Description
Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the nostalgic flavors of banana pudding. These bars have a buttery vanilla wafer crust, a smooth banana-infused cheesecake filling, and a whipped topping for the perfect bite-sized dessert!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- Vanilla Wafers (2 cups, crushed)
- Butter (6 tbsp, melted)
- Sugar (2 tbsp)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream Cheese (16 oz, softened)
- Sugar (½ cup)
- Banana Pudding Mix (1 small box, instant)
- Milk (¾ cup)
- Eggs (2 large)
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp)
- Mashed Banana (½ cup, about 1 medium banana)
For the Topping:
- Whipped Cream (1 cup, homemade or store-bought)
- Vanilla Wafers (for garnish)
- Sliced Bananas (for serving, optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix crushed vanilla wafers, melted butter, and sugar until combined. Press the mixture evenly into the pan and bake for 8 minutes. Let cool.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the banana pudding mix and milk until slightly thickened. Add the pudding mixture, mashed banana, eggs, and vanilla to the cream cheese and beat until fully combined.
Pour the filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly jiggly. Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to firm up.
Once chilled, spread or pipe whipped cream over the top. Garnish with vanilla wafers and banana slices. Slice into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Ripe Bananas: Adds natural sweetness and enhances the banana flavor.
- Chill Overnight: Helps the cheesecake set properly for clean cuts.
- For a Crunchier Crust: Bake the crust a few minutes longer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 4 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American