Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares Recipe
These Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares combine a rich and creamy cheesecake layer infused with fresh bananas and a smooth banana pudding topping, all resting on a buttery vanilla wafer cookie crust. Perfectly baked and chilled to set, they make a deliciously indulgent dessert that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 60 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups vanilla wafer cookies, finely crushed
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
Banana Pudding Topping
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant banana pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk
- 1 cup whipped topping
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars later.
- Make the crust: Combine the finely crushed vanilla wafer cookies with melted butter until well blended. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a firm crust layer.
- Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next.
- Add bananas and spread: Stir mashed ripe bananas into the cream cheese mixture. Then, evenly spread this cheesecake batter over the prepared crust in the baking dish.
- Make the banana pudding topping: In a separate bowl, whisk the instant banana pudding mix with cold milk vigorously for about 2 minutes until combined. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
- Top and bake: Gently spread the thickened banana pudding mixture over the cheesecake layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until the center is set and the edges have slightly firmed.
- Cool and chill: Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours to allow it to fully set.
- Finish and serve: Before serving, generously spread whipped topping over the chilled cheesecake. Slice into squares and enjoy.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and flavor.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
- Press the crust firmly to prevent it from crumbling when sliced.
- Chilling the dessert for at least 2 hours is crucial for clean slices and optimal texture.
- You can garnish with banana slices or crushed vanilla wafers on top for added presentation.
Keywords: banana pudding cheesecake, banana dessert, cheesecake squares, easy cheesecake recipe, no crust cheesecake, vanilla wafer crust
