Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares
If you love classic banana pudding and rich, creamy cheesecake, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe combines two beloved desserts into one unforgettable treat.
These Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares deliver the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them an ideal dessert for any potluck, family gathering, or quiet evening at home.
What You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create a truly special dessert. Here is what you will need for each layer.
| Layer | Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Crust | Graham cracker crumbs | 1 ½ cups |
| Crust | Granulated sugar | ¼ cup |
| Crust | Butter, melted | ½ cup |
| Cheesecake Filling | Bananas, mashed | 2 large |
| Cheesecake Filling | Cream cheese, softened | 16 oz |
| Cheesecake Filling | Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Cheesecake Filling | Eggs | 2 large |
| Cheesecake Filling | Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Cheesecake Filling | Sour cream | ½ cup |
| Cheesecake Filling | All-purpose flour | ¼ cup |
| Pudding | Instant Banana Pudding mix | 1 (3.4 oz) package |
| Pudding | Milk | 2 cups |
| Garnish (Optional) | Whipped cream | For topping |
| Garnish (Optional) | Fresh banana slices | For topping |
Tools Required
- Mixing Bowls
- 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Food processor (for making crumbs)
- Spatula
- Whisk
Pro Tips
To ensure your cheesecake squares turn out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind.
- Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: For the smoothest, lump-free cheesecake filling, make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature. This allows them to blend together seamlessly.
- Don’t Overmix the Filling: Beat the cheesecake filling until it is just combined. Overmixing incorporates too much air, which can cause the cheesecake to puff up and then crack as it cools.
- The Perfect Jiggle: To check for doneness, gently shake the pan. The edges should be set, but the center should still have a slight jiggle. It will continue to set as it cools.
- Cool it Slowly: Let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature before moving it to the refrigerator. Cooling too quickly is a common reason for surface cracks.
Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. Here are a few tested ideas for delicious variations.
| For This | Try This Instead | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Graham Cracker Crust | Crushed Vanilla Wafers | Provides a more traditional banana pudding flavor. |
| Granulated Sugar (in crust) | Light Brown Sugar | Adds a subtle molasses flavor to the crust. |
| Milk | Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half | Creates an even richer and creamier pudding layer. |
| Plain Cheesecake | Chocolate Chip Cheesecake | Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the filling. |
Make Ahead Tips
These cheesecake squares are perfect for making in advance, which is great for party planning.
You can prepare the entire dessert up to 24 hours ahead of time. Simply cover and store it in the refrigerator. Wait to add the fresh banana slices and whipped cream until just before serving to keep them fresh.
How to Make Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares
For the Crust
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to easily lift the bars out later.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup of sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Step 3: Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
For the Cheesecake Filling
Step 4: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar with a mixer until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and flour until just combined. Gently fold in the mashed bananas.
Step 6: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust and spread it into an even layer.
Step 7: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is only slightly jiggly. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
For the Pudding Layer
Step 8: Once the cheesecake is cool, prepare the pudding. In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant banana pudding mix and milk until it begins to thicken.
Step 9: Spread the pudding mixture evenly over the cooled cheesecake layer. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the pudding is fully set.
Step 10: Once chilled, slice into squares. Garnish with whipped cream and fresh banana slices just before serving, if desired.
Helpful Recipe Information
- Nutritional Breakdown (Approx.): Serving: 1 square | Calories: 422kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 23g
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Ingredient Swaps for Diets | Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham style crackers for the crust. Lower-Sugar: Use a cup-for-cup sugar substitute in the crust and filling. |
| Meal Pairing Suggestions | This dessert is a wonderful finish to a summer BBQ, grilled chicken dinner, or any hearty comfort meal. |
| Cooking Time Efficiency Tips | While the cheesecake bakes, you can gather and measure the ingredients for the pudding layer. Prepare the crust while the oven preheats to save time. |
Leftovers and Storage
To store leftover bars, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is best to store them without the fresh banana garnish, as the slices will brown over time.
For longer storage, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why did my cheesecake crack on top?
Ans: Cracks are usually caused by overbaking, overmixing the batter, or cooling the cheesecake too quickly. Be sure to bake just until the center is slightly jiggly and let it cool gradually.
Q2. Can I use a pretzel crust instead?
Ans: Absolutely. A pretzel crust would add a fantastic salty-sweet combination, similar to a strawberry pretzel salad. Simply substitute crushed pretzels for the graham crackers.
Q3. Do I have to use instant pudding mix?
Ans: Instant pudding is recommended because it sets up quickly and reliably without extra cooking. A cook-and-serve pudding could be used, but you must let it cool completely before spreading it on the cheesecake.
Wrapping Up
These Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares are a crowd-pleasing dessert that brings together two timeless flavors in a simple, impressive way. They are creamy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.
I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as we enjoy eating it. If you give it a try, please leave a comment below to share your experience or ask any questions you may have!
