Imagine the lush, tropical sweetness of ripe bananas combined with the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake, all layered over a buttery vanilla wafer crust. Our Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares are a dreamy dessert that merges the comforting flavors of classic banana pudding with the decadent charm of cheesecake. Perfect for gatherings, special occasions, or as a delightful treat to brighten your day, these squares offer a unique twist on traditional desserts. Each bite transports you to a world of creamy banana goodness, making it impossible to stop at just one. Dive into this recipe and discover how to create a dessert that’s sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth.
Why You’ll Love Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares:
- Unique Flavor Combination: A perfect blend of banana pudding and cheesecake flavors.
- Texture Heaven: Creamy filling, crunchy crust, and soft banana slices offer a delightful mouthfeel.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for any occasion, pleasing both banana pudding and cheesecake lovers.
- No-Bake Option: Easily adapted to a no-bake version for convenience and simplicity.
Ingredients Notes For Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares:
- For the Crust:
- Vanilla wafers, crushed, mixed with melted butter for a crunchy, flavorful base.
- For the Filling:
- Cream cheese and ripe bananas, blended until smooth.
- Granulated sugar to sweeten the mix.
- Vanilla instant pudding mix to enhance the banana flavor and thicken the filling.
- Whipped cream or cool whip to lighten the texture.
- Sliced bananas and additional whipped cream for layering and garnish.
- For the Topping:
- Crushed vanilla wafers and whipped cream for a decorative and tasty finish.
Recipe Steps:
- Prepare the Crust: Combine crushed vanilla wafers with melted butter, press into the bottom of a baking dish, and chill to set.
- Make the Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and ripe bananas until smooth. Mix in the pudding mix and then fold in whipped cream.
- Assemble the Squares: Spread half of the filling over the crust. Add a layer of sliced bananas, then top with the remaining filling. Smooth the top and refrigerate until set.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers over the top and add dollops of whipped cream. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Keep the squares in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Best enjoyed fresh due to the banana content.
- Freeze: Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the bananas and whipped cream may be adversely affected.
How to Make Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs (about 60 wafers)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 box (3.4 ounces) instant banana cream pudding mix
For the Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Additional vanilla wafers and banana slices for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the dessert out after baking.
- Mix the Crust Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, just until blended.
- Incorporate Other Ingredients: Mix in the mashed bananas, vanilla extract, sour cream, and banana cream pudding mix until well combined.
- Pour over Crust: Spread the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust.
Bake:
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the center is almost set but slightly jiggly. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
Prepare the Topping:
- Whip the Cream: When ready to serve, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until stiff peaks form.
- Spread over Cheesecake: Spread the whipped cream over the chilled cheesecake.
- Garnish: Decorate with vanilla wafers and banana slices just before serving.
