Description
Creamy banana pudding cheesecake bars combine classic Southern comfort with luxurious dessert innovation. Sweet banana-infused layers meld rich cream cheese and vanilla wafer crumble, delivering a delightful treat that makes you crave another bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 package (3.4 ounces/96 grams) instant banana pudding mix
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) cold milk
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) vanilla wafer crumbs
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) melted butter
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Additional vanilla wafers for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lining with parchment paper or applying a light grease coating.
- Create the crust by combining vanilla wafer crumbs with melted butter, then firmly press the mixture into the pan’s bottom to form an even layer. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until lightly golden.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and velvety. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough blending after each addition.
- Fold in vanilla extract and sour cream, stirring until the cheesecake mixture achieves a uniform consistency and creamy texture.
- Pour the prepared cheesecake mixture over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly to create a consistent layer.
- Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a set texture with minimal jiggling in the center. Remove and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
- Refrigerate the cooled cheesecake for a minimum of 2 hours to ensure proper setting and chilling.
- Prepare the banana pudding by whisking pudding mix with cold milk until the mixture thickens and reaches a smooth consistency.
- Carefully spread the pudding layer over the chilled cheesecake, ensuring an even distribution.
- Optional: Garnish with dollops of whipped cream and crumbled vanilla wafers. Slice into bars and serve chilled.
Notes
- Chilling the cheesecake overnight enhances the flavor and allows the layers to set perfectly, creating a more cohesive and creamy texture.
- Use room temperature cream cheese to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, silky cheesecake mixture that blends seamlessly.
- Crush vanilla wafers finely for a more compact and even crust that holds together beautifully when slicing the bars.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular vanilla wafers with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour-based cookies to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 337 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 213 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg