Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Quick & Creamy Banana Cheesecake Bars Recipe: Sweet Bliss

Creamy banana cream cheesecake bars deliver a dreamy dessert that melts in your mouth with pure bliss.

Sweet bananas blend perfectly with rich cream cheese, creating a luxurious treat.

Layers of smooth filling sit atop a buttery graham cracker crust that crumbles delightfully.

Each bite promises a dance of fruity and tangy flavors that surprise and delight.

Our simple recipe lets you craft these heavenly bars without complex techniques or expensive ingredients.

Indulgent yet approachable, these bars transform an ordinary afternoon into a celebration of deliciousness.

You won’t be able to resist cutting a generous slice and savoring every decadent moment.

What Makes Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars Unforgettable

  • Craft Creamy Comfort: Indulge in a luxurious dessert that blends the classic flavors of banana cream pie with the rich, smooth texture of cheesecake for a decadent treat.
  • No-Bake Bliss: Skip the oven and enjoy a simple, stress-free dessert preparation that requires minimal cooking skills and delivers maximum deliciousness.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations, these bars offer a crowd-friendly option that's sure to impress both kids and adults with its irresistible taste and elegant presentation.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert in advance and let it chill, making it an ideal option for busy hosts who want to have a show-stopping dessert ready without last-minute stress.

Essential Ingredients For Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars

Crust Ingredients:
  • Nilla Wafer Crumbs: Classic wafer cookies that create a sweet and crunchy base for the cheesecake bars.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust and provides a rich, smooth texture.
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary creamy component that gives the bars their signature tangy and smooth texture.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates a light and airy texture in the cheesecake filling.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps stabilize the whipped cream.
  • Banana Cream Pudding Mix: Provides a rich banana flavor and helps thicken the filling.
  • Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Enhances the creamy consistency and adds depth to the flavor.
Garnish Ingredients:
  • Whipped Topping, Banana Slices: Optional decorative elements that add extra flavor and visual appeal to the cheesecake bars.

Mastering The Steps To Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Create the Crunchy Wafer Crust

Grab a medium mixing bowl and combine crushed Nilla Wafer crumbs with melted butter. Press this delightful mixture firmly into a square 8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Pop the crust into the refrigerator or freezer to chill and set.

Step 2: Whip up the Creamy Clouds

Using a large metal mixing bowl, whip heavy whipping cream and sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture forms beautiful stiff peaks. Set this fluffy cloud aside for later use.

Step 3: Blend the Cream Cheese Base

In another large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until it becomes silky smooth. Gradually add dry pudding mixes, mixing thoroughly between each addition to ensure a perfectly combined mixture.

Step 4: Combine the Creamy Layers

Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, stirring until everything blends into a luxuriously smooth filling.

Step 5: Layer and Chill

Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled crust. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and texture to set.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Remove the chilled cheesecake and cut into 9 perfect squares. If desired, garnish with a dollop of whipped topping and fresh banana slices. Serve chilled for maximum enjoyment.

Expert Tips For Flawless Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars

  • Crush Wafers Perfectly: Use a food processor or rolling pin to create fine, even Nilla Wafer crumbs for a uniform, compact crust that holds together beautifully.
  • Whip Cream Like a Pro: Ensure heavy cream is ice-cold and use a chilled metal bowl to achieve stiff, stable peaks that will make your cheesecake filling luxuriously smooth.
  • Prevent Banana Browning: Toss fresh banana slices in a bit of lemon juice to prevent oxidation and keep them looking fresh and appetizing when serving.
  • Slice with Ease: Dip your knife in hot water and wipe clean between cuts to create clean, precise edges when portioning the cheesecake bars.

Delicious Twists To Try With Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars

  • Gluten-Free Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars: Replace Nilla Wafer crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Banana Cream Bars: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut whipped cream, and substitute butter with coconut oil for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Banana Cream Bars: Use sugar-free pudding mix, replace sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and incorporate Greek yogurt for reduced calorie content.
  • Chocolate Banana Cream Bars: Add cocoa powder to the crust, mix chocolate pudding mix into the filling, and garnish with chocolate shavings for a rich chocolate variation.

Pairing Suggestions To Elevate Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars

  • Brew Caramel Cappuccino: Rich espresso with caramel notes perfectly balances the sweet banana cheesecake's creamy texture, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
  • Serve Chilled Moscato Wine: Light, sweet white wine with subtle fruity undertones enhances the banana cream's delicate flavor profile, offering a refreshing companion.
  • Blend Banana Smoothie: Matching banana smoothie intensifies the dessert's core flavor, providing a cool and harmonious drink that echoes the cheesecake's primary ingredient.
  • Pour Cold Milk: Classic whole milk cleanses the palate between bites, cutting through the richness and providing a smooth, classic accompaniment to the decadent bars.

How To Keep Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars Fresh And Tasty

  • Seal leftover banana cream cheesecake bars in an airtight container, keeping them flat to preserve their shape. Store for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the container prevents moisture absorption.
  • Wrap individual bars separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining their creamy texture and flavor integrity.
  • Transfer frozen cheesecake bars to the refrigerator overnight, allowing slow and gentle defrosting. Remove plastic wrap before serving to prevent condensation.
  • Serve chilled directly from the refrigerator for best taste and texture, as warming might compromise the delicate whipped cream and cream cheese structure.

Your Burning Questions About Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars Answered

  • What are Nilla Wafers?

Nilla Wafers are classic vanilla-flavored cookies with a light, crisp texture commonly used in dessert crusts and as a base for many sweet recipes.

  • Can I use a different type of pudding mix?

Yes, you can substitute vanilla pudding mix with banana pudding mix to enhance the banana flavor or use cheesecake-flavored pudding for a different twist.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these bars?

You’ll need an electric mixer, an 8×8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, and basic mixing bowls to create these cheesecake bars.

  • How do I know when the whipped cream is ready?

The whipped cream is ready when it forms stiff peaks – meaning when you lift the mixer, the cream stands up straight without falling over.

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Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars!! Recipe


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4.7 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Creamy banana cream cheesecake bars blend luxurious dessert magic with classic comfort. Rich layers of smooth cheesecake and ripe bananas create a delightful treat you’ll savor down to the last crumbly bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 packages instant banana cream pudding mix (3.4 ounces or 96 grams each)
  • 1 pint (473 milliliters) heavy whipping cream

Crust Ingredients:

  • 3 cups (360 grams) Nilla Wafer cookie crumbs
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, melted

Sweetener:

  • 3/4 cup (150 grams) sugar

Garnish (Optional):

  • Whipped topping
  • Banana slices

Instructions

  1. Create a buttery foundation by pulverizing Nilla Wafer crumbs with melted butter, then firmly press the mixture into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch baking pan. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to solidify the crust.
  2. Whip heavy cream and sugar using an electric mixer until stiff, glossy peaks form. Set aside the whipped cream mixture.
  3. In a separate bowl, thoroughly beat cream cheese until silky and free of lumps.
  4. Gradually incorporate dry pudding mixes into the cream cheese, mixing meticulously between each addition to ensure smooth integration.
  5. Gently fold the prepared whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, blending until uniformly combined and achieving a light, airy texture.
  6. Evenly distribute the creamy cheesecake filling over the chilled crust, using a spatula to create a smooth surface.
  7. Seal the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight, allowing flavors to meld and texture to set.
  8. Once thoroughly chilled, slice the cheesecake into 9 equal squares using a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
  9. Optional: Garnish each bar with a dollop of whipped topping and fresh banana slices just before serving. Keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy.
  10. Serve chilled for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Swap Nilla Wafers for gluten-free graham crackers to create a celiac-friendly dessert option.
  • Prevent banana browning by tossing fresh banana slices in lemon juice before garnishing.
  • Achieve ultra-smooth cheesecake texture by ensuring cream cheese is fully room temperature before mixing.
  • Reduce calorie content by using low-fat cream cheese and light whipped topping without compromising delicious flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Chilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 429
  • Sugar: 29 g
  • Sodium: 237 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 19 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

  • Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
  • Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
  • Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
  • Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

  • Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
  • Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.

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