Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars
These Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars are a delightful blend of creamy cheesecake and classic banana pudding flavors! With a buttery vanilla wafer crust, a smooth banana-flavored cheesecake filling, and a layer of whipped topping, each bite is rich, creamy, and packed with banana goodness. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or any time you crave a delicious dessert, these bars are easy to serve and even easier to eat!
Ingredients:
• For the Vanilla Wafer Crust:
o 1 1/2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs (about 40-45 wafers)
o 1/4 cup granulated sugar
o 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• For the Banana Cheesecake Filling:
o 16 oz cream cheese, softened
o 1 cup granulated sugar
o 2 large eggs, room temperature
o 1/2 cup sour cream
o 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 large banana)
o 1 tsp vanilla extract
o 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• For the Topping:
o 1 cup whipped topping (homemade or store-bought)
o 1 large banana, sliced (for garnish)
o Extra vanilla wafers, crushed (for garnish)
Directions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
o Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Make the Vanilla Wafer Crust:
o In a medium bowl, mix together the vanilla wafer crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
o Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create an even layer. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
3. Make the Banana Cheesecake Filling:
o In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
o Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
o Beat in the sour cream, mashed banana, vanilla extract, and flour until the filling is smooth and well combined.
4. Bake the Cheesecake:
o Pour the banana cheesecake filling over the cooled vanilla wafer crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.
o Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool to room temperature.
5. Chill and Set the Cheesecake:
o Once the bars have cooled to room temperature, cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the cheesecake is fully set.
6. Top and Serve:
o Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, remove it from the pan using the parchment paper overhang and place it on a cutting board.
o Spread the whipped topping evenly over the top of the cheesecake. Garnish with banana slices and crushed vanilla wafers.
o Cut into squares and serve these delicious Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars!
Prep Time: 20 mins | Cooking Time: 35 mins | Chill Time: 4 hrs | Total Time: 4 hrs 55 mins | Servings: 12 bars | Calories: 280 kcal per bar
