Craving a dessert that brilliantly combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the nostalgic sweetness of banana pudding? Look no further than these irresistible Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares! They are a delightful treat that layers velvety cheesecake and luscious banana pudding atop a crunchy vanilla wafer crust. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a summertime barbecue, or simply enjoying a sweet indulgence at home. With its delightful texture, refreshing flavors, and gorgeous presentation, it’s hard to resist going back for just one more square. Plus, with easily accessible ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe allows you to whip up a crowd-pleaser in no time! So grab your apron, and let’s get started on making these Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares that everyone will adore!
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant banana pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers
Instructions
To begin your culinary journey towards these delightful Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares, you first want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a 9×9-inch baking pan, and prepare it by greasing it and lining it with parchment paper — this step ensures easy removal once it’s chilled.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine your vanilla wafer crumbs, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and the melted butter. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined into a crumbly mixture. Next, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, ensuring an even layer. Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes to achieve a nice golden crust. Once done, let it cool completely while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
For the cheesecake filling, take a large mixing bowl and add in the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat these ingredients together until they are smooth and creamy. Then, introduce the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition to keep everything fluffy. Add in the teaspoon of vanilla extract and the sour cream, mixing until everything is fully incorporated and velvety in texture.
Now, carefully pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in your pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake this in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center is set. Once it’s finished baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature.
While the cheesecake is cooling, turn your attention to the banana pudding layer. In another bowl, whisk together the instant banana pudding mix and cold milk, doing so vigorously until it thickens to a creamy consistency that holds its shape.
Once your cheesecake layer has cooled down, spoon the banana pudding uniformly over it. Now, it’s time to arrange the sliced bananas beautifully over this pudding layer. For the finishing touch, spread the whipped cream generously on top of the banana slices and pudding. Lastly, add a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers to enhance the presentation and add some delightful crunch.
Cover the pan with either plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 2 hours — this step is crucial for the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in the perfect dessert squares when served!
Variations
While the classic Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares are delectable on their own, feel free to get creative with some variations! For a chocolate twist, you might consider mixing in some chocolate chips into the cheesecake batter for a rich contrast. Alternatively, for a tropical theme, consider adding coconut flakes to the vanilla wafer crust or layering in some crushed pineapple along with the banana slices. If you want to add a nutty flavor, chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled between layers add a satisfying crunch and depth of flavor. And for those who enjoy a tangy kick, a layer of lemon curd under the whipped cream can brighten up the sweetness and balance the richness of the cheesecake. Don’t be afraid to personalize these squares to cater to different tastes and preferences!
Cooking Notes
To ensure the best results with your Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares, here are a few handy cooking notes: prep time to make the crust and filling should take you about 30 minutes, while overall baking and chilling time will bring the total time to around 2 hours and 50 minutes as mentioned. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing, as this guarantees a smooth and lump-free filling. An electric mixer works best for combining the ingredients, but a handheld whisk can work in a pinch. Also, when spreading the pudding layer and whipped cream, take your time to ensure an even distribution; this not only looks great when you slice into it but also ensures every bite is just as delicious as the last. If you don’t have a 9×9-inch baking pan, an 8×8-inch pan will work just as well, though you may need to adjust baking times slightly.
Serving Suggestions
These Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares are best enjoyed chilled, making them ideal for warm weather gatherings! For serving, consider cutting the squares into even portions and presenting them on a nice dessert platter. You can garnish with additional banana slices or a drizzling of caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness. Pairing them with a dollop of fresh whipped cream on the side can elevate the overall dessert experience. These squares also make for a lovely after-dinner dessert when served alongside a rich cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of iced tea!
Tips
- Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth filling.
- Don’t rush the chilling process; the flavors improve as they meld together.
- Use a sharp knife to cut clean squares for the best presentation.
- Try to use ripe bananas for the best flavor; they should be spotted but not brown.
- If making ahead, you can always prepare the crust and cheesecake layers in advance and assemble them the day of serving.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Nutritional Information
Calories: 350 per square
Protein: 5g
Sodium: 250mg
FAQs
1. Can I make these squares ahead of time? Yes, they can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until serving!
2. How should I store leftover squares? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
3. Can I freeze these Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares? To maintain the best texture, freezing is not recommended, but you can certainly freeze the cheesecake layers before adding the pudding and whipped cream.
4. What can I substitute for sour cream? Plain Greek yogurt can work well as a substitute for a similar tangy flavor and texture.
5. Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant? Absolutely! Just make sure it’s completely set before layering it on the cheesecake.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares are an absolute delight that captures the essence of nostalgic desserts while bringing a modern twist to the classics. The beautiful layers of creamy cheesecake, luscious banana pudding, and a crunchy wafer crust make for a truly indulgent treat that is sure to impress friends and family alike. If you like the sound of this recipe, why not give it a try? Once you make these scrumptious squares, don’t be surprised if they become a go-to dessert for all your future gatherings! We would love to hear about your experiences with this recipe, so please leave a comment or share any tweaks you made. Happy baking and enjoy your sweet creations!
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Irresistible Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
A delightful treat that layers velvety cheesecake and luscious banana pudding atop a crunchy vanilla wafer crust.
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant banana pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Combine the vanilla wafer crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl. Press into the bottom of the pan to form a crust. Bake for 10 minutes and allow to cool.
- For the filling, beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract and sour cream until velvety.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until set. Cool to room temperature.
- Whisk together instant banana pudding mix and cold milk until thick. Spoon over the cheesecake layer, then arrange sliced bananas on top.
- Spread whipped cream over the bananas and sprinkle with crushed vanilla wafers. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
Prep time to make the crust and filling is about 30 minutes. Total time includes baking and chilling.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Protein: 5 g