze them, I wouldn’t recommend it. The texture may become a bit watery after thawing, and the flavors might not be as vibrant.

Q: Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

A: Definitely! A hand mixer works just fine for this recipe. Just make sure to beat the ingredients until they are well combined and smooth.

So, there you have it – my delicious Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars recipe. I hope you give it a try and enjoy every creamy, banana-filled bite! Remember, cooking should always be a joyful experience, so don’t be afraid to make it your own and have fun along the way. Happy baking!