𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐏𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐬

📦 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐏𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐬

⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 30 minutes
⏱️ Total Time: 50 minutes (plus chilling)
🍴 Servings: 12 bars
🔥 Calories: ~320 per bar

📋 Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 2 cups (200g) vanilla wafer cookies, crushed
• 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

For the cheesecake filling:

• 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 (3.4 oz / 96g) box instant banana pudding mix
• 1 cup (240ml) cold milk

For the topping:

• 1 cup (240ml) whipped cream
• 1-2 bananas, sliced (tossed in lemon juice to prevent browning)
• Additional crushed vanilla wafers (optional)

🥣 Instructions:

1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

2️⃣ Make the crust:

• In a bowl, mix crushed vanilla wafers, melted butter, and sugar until combined.
• Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

3️⃣ Make the cheesecake filling:

• In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla, and mix until combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk banana pudding mix and cold milk until thickened. Fold the pudding into the cream cheese mixture until smooth.
• Pour the filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly.

4️⃣ Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly. Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight).

5️⃣ Before serving, top with whipped cream, banana slices, and additional crushed vanilla wafers (if desired).

6️⃣ Slice into bars and enjoy these creamy, dreamy Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars!