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Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares

Creamy, nostalgic dessert that combines banana pudding and cheesecake into easy-to-make squares, perfect for potlucks and busy weeknights.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Crust
  • 2 cups crushed vanilla sandwich cookies (like Nilla wafers or graham cracker crumbs)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
Cheesecake Layer
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for tang and creaminess)
Banana Pudding Layer
  • 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz)
  • 2 cups cold milk (per pudding box directions)
  • 2 ripe bananas, sliced thinly
Topping
  • 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip) (or 1 cup heavy cream whipped to soft peaks)
  • 1 cup extra crushed vanilla cookies (for garnish)
  • banana slices (for garnish)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9x13 pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later. Lightly grease the parchment if it’s sticky.
Make the Crust
  1. Mix crushed cookies, melted butter, and sugar until evenly moistened. Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan in an even layer. Bake for 8–10 minutes until set and lightly golden. Let it cool while you prepare the cheesecake layer.
Cheesecake Filling
  1. Beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and lump-free. Add sugar and mix until creamy. Scrape the sides down so everything blends evenly. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated. Blend in vanilla and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until smooth.
Layering
  1. Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and spread gently. Spoon or dollop half of the prepared vanilla pudding over the cheesecake layer and spread lightly. Arrange a single layer of thin banana slices over the pudding. Gently pour the remaining cheesecake batter over the bananas and smooth the top.
Swirl and Finish
  1. Add the rest of the pudding in spoonfuls across the top and use a knife to make soft swirls. Bake at 325°F for 28–35 minutes until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. Let it cool on a rack for about an hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours — overnight is best.
Cool and Serve
  1. Before serving, fold whipped topping until fluffy and spread over the top. Garnish with crushed cookies and a few banana slices. Use the parchment overhang to lift the slab from the pan onto a cutting board. Cut into squares and serve chilled.

Notes

Use ripe bananas for flavor, but try to avoid overripe bananas (black and mushy). For a lighter texture, tuck whipped cream into the top layer. If you prefer a firmer cheesecake, use two eggs plus one extra egg yolk.