Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that layers graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake, and a luscious banana cream topping. Topped with fresh bananas and a drizzle of caramel, these bars are a dream come true for banana lovers and a perfect treat for gatherings or a luxurious weekend dessert.

Ingredients:

Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted

Cheesecake Layer:

• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Banana Cream Layer:

• 2 bananas, mashed
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon banana extract

Topping:

• 2 bananas, sliced
• Caramel sauce for drizzling
• Crushed graham crackers for garnish

Directions:

Prepare the Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking dish.
4. Bake for 10 minutes, then allow to cool.

Make the Cheesecake Layer:

1. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
2. Add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next.
3. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Pour over the cooled crust, smooth the top, and bake for 25 minutes. Let cool and refrigerate until chilled.

Prepare the Banana Cream Layer:

1. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and banana extract until stiff peaks form.
2. Fold in mashed bananas and spread over the chilled cheesecake layer.

Add Toppings and Final Layer:

1. Arrange sliced bananas over the banana cream layer.
2. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with crushed graham crackers.

Chill and Serve:

• Refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to set the layers.
• Slice into bars and serve chilled.

Notes and FAQs:

• Storage: Keep refrigerated and consume within 3 days for best freshness.
• Freezing: These bars can be frozen without the banana slices on top. Wrap well and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Banana Ripeness: Using overly ripe bananas can enhance the sweetness and banana flavor of the dessert.

Conclusion:

These Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars offer a perfect balance of creamy and fruity layers, enhanced with a touch of caramel. They are not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious, making them a fantastic choice for any dessert table. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet treat, these cheesecake bars are sure to impress. Enjoy the process of making them and the delightful experience of tasting them!