Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars
These Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars are a creamy, dreamy blend of banana pudding and rich cheesecake with a buttery vanilla wafer crust.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
- 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers
- 9 wafers vanilla wafers for garnish
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 0.75 cup salted sweet cream butter melted and cooled
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 3.4 ounces banana cream instant pudding mix any brand
- 16 ounces whipped topping thawed
- 1 cup half and half cream
- 2 tablespoons crushed vanilla wafer crumbs optional garnish
- 9 slices ripe bananas garnish
In a medium bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Pour in the melted and cooled butter, mixing until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish to form a solid crust. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until lightly golden. Allow it to cool completely while you prepare the filling.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with ¾ cup of granulated sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes on medium speed.
Add the banana cream instant pudding mix to the cream cheese mixture and blend until fully incorporated.
Gently fold in 1½ cups of the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until well combined for a light and airy texture.
Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, so the filling can set properly.
Once set, spread the remaining whipped topping generously over the cheesecake layer. Garnish with sliced bananas and sprinkle with optional crushed vanilla wafer crumbs.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Chill the bars for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow proper setting.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping to maintain a light texture.
- Press the crust firmly to prevent crumbling when cutting.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Keyword Banana, Cheesecake, Easy, Make Ahead, No Bake