Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars – A Creamy and Dreamy Delight 🍌🍰

Tip: These Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars are a perfect balance of rich, creamy cheesecake and the sweet, tropical flavor of ripe bananas. This dessert is the ideal choice for any summer gathering, picnic, or as a delightful after-dinner treat. With the smoothness of cheesecake and the freshness of banana cream, these bars are incredibly satisfying without being overly heavy. They’re a refreshing take on classic cheesecake with an added twist of flavor and texture. Serve them chilled for a cool, creamy indulgence that everyone will enjoy!

Calories: Each Banana Cream Cheesecake Bar contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on portion size, the thickness of the crust, and the amount of banana topping used.

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Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuit crumbs)

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 2 cups cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed

For the Banana Cream Layer:

• 1 cup banana pudding (prepared, or use instant pudding mix with milk)

• 1 ripe banana, sliced (for topping)

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:

• Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature by the time you're ready to bake.

• Prepare the crust mixture: In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Stir to combine them evenly.

• Add melted butter: Pour in the melted butter and stir until all the crumbs are fully coated and the mixture has a slightly wet texture. The butter binds the crumbs together, making sure the crust stays firm.

• Press into the pan: Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9x9-inch square baking pan. Use a spoon or the back of a glass to pack the crumbs tightly, ensuring an even layer.

• Bake the crust: Bake the crust for about 8-10 minutes or until it becomes golden brown. Remove the pan from the oven and set it aside to cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:

• Beat the cream cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps.

• Add sugar: Add the granulated sugar to the cream cheese and beat until fully incorporated and smooth. The sugar will help balance the creaminess of the cheese and add sweetness to the filling.

• Add heavy cream and eggs: Slowly beat in the heavy cream until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring they are fully mixed in before adding the next. This step ensures a smooth, creamy batter without overbeating.

• Add vanilla and flour: Stir in the vanilla extract, followed by the all-purpose flour. The flour helps stabilize the filling and ensures that the cheesecake sets properly.

• Mash the bananas: Mash the two ripe bananas in a small bowl, making sure they are smooth without large chunks. Fold the mashed bananas into the cheesecake mixture, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. The bananas add natural sweetness and flavor to the cheesecake filling.

3. Assemble the Cheesecake Bars:

• Pour over the crust: Once the crust has cooled, pour the banana cheesecake filling over the crust in the baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly over the crust, smoothing the top.

• Tap to release air bubbles: Gently tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles that may have formed during mixing, ensuring an even texture throughout.

• Bake the cheesecake bars: Bake the bars at 325°F (163°C) for about 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. A slight jiggle in the center indicates that the cheesecake will be creamy once cooled.

• Cool and chill: Once the cheesecake is baked, turn off the oven and leave the door slightly ajar for about 1 hour to cool gradually. This helps prevent cracking by allowing the cheesecake to cool at a slower pace. After 1 hour, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, or overnight, to let the cheesecake set properly.

4. Prepare the Banana Cream Layer:

• Make the banana pudding: While the cheesecake is chilling, prepare the banana pudding. If using instant banana pudding mix, follow the instructions on the package to make the pudding, using milk to create a smooth consistency. If you’re using store-bought banana pudding, just stir it to ensure it’s smooth and ready for use.

• Spread the pudding: Once the cheesecake has set and is firm to the touch, spread the prepared banana pudding over the top of the cheesecake filling, smoothing it into an even layer.

• Chill again: Place the pan back in the fridge and allow the banana pudding layer to set for at least 30 minutes.

5. Garnish and Serve:

• Decorate with sliced bananas: Once chilled, decorate the top of the bars with freshly sliced bananas. This adds a touch of freshness and brings out the banana flavor even more.

• Optional whipped cream: For an extra touch of indulgence, you can garnish with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of crushed graham cracker crumbs for texture and extra flavor.

• Slice and serve: Once fully chilled and decorated, slice the cheesecake into squares or bars and serve. The creamy filling, smooth banana layer, and crunchy graham cracker crust make every bite a delicious treat!

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Energy-Efficient Tip:

To save energy, you can prepare the cheesecake bars the day before and refrigerate them overnight. This avoids the need for repeated oven use and allows the flavors to meld together, improving the taste and texture of the bars. Using a convection oven when baking also helps circulate heat more evenly, reducing cooking time and energy consumption.

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Health Notes:

• Who would benefit from this dish:
  These Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars are perfect for anyone who loves creamy, fruity desserts. They’re ideal for those who want a sweet treat with a tropical twist. They’re a great option for family gatherings, barbecues, or summer picnics, where you need something light but indulgent. The fresh bananas in the cream filling give a natural sweetness, while the cheesecake adds richness.

• Who should avoid it:
  This dessert contains dairy products (cream cheese, heavy cream, and milk in the pudding), so it may not be suitable for individuals who are lactose intolerant or have dairy allergies. It also contains sugar, making it unsuitable for those on low-sugar, low-fat, or calorie-restricted diets. People with a banana allergy or sensitivity should avoid this dessert, as bananas are used in both the cheesecake and the pudding layers. Additionally, those managing their blood sugar levels, such as individuals with diabetes, may want to avoid this treat due to its sugar content.