Indulge in the heavenly taste of Banana Cheesecake Bars! These delightful treats combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet, tropical flavor of ripe bananas. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious banana-infused filling, and a hint of vanilla, each bite melts in your mouth. Perfect for dessert lovers and banana enthusiasts alike, these bars are an ideal way to elevate your baking game and impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For the topping:
- 1 medium banana, sliced
- Whipped cream (optional, for serving)
- Extra graham cracker crumbs (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan to form a crust layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Stir in the mashed banana, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon (if using) until the mixture is smooth.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the center has a slight jiggle. Do not overbake, as the filling will continue to set as it cools.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
- Serve:
- Once chilled, remove the cheesecake bars from the pan and cut into squares.
- Top each bar with sliced banana and a dollop of whipped cream if desired. Sprinkle with extra graham cracker crumbs for an added crunch.
- Enjoy your delicious Banana Cheesecake Bars!