Description
Enjoy creamy, no-bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares that blend the smooth richness of cheesecake with the classic, nostalgic flavors of banana pudding. This easy-to-make dessert features layers of graham cracker or vanilla wafer crust, luscious pudding-cheesecake filling, and fresh bananas, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs or crushed vanilla wafers
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
For the Pudding Mixture
- 2 cups milk (for pudding)
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
Other Ingredients
- 3–4 ripe but firm bananas, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Crush graham crackers or vanilla wafers into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter until the mixture holds together. Press firmly into the bottom of a lined square baking pan to form an even crust layer. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- Make the Pudding Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together milk and instant vanilla pudding mix according to package directions until smooth and slightly thickened. Let it sit for a few minutes to set.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: Beat softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract using a mixer until smooth and fluffy. Gently fold in whipped topping to keep the filling light and airy.
- Combine Pudding and Cheesecake Layers: Fold the set pudding mixture into the cream cheese filling, stirring gently just until combined to form a creamy no-bake cheesecake and pudding blend.
- Layer with Bananas and Assemble: Arrange a layer of banana slices evenly over the chilled crust. Pour half of the pudding-cheesecake mixture on top and spread gently. Add another layer of bananas, then finish with the remaining pudding mixture. Smooth the top evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the dessert with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow layers to firm up. Cut into squares and serve with optional garnishes.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas that are firm to avoid mushy texture.
- Chill overnight for best flavor development and firm layers.
- Fold mixtures gently to maintain a light and airy filling.
- Line the pan with parchment paper or foil with overhang for easy removal.
- Use a warm knife cleaned between cuts to slice neat squares.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (1/12th of recipe)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg