Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars

These creamy and delicious cheesecake bars combine the rich flavor of cheesecake with the sweet, comforting taste of banana pudding, all atop a buttery vanilla wafer crust. They make the perfect dessert for any occasion!

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Banana Pudding Layer:

• 1 box (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix
• 1 1/2 cups cold milk
• 1 cup heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks
• 2 ripe bananas, thinly sliced

For the Topping:

• Extra whipped cream or Cool Whip
• Crushed vanilla wafers (for garnish)
• Banana slices (for garnish, optional)

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs with the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated with the butter.
3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
4. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool while you prepare the cheesecake layer.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and spread it evenly.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is just set. It should still have a slight jiggle in the center.
6. Allow the cheesecake layer to cool completely at room temperature.

Step 3: Prepare the Banana Pudding Layer

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant banana pudding mix and cold milk. Continue whisking until the mixture begins to thicken.
2. Gently fold in the whipped heavy cream until the pudding is smooth and well-combined.
3. Once the cheesecake layer has cooled, arrange the sliced bananas evenly over the cheesecake layer.
4. Carefully spread the banana pudding mixture over the bananas, smoothing it out with a spatula.

Step 4: Chill and Set

1. Refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow them to fully set and for the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Before serving, top with a dollop of whipped cream or Cool Whip.
2. Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers over the top for a bit of crunch.
3. Garnish with banana slices for an extra fresh touch, if desired.
4. Slice into bars and serve chilled.

Quick Facts:

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Chill Time: 4 hours (overnight for best results)
• Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
• Calories: Approx. 400 per bar
• Servings: 12 bars

Tips and Variations:

• Banana Substitute: If bananas aren’t your favorite, you can try layering the pudding with fresh berries or chocolate chips instead.
• Extra Creamy: For an even richer dessert, substitute the whipped cream with mascarpone cheese for the pudding layer.
• Gluten-Free Option: You can make this gluten-free by using gluten-free vanilla wafers or other suitable cookies for the crust.

These Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars are a delicious blend of creamy cheesecake, fluffy banana pudding, and fresh banana slices, all topped with a crunchy vanilla wafer crust. They’re a perfect dessert to make for family gatherings or special occasions. Enjoy every bite of this indulgent treat!