Banana pudding cheesecake squares

Here’s a rich and creamy dessert that combines two beloved treats into one irresistible bite: Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares. These bars feature a vanilla wafer crust, banana-flavored cheesecake filling, and a whipped topping — all the classic banana pudding flavors in a firm, sliceable form.

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🍌 Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares

Servings: 16 squares
Prep Time: 25 min
Bake Time: 35–40 min
Chill Time: 4+ hours (overnight best)
Total Time: ~5 hours (mostly inactive)

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🧂 Ingredients

Crust:

• 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs (about 50–60 wafers)

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 tbsp sugar

• Pinch of salt

Cheesecake Layer:

• 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened

• 2/3 cup sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 packet banana cream instant pudding mix (3.4 oz)

• 1/2 cup milk

Topping:

• 1 cup cold heavy cream
  or use 1 ½ cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

• 2 tbsp powdered sugar

• 1–2 ripe bananas, sliced (for topping)

• Extra vanilla wafers, crushed or whole for garnish

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🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).

2. Mix wafer crumbs, sugar, salt, and melted butter until evenly combined.

3. Press into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish lined with parchment.

4. Bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.

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Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.

2. Add eggs, one at a time, beating just until combined.

3. Mix in sour cream and vanilla.

4. Separately, whisk pudding mix with milk until slightly thickened (1–2 min).

5. Fold the pudding into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.

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Step 3: Bake

1. Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust.

2. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until center is set and edges are slightly puffed.

3. Let cool at room temp, then chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

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Step 4: Topping & Garnish

1. Whip heavy cream and powdered sugar to soft peaks (or use whipped topping).

2. Spread over chilled cheesecake layer.

3. Just before serving, top with banana slices and crushed/whole vanilla wafers.

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🍽️ Tips

• Banana freshness: Add banana slices right before serving to prevent browning.

• No banana pudding mix? Use vanilla pudding + mashed ripe banana.

• Want a stronger banana flavor? Add a few drops of banana extract to the cheesecake batter.

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Would you like a no-bake version or a gluten-free twist on this dessert?