Description
These Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars combine a rich, creamy banana-infused cheesecake layer over a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with whipped cream, fresh banana slices, and crunchy vanilla wafer crumbs for the perfect indulgent dessert. Ideal for banana lovers seeking a smooth and luscious treat with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Topping
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1 ripe banana, sliced
- 1/4 cup crushed vanilla wafers
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper to create an even crust layer. Bake for 10 minutes to set, then remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate fully. Stir in the mashed bananas, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and cornstarch, mixing gently until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Bake the Cheesecake Bars: Pour the banana cream cheese filling evenly over the prepared crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Place the pan in the oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the center of the cheesecake is just set and no longer jiggly.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow them to fully firm up and enhance the flavors.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Before serving, spread the whipped topping evenly over the chilled cheesecake bars. Garnish the top with slices of fresh banana and a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers for added texture and flavor. For clean slices, wipe the knife between cuts. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Use ripe bananas with brown spots for the best natural sweetness and flavor depth.
- Clean your knife between slices to achieve neat and clean bars.
- These bars are best served chilled, making them ideal for warm weather or make-ahead dessert options.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
