Why Make This Recipe
Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares are a delightful dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the comforting flavors of banana pudding. If you are a fan of either dish, you will love how they come together in this easy recipe. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or family gatherings, this dish is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Not only is it delicious, but it also offers a fun and unique twist on traditional cheesecake. With layers of flavor and texture, it’s a dessert that everyone will enjoy.
How to Make Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares
Making Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares is a straightforward process. Whether you are an experienced baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is simple to follow, and the results are fantastic. You will create a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a creamy cheesecake layer, finished off with luscious banana pudding. It’s a treat that brings smiles to everyone’s faces!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1 box instant banana pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
Directions:
Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix them well until all the crumbs are coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking dish. This will form the base of your cheesecake squares.Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth texture. Next, stir in the mashed bananas until everything is well blended.Combine Layers and Bake
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust you prepared earlier. Spread it evenly to ensure that every bite has that rich cheesecake flavor. Bake the mixture in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center might still have a bit of jiggle. After baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.Prepare the Pudding Layer
While the cheesecake layer is cooling, prepare the pudding. In a bowl, whisk together the banana pudding mix and milk. Mix until the pudding thickens. Once thick, gently fold in the whipped cream. This will add a light and airy texture to the pudding layer.Assemble the Squares
After the cheesecake layer has cooled completely, spread the pudding mixture over the cheesecake layer evenly. Once done, refrigerate the entire dish for at least 4 hours or until the pudding layer firms up. This step is important as it allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled and firm, cut the dessert into squares. You can serve them plain or garnish them with sliced bananas or additional whipped cream for an extra treat. Enjoy your Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares chilled fresh out the fridge!
How to Serve Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares
To serve Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares, it’s best to cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy enjoyment. You can place the squares on a nice platter. For a decorative touch, add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each square. You can also sprinkle some crushed graham cracker on top or slice additional bananas for garnish. These squares are ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, barbecues, or simply as a sweet treat at home. Pair them with coffee or tea for an excellent dessert experience.
How to Store Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares
To keep your Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares fresh, store them in the refrigerator. Because of the creamy layers, they need to be kept cool. Use an airtight container to maintain their freshness and prevent them from absorbing odors from the fridge. Properly stored, they can last for up to five days. For best results, consume them within the first few days for optimal flavor and texture.
Tips to Make Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares
- Use Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing. This prevents lumps in your filling.
- Ripeness of Bananas: Use ripe bananas for better flavor and sweetness. They should be speckled brown for the best taste in your cheesecake.
- Chilling Time: Don’t rush the chilling process. Allow at least four hours in the refrigerator for the pudding to set correctly. Overnight is even better if you can wait!
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to tweak the recipe! A pinch of cinnamon or a splash of rum extract can elevate the recipe.
- Double the Recipe: If you’re serving a large crowd, consider doubling the recipe and using a larger baking dish. Adjust baking time as necessary.
Variation
You can change things up a bit with this recipe to suit your taste. Here are a few variations:
- Chocolate Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares: Add chocolate pudding mix instead of banana pudding. This adds a chocolatey twist to the classic recipe.
- Nutty Flavor: Stir in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the cream cheese mixture for added crunch and flavor.
- Banana Caramel Cheesecake Squares: Drizzle caramel sauce on top of the pudding layer for a rich, sweet finish.
- No-Bake Variation: For a no-bake version, use a store-bought crust and chill the layers instead of baking them.
FAQs
1. Can I use ripe bananas that are slightly brown?
Yes! In fact, overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe. They are sweeter and add great flavor to the cheesecake.
2. Can I freeze Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares?
You can freeze the cheesecake squares, but it’s best to leave off the pudding layer until you’re ready to serve. Wrap them tightly and store in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before adding the pudding layer.
3. How long do these squares need to chill?
The squares should be chilled for at least 4 hours but overnight is preferable. The longer they chill, the better the flavors meld together.
4. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used as a substitute, though the texture might be slightly different. The flavor should still be delicious!
To summarize, Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares are a fantastic dessert that combines the best of banana pudding and cheesecake into a simple and enjoyable treat. Follow these easy steps and tips, and you will have a delightful dessert that is perfect for sharing!
Print
Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful dessert combining creamy cheesecake with banana pudding, perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1 box instant banana pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking dish.
- In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in mashed bananas.
- Pour cream cheese mixture over the crust and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are set. Cool completely.
- Prepare pudding layer by whisking banana pudding mix and milk until thick. Gently fold in whipped cream.
- Spread pudding mixture over cooled cheesecake layer. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Cut into squares and serve chilled, optionally topped with whipped cream or banana slices.
Notes
Let the pudding layer chill for best results. Use ripe bananas for maximum flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg