Creamy Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars

These Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth! With a perfect combination of creamy cheesecake and classic banana pudding, these banana cream squares are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Photo byThe Cookin' Chicks

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE BANANA PUDDING CHEESECAKE BARS

• Easy to make– using simple ingredients, these banana pudding squares come together in no time and can even be prepped in advance to save time later.
• Combines two classic desserts into one– if you love cheesecake and banana pudding, these bars are going to be a new favorite. Creamy, rich, and indulgent!
• Perfect for any occasion– whether you make these to satisfy your sweet tooth, or serve them at a BBQ, picnic, or party, they are the ultimate treat. Cut them into smaller sizes to make them bite sized and perfect for a grab and go dessert.
• Refreshing and flavorful– with a graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and banana flavors throughout, these squares are the best summer dessert.

Photo byThe Cookin' Chicks

INGREDIENT NOTES FOR EASY BANANA PUDDING CHEESECAKE SQUARES

• Graham Cracker Crumbs– any brand works, you can create these crumbs easily by using a food processor.
• Granulated Sugar– this adds the sweetness to the banana cheesecake bars in both the graham cracker crust and cheesecake mixture.
• Butter– I use unsalted butter to reduce salt count, you’ll need to melt it using the microwave and allow it to cool slightly.
• Bananas– you’ll use mashed bananas in the cheesecake layer, as well as fresh slices on top prior to serving.
• Cream Cheese– opt for full fat as it adds the most flavor, allow to soften to room temperature so it blends easily into mixture.
• Eggs– two large eggs at room temperature.
• Vanilla Extract– opt for pure vanilla versus imitation as it adds the most flavor.
• Sour Cream– this gets folded into the cheesecake layer to make it more creamy.
• Flour– I use all purpose flour in this recipe, this gets added to the cheesecake layer to help bind everything and act as a base.
• Instant Banana Pudding Mix– any brand works, I use Jell-O brand, make sure it is Instant pudding mix and use the small package size (3.4 ounces).
• Milk– any type works, I use whole milk. This combines with the pudding mix to help thicken it up and create the banana pudding.
• Whipped Cream– optional, but highly recommended, add just before serving with additional fresh banana slices to really enhance the appearance.

Photo byThe Cookin' Chicks

HOW TO MAKE BANANA PUDDING CHEESECAKE SQUARES

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and flour until smooth. Fold in the mashed bananas.
4. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust in the baking dish.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant banana pudding mix and milk until thickened. Spread the pudding mixture over the cooled cheesecake layer.
7. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
8. Once chilled, slice into squares and serve with whipped cream and banana slices if desired.

Photo byThe Cookin' Chicks

SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS

• In place of the graham crackers, you can use crushed vanilla wafers. It won’t stick together as a crust as much as the graham crackers do, but will be a more classic flavor since banana pudding uses nilla wafers!
• Feel free to use light brown sugar in your crust instead of the white granulated sugar. Same great sweetness, just a more molasses type addition from the brown sugar.
• Add in 1/2 cup chopped nuts to the top before serving for an added crunch.
• Experiment with different cookies as the base of these bars. Oreo’s, gingersnaps, Nilla Wafers, or even flavored graham crackers such as chocolate work great!
• Sprinkle some chocolate chips on top of add into the cheesecake mixture for a chocolate addition.
• Heavy cream or half and half can be used in place of the milk.
• Fresh fruit is a great addition to the banana slices. Chopped strawberries, raspberries, or even blueberries served on top are tasty add on’s.

Photo byThe Cookin' Chicks

STORING TIPS FOR BANANA PUDDING CHEESECAKE BITES

Here are some easy tips to use when needing to store leftover bars:

• Making Ahead– these banana cream cheesecake bars can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
• Refrigerator– store leftover bars in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Don’t add banana slices until serving as they will turn brown quickly.
• Freezer– bars can be stored in a freezer container up to 3 months. Do not add whipped topping or banana slices until thawed and ready to serve.

Photo byThe Cookin' Chicks

BANANA PUDDING CHEESECAKE SQUARES RECIPE FAQ’S

DO THESE SQUARES NEED TO BE KEPT IN THE REFRIGERATOR?

Yes! Due to the fact they contain cream cheese and sour cream, I recommend storing in the fridge when not serving.

DO I HAVE TO USE BANANAS OR CAN I USE A DIFFERENT FRUIT?

You can absolutely play around with fruit flavors as desired. Strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry would be a great variation!

CAN I USE A PRETZEL CRUST IN PLACE OF THE GRAHAM CRACKER CRUST?

Absolutely! This would make it very similar to my Strawberry Pretzel Salad, just using banana pudding. It would give it a salty sweet combination!

Ingredients Needed

CRUST

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter *melted

CHEESECAKE FILLING

• 2 bananas *mashed
• 16 oz cream cheese *softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup flour *all-purpose

PUDDING

• 1 package Instant Banana Pudding mix *3.4 ounce
• 2 cups milk
• Garnish: whipped cream/ banana slices *optional