If you’re a fan of banana pudding and cheesecake, then you’re in for a treat with this irresistible dessert fusion. Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars combine the nostalgic flavors of Southern banana pudding with the creamy richness of classic cheesecake—all in a convenient bar form that’s perfect for serving at parties, holidays, or casual get-togethers.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make these decadent bars from scratch. From browning butter to topping with whipped cream, this recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat. Let’s dive in!
🍽️ Why You’ll Love These Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars
Portable and Shareable: Unlike traditional banana pudding, these bars are easy to slice and transport.
Layered Flavor: The vanilla wafer crust, banana-infused cheesecake, and whipped cream topping come together in perfect harmony.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars must chill for at least 6 hours, making them a great dessert to prepare in advance.
Customizable: Add banana liqueur for a tropical twist or keep it alcohol-free—both versions are equally delicious.
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Brown Butter-Vanilla Wafer Crust:
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1½ cups finely ground vanilla wafer crumbs (about 50 wafers)
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Filling and Topping:
3 medium bananas, divided
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon banana liqueur (optional; or substitute rum)
3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream (store-bought or homemade)
Vanilla wafers for garnish
🛠️ Equipment You’ll Need
9-inch square baking pan
Parchment paper
Stand or hand mixer
Mixing bowls
Saucepan
Rubber spatula
Knife
Whisk
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Brown Butter
Start by browning the butter, which gives your crust a nutty, rich depth of flavor.
Add the unsalted butter to a small saucepan.
Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, for about 3–5 minutes or until the butter turns a deep golden brown and smells nutty.
Immediately remove from heat to prevent burning.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a mixing bowl, stir together the browned butter, vanilla wafer crumbs, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and ground nutmeg.
Line the bottom and sides of a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang for easy removal.
Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan.
Bake at 325°F for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and set.
Let it cool completely on a wire rack. Increase oven temperature to 350°F for the next step.
Step 3: Cook the Banana Mixture
Chop 2 bananas and place them in a small saucepan.
Add the light brown sugar and fresh lemon juice.
Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves—about 1 minute.
Remove from heat and stir in banana liqueur (if using).
Let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling
Beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar in a mixer on medium speed for about 3 minutes, or until smooth and creamy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined after each addition. Avoid overmixing.
Stir in vanilla extract.
Fold in the cooled banana mixture until evenly combined.
Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth out the top.
Step 5: Bake and Chill
Bake the cheesecake bars at 350°F for 45–55 minutes, or until the center is just set and doesn’t jiggle.
Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack (about 1 hour).
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or up to 24 hours for best results.
Step 6: Decorate and Serve
Lift the cheesecake from the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
Cut into 12 even bars.
Pipe or spoon Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream onto each bar.
Slice the remaining banana and top each bar with a banana round and a vanilla wafer.
Serve immediately for the freshest presentation.
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Cheesecake Bars
Use very ripe bananas: The riper, the better. They add more flavor and sweetness.
Don’t skip chilling: It’s crucial to chill the bars for at least 6 hours so they set properly and slice cleanly.
Avoid overbeating the eggs: Overbeating can add too much air to the batter, which may cause the cheesecake to crack.
Cut with a hot knife: Dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean between cuts to get smooth slices.
Add toppings last-minute: Bananas and whipped cream are best added just before serving to prevent browning or melting.
🧊 How to Store & Freeze
Refrigerator
Store undecorated cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Once decorated with whipped cream and bananas, leftovers will last about 3 days, though the topping may deflate.
Freezer
Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before topping with whipped cream and serving.
🍰 Variations and Add-Ins
Rum instead of banana liqueur: If banana liqueur isn’t your thing, spiced or dark rum adds a warm depth.
Nut crust option: Add finely ground pecans or walnuts to the crust for an extra crunch.
Chocolate drizzle: For a chocolate-banana twist, drizzle with melted chocolate or ganache before serving.
Peanut butter swirl: Swirl in some peanut butter into the cheesecake layer before baking for a flavor reminiscent of Elvis Presley’s favorite treat.
🧁 Make Your Own Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream
If you’d like to make your whipped cream from scratch, here’s a quick recipe:
Ingredients:
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
Directions:
Beat all ingredients together with a mixer until stiff peaks form.
Chill until ready to use. Pipe or dollop onto cheesecake bars.
🎉 Perfect for Every Occasion
These Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars are show-stoppers at potlucks, BBQs, holidays, and brunches. The creamy texture, bold banana flavor, and cookie crunch make them stand out from typical desserts. Because they can be made ahead, you won’t be scrambling last minute—and they’re always a crowd favorite.
❤️ Final Thoughts
This dessert is more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of two Southern classics rolled into one. With its buttery vanilla crust, banana-kissed cheesecake, and light-as-air whipped topping, it strikes a perfect balance between comfort and elegance. Whether you’re serving a crowd or indulging in a sweet treat just for yourself, Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars are a must-try.
📌 Save & Share
Don’t forget to pin, print, or share this recipe so you can come back to it again and again. You might even want to double the batch—these bars disappear fast!
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