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
- 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.
- Whip heavy cream and sugar using an electric mixer until stiff, glossy peaks form. Set aside the whipped cream mixture.
- In a separate bowl, thoroughly beat cream cheese until silky and free of lumps.
- Gradually incorporate dry pudding mixes into the cream cheese, mixing meticulously between each addition to ensure smooth integration.
- Gently fold the prepared whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, blending until uniformly combined and achieving a light, airy texture.
- Evenly distribute the creamy cheesecake filling over the chilled crust, using a spatula to create a smooth surface.
- Seal the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight, allowing flavors to meld and texture to set.
- Once thoroughly chilled, slice the cheesecake into 9 equal squares using a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
- Optional: Garnish each bar with a dollop of whipped topping and fresh banana slices just before serving. Keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy.
- 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