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:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then allow to cool.
Make the Cheesecake Layer:
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour over the cooled crust, smooth the top, and bake for 25 minutes. Let cool and refrigerate until chilled.
Prepare the Banana Cream Layer:
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and banana extract until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in mashed bananas and spread over the chilled cheesecake layer.
Add Toppings and Final Layer:
- Arrange sliced bananas over the banana cream layer.
- 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!
