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Creamy Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars Easy Recipe with Nilla Wafer Crust

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A quick and easy dessert combining creamy banana pudding and cheesecake with a buttery Nilla wafer crust, perfect for gatherings or a cozy treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups crushed Nilla wafers (about 45–50 wafers)
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup ripe bananas, mashed (about 2 medium bananas)
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ½ cup whipped cream or whipped topping
  • Extra crushed Nilla wafers for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×9-inch pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Crush the Nilla wafers until fine with some small chunks remaining. In a bowl, combine crushed wafers, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until crumbs are evenly coated and hold together when pressed.
  3. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy (3-4 minutes).
  5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides to combine.
  6. Mix in vanilla extract, mashed bananas, sour cream, and heavy cream. If using cornstarch, sift it in now and mix gently until smooth.
  7. Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly. Tap the pan lightly to release air bubbles.
  8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until edges are set but center still has a slight jiggle.
  9. Cool the bars at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  10. Before serving, spread whipped cream on top and sprinkle extra crushed Nilla wafers if desired. Cut into squares and enjoy.

Notes

Use softened cream cheese for smooth texture. Do not overmix after adding eggs to avoid cracking. Press crust firmly to prevent crumbling. Use ripe but not overly mushy bananas; add cornstarch if bananas are very ripe to help set filling. Cool bars thoroughly before slicing for clean edges. Prebake crust to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana pudding, cheesecake bars, Nilla wafer crust, creamy dessert, easy dessert, banana dessert, quick dessert, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/creamy-banana-pudding-cheesecake-bars-easy-recipe-with-nilla-wafer-crust/