Creamy Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Luscious Creamy Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Dessert

Crafting a decadent banana pudding cheesecake bars sensation promises pure dessert magic.

Sweet aromas will dance through your kitchen with this nostalgic treat.

Childhood memories blend seamlessly with sophisticated bakery-style indulgence.

Layers of silky cream cheese and ripe banana create an irresistible harmony.

Crisp vanilla wafer crusts provide delightful textural contrast to smooth filling.

Delicate swirls of pudding peek through rich cheesecake landscapes.

Each bite transports you to comfort and pure bliss.

Tempt your taste buds and surprise everyone at the next gathering.

Creamy Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars Are Irresistible

  • Whip Up Simplicity: No complicated techniques required, making this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Combines classic banana pudding with creamy cheesecake, creating a nostalgic treat that delights both kids and adults.
  • No-Bake Brilliance: Skip the oven and enjoy a cool, refreshing dessert that comes together with minimal kitchen effort and maximum flavor impact.
  • Versatile Party Pleaser: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers, these bars are a guaranteed conversation starter and crowd favorite.

Ingredients Needed For Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars

Crust Ingredients:
  • Nilla Wafers: The classic cookie base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the dessert.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust and adds rich flavor.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust mixture.
  • Sea Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: The main component that creates a smooth and creamy cheesecake base.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture.
  • Whipped Topping: Adds lightness and extra creaminess to the filling.
  • Banana Pudding Mix: Provides a distinctive banana flavor and helps thicken the filling.
  • Milk: Helps activate and combine the pudding mix.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Whipped Topping, Banana, Nilla Wafer: These garnishes add visual appeal and extra layers of flavor and texture to the finished dessert.

Instructions For Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars Bliss

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Pan

Grab an 8″x8″ pan and line it with parchment paper.

Make sure the paper hangs over the edges so you can easily lift out your delicious bars later.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Crust

Grab a mixing bowl and combine:
  • Crushed Nilla Wafers
  • Melted butter
  • Sugar
  • Sea salt

Mix everything until it looks like perfect sandy crumbs.

Step 3: Pack Down Crust

Press the crumbly mixture firmly into the bottom of your lined pan.

Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to create an even, compact layer.

Pop the pan in the freezer while you work on the filling.

Step 4: Whip Cream Cheese Base

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until it becomes light and fluffy.

Add sugar and mix until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Fold In Whipped Goodness

Gently fold whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture.

Be careful not to deflate the mixture – keep it light and airy.

Step 6: Prepare Banana Pudding

In a separate bowl, whisk banana pudding mix with milk until it thickens beautifully.

Let it chill in the refrigerator for a few minutes to set.

Step 7: Marry The Mixtures

Carefully fold the chilled pudding into the cream cheese mixture.

Stir until everything is perfectly combined and looks like a dream.

Step 8: Create Layers

Spread the filling evenly over your prepared crust.

Make sure it’s smooth and reaches all the corners.

Step 9: Freeze And Set

Place the pan in the freezer for at least 4 hours or overnight.

This helps the bars firm up and develop amazing texture.

Step 10: Slice And Garnish

Once set, lift the bars out using the parchment paper.

Slice into 9 perfect squares.

Top each square with:
  • A dollop of whipped topping
  • A fresh banana slice
  • A crispy Nilla Wafer

Serve and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Pro Tips For Creamy Banana Cheesecake Bar Perfection

  • Use a food processor or rolling pin to crush Nilla Wafers into fine, even crumbs for a smooth, compact crust.
  • Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to ensure smooth, lump-free mixing.
  • Toss fresh banana slices in a bit of lemon juice to keep them looking fresh and prevent quick discoloration.
  • Allow bars to set completely in the freezer for at least 4 hours to achieve the perfect creamy, sliceable consistency.
  • Add toppings just before serving to maintain the crispness of Nilla Wafers and freshness of banana slices.

Cheesecake Bar Variations With Banana Pudding Twist

  • Gluten-Free Banana Pudding Bars: Replace Nilla Wafers with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Banana Cheesecake Squares: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut whipped cream, and substitute dairy milk with almond milk for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Banana Pudding Bars: Use sugar-free pudding mix, stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining rich flavor.
  • Chocolate Banana Pudding Bars: Add cocoa powder to the crust, incorporate chocolate pudding mix, and top with chocolate shavings for a decadent chocolate-banana combination.

How To Serve Banana Cheesecake Bars For Dessert

  • Sweet Banana Bliss Serving: Top each bar with fresh banana slices and a sprinkle of crushed Nilla Wafers for added crunch and tropical charm.
  • Whipped Cream Dream: Garnish with a generous swirl of homemade whipped cream, creating a luxurious and creamy presentation that screams indulgence.
  • Chocolate Drizzle Delight: Enhance the bars with a light drizzle of melted dark or milk chocolate, adding a decadent touch that complements the banana pudding flavor profile.
  • Caramel Crunch Finale: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the bars and sprinkle with toasted chopped nuts for a rich, textural experience that elevates the dessert.

Keeping Banana Cheesecake Bars Moist For Days

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months for maximum flavor and texture preservation.
  • Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours. Avoid room temperature thawing to maintain creamy consistency.
  • For a slightly softer texture, let bars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Top with fresh whipped cream or banana slices for a renewed presentation.

FAQs

  • What are Nilla Wafers?

Nilla Wafers are classic vanilla-flavored cookies made by Nabisco, often used in desserts like banana pudding. They have a light, crisp texture and sweet vanilla taste.

  • Can I use a different type of pudding mix?

Yes, you can substitute banana pudding mix with vanilla or cheesecake pudding mix for a similar creamy texture and flavor profile.

  • Do I need an electric mixer for this recipe?

While an electric mixer helps create a smoother texture, you can use a whisk and some arm strength to mix the ingredients if needed. Just ensure cream cheese is well-blended.

  • How ripe should the bananas be for topping?

Choose bananas that are yellow with a few brown spots – this indicates they’re sweet and soft, perfect for adding to the cheesecake bars.

Print
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Creamy Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Creamy Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars Recipe


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4.7 from 27 reviews

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

Description

Indulgent Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars merge classic Southern comfort with luxurious dessert innovation. Silky cheesecake layers and banana pudding create a nostalgic treat that will transport you to sweet, memorable moments of culinary bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) whipped topping (for filling)
  • 1 (3.4 ounces/96 grams) package instant banana pudding mix
  • 1 3/4 cups (420 milliliters) whole milk
  • 1/2 banana, sliced (for topping)

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups crushed Nilla Wafers
  • 5 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 pinch sea salt

Garnish Ingredients:

  • Whipped topping (for garnish)
  • 9 Nilla Wafers (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking vessel by lining an 8″x8″ pan with parchment paper, ensuring extended edges for effortless removal.
  2. Craft the crust by combining crushed Nilla Wafers with melted butter, sugar, and sea salt until thoroughly integrated.
  3. Compress the crust mixture firmly into the pan’s base, creating a compact foundation. Transfer to the freezer during filling preparation.
  4. Whip the cream cheese until airy and light, then incorporate sugar, blending until smooth and homogeneous.
  5. Delicately incorporate whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture, maintaining a soft, consistent texture.
  6. Construct the banana pudding by whisking pudding mix with milk until it thickens, then chill for 3 minutes to achieve proper consistency.
  7. Gently merge the pudding with the cream cheese mixture, ensuring complete and uniform integration.
  8. Distribute the filling evenly across the frozen crust, creating a level surface. Freeze for 4-6 hours or overnight until completely solidified.
  9. Once set, partition into 9 uniform squares. Embellish each portion with a generous whipped topping swirl, fresh banana slice, and a classic Nilla Wafer for garnish.

Notes

  • Perfectly Line Pan Use parchment paper with extra hanging edges to effortlessly lift bars out without breaking.
  • Crushing Wafers Crush Nilla Wafers into fine, even crumbs for a consistent, smooth crust texture that holds together well.
  • Chilling Technique Freeze the bars for minimum 4 hours to ensure a firm, sliceable cheesecake with clean edges and stable structure.
  • Dietary Adaptations Swap traditional ingredients with gluten-free wafers, dairy-free cream cheese, and plant-based whipped topping for alternative diet versions.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 284 kcal
  • Sugar: 19 g
  • Sodium: 173 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 53 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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