Creamy Banana Cheesecake Bars are a luscious twist on classic cheesecake, blending the sweet, tropical flavor of ripe bananas with rich, velvety cream cheese. Set atop a buttery graham cracker crust, these bars offer a perfect balance of smooth texture and natural fruitiness in every bite.
Ideal for banana lovers and cheesecake fans alike, they make a delightful treat for gatherings, holidays, or a comforting homemade dessert.
With a touch of vanilla and a hint of cinnamon, these bars are both cozy and indulgent. Easy to slice and serve, they’re the perfect combination of familiar flavor and creamy decadence.
Banana lovers, this one’s for you! These Creamy Banana Cheesecake Bars are the perfect blend of classic cheesecake indulgence and comforting banana flavor. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a lusciously smooth banana-infused cheesecake layer, these bars are rich, creamy, and absolutely irresistible.
They make a perfect dessert for potlucks, family gatherings, or even as an afternoon treat with coffee or tea. Easy to slice and serve, they bring the nostalgia of banana pudding with the elegance of cheesecake—all in a convenient bar form.
Creamy Banana Cheesecake Bars
Description
Creamy Banana Cheesecake Bars are a luscious dessert combining the richness of cheesecake with the sweet comfort of ripe bananas.
These bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust layered with a smooth banana-infused cream cheese filling, baked to perfection.
A hint of vanilla and a touch of cinnamon enhance the natural banana flavor, creating a well-balanced, melt-in-your-mouth treat. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or a cozy dessert at home, they are easy to slice and serve. Chill them for a few hours for best texture and flavor.
These bars are a delightful twist for both cheesecake and banana lovers alike.
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Filling:
Optional Toppings:
Instructions
-
Prepare the Crust
-
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides for easy removal.
-
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon.
-
Pour in the melted butter and stir until all crumbs are evenly moistened and clump slightly when pressed.
-
Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan using the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass.
-
Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
-
-
Make the Cheesecake Filling
-
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2–3 minutes.
-
Add in the sugar and beat again until fully combined and fluffy.
-
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
-
Mix in the mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
-
Finally, add the flour and salt, and beat just until smooth—don’t overmix.
-
-
Assemble and Bake
-
Pour the banana cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even distribution.
-
Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
-
Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly but not wet.
-
Turn off the oven and let the bars cool inside for 10 minutes with the door slightly open. This helps prevent cracking.
-
Remove and let the bars cool completely at room temperature.
-
-
Chill and Serve
-
Once the bars have cooled to room temperature, transfer them to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
-
Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares using a sharp knife, wiping it clean between slices for neat edges.
-
Nutrition Facts
Servings 16
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 310kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 12g60%
- Cholesterol 90mg30%
- Sodium 220mg10%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 18g
- Protein 6g12%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Creamy Banana Cheesecake Bars are the perfect fusion of comforting banana flavor and indulgent cheesecake richness.
They’re simple to make, versatile, and ideal for parties, picnics, or even a weekday treat. To ensure the best results, follow these expert tips and serving suggestions that will elevate your bars from good to unforgettable.
Baking Tips for Perfect Texture
1. Use Overripe Bananas:
The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful it will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots. These mash easier and blend smoothly into the cheesecake batter, infusing it with rich banana flavor without overpowering the tang of the cream cheese.
2. Soften Your Cream Cheese:
Always use room-temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps. Cold cream cheese doesn’t mix evenly and can result in a grainy batter. You can soften it quickly by cutting it into cubes and letting it sit out for 30 minutes or microwaving in short 10-second bursts.
3. Don’t Overmix the Batter:
Overmixing introduces air into the cheesecake batter, which can cause the bars to rise and then collapse or crack during baking. Mix just until smooth and combined, especially after adding eggs.
4. Add Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt:
For an ultra-creamy texture, add a bit of sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt. About ¼ to ½ cup enhances the tanginess and creates a luscious mouthfeel that complements the banana sweetness beautifully.
5. Bake in a Water Bath (Optional):
To prevent cracking and ensure even baking, consider using a water bath. Place your baking pan inside a larger pan filled with hot water. This helps regulate the temperature and produces smoother cheesecake bars.
Flavor Boosters
1. Vanilla Extract & Spices:
Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the banana flavor. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can also complement the banana-cheesecake blend and give it a warm, cozy note.
2. Banana Layering or Swirl:
Instead of mixing all the banana into the batter, try layering mashed banana or creating a banana puree swirl on top before baking for a marbled effect and added visual appeal.
3. Add a Crunchy Crust:
A graham cracker or vanilla wafer crust pairs beautifully with the creamy filling. For extra flavor, mix a tablespoon of brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon into the crust mixture before baking.
Serving Tricks
1. Chill Thoroughly Before Cutting:
Once baked, let the bars cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the cheesecake to set properly and makes slicing clean, neat bars much easier.
2. Use a Hot Knife:
Dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and slice the bars. Repeat between each cut for crisp edges and a professional look.
3. Garnish Creatively:
Top each bar with a banana slice, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a beautiful finish. A dusting of crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts adds texture and contrast.
4. Serve Chilled or Frozen:
These bars taste best when cold. For a summer treat, try partially freezing them for an hour before serving — they’ll have an ice cream-like texture that’s incredibly refreshing.
5. Individual Portions:
For parties, consider baking in a muffin tin lined with paper cups for individual servings. These are mess-free and travel well.
Bonus Tip: Freeze for Later
Creamy Banana Cheesecake Bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. This makes them a perfect make-ahead dessert for holidays or special occasions.
Serving Suggestions
These creamy banana cheesecake bars are delightful as-is, but you can elevate them further by topping with:
- A swirl of whipped cream
- Thinly sliced fresh bananas (add just before serving to avoid browning)
- A sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers
- A drizzle of salted caramel or chocolate sauce
Pair these bars with hot coffee or a glass of cold milk for the perfect sweet finish to any meal.
💡 Tips for Success
- Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be. Look for bananas with brown spots on the peel.
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for the smoothest filling.
- Don’t overbake: Cheesecake continues to cook as it cools. If the center jiggles slightly like Jell-O when shaken, it’s ready.
- Chill thoroughly: For the best texture and flavor, allow enough time to chill the bars fully before slicing.
Best Season to Serve
- Year-round, especially perfect in spring and summer when light fruity desserts are preferred, or in fall for cozy gatherings.
These Creamy Banana Cheesecake Bars are a wonderful way to use overripe bananas in a unique and decadent form. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and layers of flavor, this dessert is guaranteed to please any banana or cheesecake lover.
Pin this recipe to share with your friends and followers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh bananas instead of overripe ones?
While you can use fresh bananas, overripe bananas are preferred for this recipe. They are naturally sweeter and softer, which enhances both the flavor and texture of the cheesecake filling. Overripe bananas also blend more smoothly into the cream cheese mixture, resulting in a creamier bar.
Can I make Creamy Banana Cheesecake Bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars are perfect for making ahead. In fact, they taste even better after chilling in the fridge overnight. The flavors have more time to meld together, and the bars firm up for cleaner slices. You can prepare and refrigerate them up to 2–3 days in advance, just be sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from absorbing other fridge odors.
Can I freeze banana cheesecake bars?
Absolutely. Banana cheesecake bars freeze well for up to 2 months. To freeze, let them cool completely, slice them into bars, and place parchment paper between layers in an airtight container or wrap each bar individually. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge for a few hours or overnight for best texture and flavor.
How do I keep the crust from becoming soggy?
To prevent a soggy crust, pre-bake the crust for about 8–10 minutes before adding the cheesecake filling. This step ensures it firms up slightly and stays crisp. Also, make sure the banana mixture isn’t overly watery—draining excess banana juice or mashing bananas thoroughly helps maintain the crust’s texture.