Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars

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Experience the ultimate fusion of banana pudding and cheesecake with our irresistible Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars. These decadent bars feature a luscious vanilla wafer crust and a creamy filling infused with banana cream pudding mix and mashed bananas. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are sure to become a favorite dessert among family and friends.

Ingredients:

For the crust:

  • 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the cheesecake filling:

  • 16 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • ¼ cup granulated white sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup marshmallow fluff
  • 3.4 ounces banana cream pudding mix
  • 1 cup mashed banana (roughly 2 bananas)

Directions:

To make the crust:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line the bottom of a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs and melted butter. Stir until well combined, then press evenly into the prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon or a glass to press the crust evenly.
  3. Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Once baked, remove from the oven and set aside, keeping the oven temperature at 350°F (175°C).

To make the cheesecake filling:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the room temperature cream cheese and sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until well combined.
  3. Mix in the marshmallow fluff until fully incorporated.
  4. Add the banana cream pudding mix and mashed banana to the cheesecake mixture, and mix until well combined.
  5. Pour the filling over the crust and spread it evenly.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
  7. After 20 minutes, without opening the oven door, reduce the heat to 200°F (95°C) and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
  8. Once baked, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake remain inside for 10 minutes.
  9. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature on the counter.
  10. Once cooled, cover the cheesecake and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until fully chilled.
  11. After chilling, cut the cheesecake into 16 squares.
  12. Top each square with whipped cream, a slice of banana, and a mini (or regular size) vanilla cookie before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. For an elegant presentation, dust the top of each Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bar with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or cocoa powder before serving.
  2. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra indulgent treat.
  3. Garnish each serving with a slice of fresh banana or a drizzle of caramel sauce to enhance the banana flavor and add visual appeal.
  4. Serve these cheesecake bars as a delightful dessert at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings to impress your guests with their delicious taste and creamy texture.

Storage Tips:

  1. Store any leftover Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness.
  2. To freeze, wrap the individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.
  3. Thaw frozen cheesecake bars in the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best texture and flavor.
  4. To enjoy a refreshing twist, serve the chilled cheesecake bars with sliced fresh fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, or kiwi.
  5. For a decadent dessert option, crumble the cheesecake bars into parfait glasses and layer them with whipped cream and sliced bananas for a delightful banana pudding parfait.
  6. Before serving, allow the cheesecake bars to come to room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly and enhance their creamy texture.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars remain delicious and fresh, ready to be enjoyed whenever you crave a creamy and indulgent dessert.

Variations:

  1. Chocolate Drizzle Delight: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of each cheesecake bar for a decadent chocolatey twist.
  2. Nutty Banana Bliss: Sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts over the cheesecake bars for added crunch and nutty flavor.
  3. Caramel Banana Swirl: Swirl caramel sauce into the cheesecake batter before baking for a sweet and gooey caramelized touch.
  4. Cookie Crust Crunch: Use crushed chocolate or peanut butter cookies instead of vanilla wafers for the crust to add extra flavor and texture.
  5. Coconut Banana Dream: Mix shredded coconut into the cheesecake batter for a tropical flair and sprinkle toasted coconut on top for garnish.
  6. Berry Banana Burst: Layer sliced strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries on top of the cheesecake bars for a refreshing burst of fruity goodness.
  7. Pecan Pie Banana Bars: Combine mashed bananas with brown sugar, pecans, and cinnamon for a pecan pie-inspired filling atop the cheesecake bars.
  8. Peanut Butter Banana Blast: Swirl creamy peanut butter into the cheesecake batter for a rich and creamy peanut butter-banana flavor explosion.
  9. Maple Banana Pancake Bars: Drizzle maple syrup over the cheesecake bars and sprinkle with crushed pancake or waffle pieces for a breakfast-inspired treat.
  10. Oreo Banana Crunch: Use crushed Oreo cookies for the crust and sprinkle chopped Oreos on top of the cheesecake bars for a cookies-and-cream twist.

FAQs :

  1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen bananas, but make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
  2. Can I use a different type of pudding mix? While banana cream pudding mix adds flavor and texture, you can experiment with other pudding flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, or butterscotch for different variations.
  3. Can I make these cheesecake bars ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cheesecake bars ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
  4. How do I prevent the cheesecake bars from cracking? To prevent cracking, avoid overmixing the batter and make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. Additionally, baking the cheesecake bars in a water bath can help regulate the temperature and prevent cracks.
  5. Can I omit the marshmallow fluff from the recipe? While marshmallow fluff adds a light and fluffy texture to the cheesecake filling, you can omit it if desired. The cheesecake bars will still be delicious without it.
  6. Can I use a different type of fruit in place of bananas? Yes, you can substitute mashed ripe avocado, pumpkin puree, or apple sauce for mashed bananas to create different flavored cheesecake bars.
  7. How should I store leftover cheesecake bars? Store leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Alternatively, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
  8. Can I use store-bought banana pudding instead of pudding mix? Yes, you can use store-bought banana pudding as a shortcut, but adjust the amount of sugar in the cheesecake filling accordingly based on the sweetness of the pudding.
  9. Can I make these cheesecake bars gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free cookies or graham crackers for the crust and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free to make these cheesecake bars gluten-free.
  10. Can I add chocolate chips to the cheesecake batter? Absolutely! Feel free to stir in chocolate chips or chunks for a delightful chocolate-banana combination. Adjust the amount based on your preference.

Treat yourself to the creamy indulgence of our Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars. With their heavenly combination of flavors and irresistibly smooth texture, these bars are sure to delight your taste buds. Whether enjoyed as a dessert for a special occasion or as a sweet treat for yourself, these bars are guaranteed to satisfy. Try making them today and prepare to be amazed by their deliciousness!