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    Home » Recipes » Holiday Recipes

    Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares

    October 17, 2021 by Chenée Lewis

    3.4K shares
    banana pudding cheesecake bars recipe pin

    These banana pudding cheesecake squares are incredible! We’re making our banana cheesecake bars with real bananas and an easy stovetop custard to top our buttery vanilla wafer crust!

    banana pudding cheesecake squares from overhead
    Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Pin Recipe Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved!

    *This post contains affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my disclosure for details*.

    And if you like these banana pudding squares, you’ll love my Banana Blondies with Brown Butter Frosting, my Banana Bread French Toast, or my Pineapple Banana Bread!

    Jump to:
    • What are banana pudding cheesecake squares?
    • Banana Cheesecake Bars with Real Bananas
    • Banana Pudding Squares Ingredients
    • Equipment Needed
    • How to Make Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares
    • Tips and F.A.Q.
    • More Cheesecake Recipes You'll Love
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    What are banana pudding cheesecake squares?

    Banana pudding is one of the most essential recipes in my family's holiday tradition. We are very particular about the ingredients and the process, using only Nilla wafers and pure vanilla extract, and always making the custard from scratch.

    And these banana cream cheesecake bars with Nilla wafers are full of those same tastes! The creamy banana cheesecake, Nilla wafer crumb crust, and easy stovetop custard give you the most deliciously decadent dessert, perfect for for holiday gatherings or any occasion!

    And if you like this recipe, check out my Cheesecake Mousse Cups -- perfect make-ahead treats for serving to guests!

    Banana Cheesecake Bars with Real Bananas

    One of my favorite things about this recipe is that we're making the banana cheesecake layer with real mashed overripe banana, so it'll be full of that delicious banana flavor with no need for packaged pudding mixes! And for even more banana goodness, you can top these squares with fresh banana slices just before serving!

    baked banana pudding cheesecake squares ingredients
    Baked Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares Ingredients

    Banana Pudding Squares Ingredients

    • vanilla wafers - we always use Nilla wafers but your favorite vanilla wafers should be fine. You can also grab some mini vanilla wafers for the topping!
    • butter - I use salted butter in both the vanilla wafer crust and the custard topping, but if you use unsalted butter, just add a couple pinches of salt to both the crust mixture and the custard.
    • granulated sugar - you'll need sugar for the crust, the cheesecake layer, and the custard topping.
    • bananas - you'll need overripe bananas for the cheesecake layer -- I usually use previously frozen bananas for this. And I also like to grab some bananas that are are just barely ripe to slice on top.
    • cream cheese - your cream cheese should be room temperature so that your cheesecake layer can be smooth and creamy.
    • heavy cream - your heavy cream should also be room temperature -- we'll mix this in to add to the creaminess of our cheesecake.
    • eggs and egg yolks - your eggs should also be room temperature -- see below for a tip to get them to room temperature quickly!
    • vanilla extract - for the best flavor, be sure to use a high-quality pure vanilla extract. Or better yet, check out my post on how to make vanilla extract at home with just 2 ingredients!
    • cornstarch - we'll add cornstarch in both the cheesecake layer, to stabilize the filling, and to thicken our custard topping.
    • evaporated milk - this is a key part of my family's banana pudding recipe! Evaporated milk makes the custard so flavorful and creamy!
    banana cream cheesecake bars with Nilla wafers on parchment paper
    Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars with Nilla Wafers

    Equipment Needed

    You'll need a 9x9 baking pan to make your cheesecake squares, as well as a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip up your cheesecake filling. You'll also want a saucepan and whisk to cook up your custard, and a food processor will make it easier to crush your vanilla wafers!

    How to Make Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares

    First you'll need to make your vanilla wafer crust!

    1. Crush your vanilla wafers and stir them together with your sugar and melted butter in a bowl. Make sure that the mixture is well saturated with the butter.
    2. Pour the mixture into your 9x9 baking pan and press down evenly into the bottom of the pan.
    3. Pre-bake your crust and set aside to cool.

    Then you're ready to make your banana cheesecake layer:

    1. Add your overripe bananas to a large bowl and beat them with an electric mixer until they're smooth.
    2. Add in your sugar, cream cheese, eggs, vanilla, heavy cream, and cornstarch, mixing until smooth after each.
    3. Pour your cheesecake mixture over your cooled crust, smooth it, and bake!
    4. Let the cheesecake cool and then chill for at least 4 hours.

    Finally it's time for my favorite part -- the custard!

    1. Heat your butter and evaporated milk in a saucepan until it's hot but not yet boiling -- look for tiny bubbles around the edge of the pan.
    2. Meanwhile, whisk together your egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl.
    3. Gradually pour in about half of the scalded mixture about ½ cup at a time, whisking constantly, to temper the egg yolks.
    4. Gradually pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan and you've got your custard mixture!
    5. Now it's time to stir your custard. It usually takes 10-15 minutes, and you'll want to stir your custard the whole time so that it doesn't scorch. It might seem like it's taking a while, but it'll reach a point when it goes straight from thin and liquid to thick and custardy. Once it's thick enough to coat the back of your spoon, it's ready!
    6. Top your cheesecake bars with mini vanilla wafers and banana slices, and then pour on your warm custard! I like to add a few more vanilla wafer crumbs and serve right away while the custard is still a little warm.
    banana pudding cheesecake square on a plate with a fork
    Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares with Drizzle Recipe

    Tips and F.A.Q.

    How can I make these baked banana pudding cheesecake squares easier?

    They're SO good but if you want to make this recipe a little easier, there are a few shortcuts:

    You can skip the custard layer and top these easy banana pudding cheesecake squares with whipped cream, store-bought caramel sauce or butterscotch sauce (see my butterscotch milkshake for an easy butterscotch sauce recipe)!

    You can also make the cheesecake ahead of time and freeze it until you're ready to make the custard -- just store in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer, well wrapped, for up to 2 months.

    How do I soften my cream cheese quickly?

    To soften your blocks of cream cheese for the cheesecake layer, just remove them from the foil and place on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until softened. Your cream cheese should be ready to add to your cheesecake mixture!

    Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares from above

    How do I get my eggs to room temperature quickly?

    It’s important to use room temperature eggs in most baking so that the cold egg doesn’t affect the rise or even baking of your result. If you didn’t have a chance to leave your eggs out to get to room temperature, try this tip. Just submerge the eggs in a bowl of lukewarm water for about 15 minutes. That will allow them to get to room temperature more quickly and ensure a great result!

    How do I get rid of lumps in my custard?

    If you prepare your tempered egg yolks correctly and cook your custard slowly while stirring, you shouldn't end up with any lumps at all! But if you do, you can always run your finished custard through a fine-mesh sieve to get it smoother.


    What kind of bananas do I need for this recipe?

    You'll need overripe bananas for the cheesecake layer, but less ripe bananas (the kind you'd eat) for the slices on top.

    Can I use instant pudding for this recipe?

    You won't need it! The banana cheesecake layer gets its banana flavor from sweet overripe bananas, and the custard topping really can't be substituted! It's got such a decadent sweet vanilla flavor.

    cut banana cheesecake bars
    Banana Cheesecake Bars with Real Bananas

    If you try this recipe, I would love it if you could leave a star review rating and comment below! It’s so wonderful hearing your feedback! And don’t forget to share your creations with me by tagging @chenee_today on Instagram!

    More Cheesecake Recipes You'll Love

    • Biscoff Cheesecake
    • Confetti Cheesecake Bar Recipe
    • No Bake Oreo Cheesecake
    • Pineapple Bars with Cream Cheese and Coconut Drizzle

    📖 Recipe

    banana pudding cheesecake squares from overhead

    Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares

    5 from 22 votes
    Print Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    These banana pudding cheesecake squares are incredible! We’re making our banana cheesecake bars with real bananas and an easy stovetop custard to top our buttery vanilla wafer crust!
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 55 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine :American, Soul Food
    Servings: 16 squares
    Calories: 330kcal
    Recipe Source: Chenée Lewis

    Equipment you may need

    • 9x9 baking pan
    • food processor
    • mixing bowls
    • hand mixer
    • stand mixer
    • parchment paper
    • rubber spatula
    • measuring cups and spoons
    • fine mesh sieve

    Ingredients

    Vanilla Wafer Crust

    • 1½ cup vanilla wafer crumbs
    • 4 tablespoon salted butter - melted
    • 3 tablespoon granulated sugar

    Banana Cheesecake Filling

    • 1½ medium overripe bananas - puréed
    • 16 oz cream cheese - room temperature
    • ½ cup heavy cream - room temperature
    • 2 large eggs - room temperature
    • ½ cup sugar
    • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

    Custard and Toppings

    • 12 oz evaporated milk - 1 can
    • 3 large egg yolks
    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 4 tablespoon salted butter
    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
    • mini vanilla wafers - optional
    • bananas - barely ripe, sliced (optional)
    • vanilla wafer crumbs - optional

    Instructions

    Vanilla Wafer Crust

    • Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9x9 baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to allow for easy removal.
    • Crush vanilla wafers with a food processor, or place in a gallon freezer bag and crush with a rolling pin. Pour into a medium bowl.
    • Add granulated sugar and stir to combine.
    • Add melted butter and stir well until mixture is well saturated with butter.
    • Pour into baking pan and press evenly into the bottom of the pan.
    • Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.

    Banana Cheesecake

    • Reduce oven temperature to 325°F.
    • In a large bowl, purée overripe bananas with a hand mixer or immersion blender until smooth.
    • Beat in granulated sugar and cream cheese, mixing well until smooth.
    • Add eggs, vanilla, and heavy cream and beat until smooth after each addition.
    • Add cornstarch and mix well. Pour into cooled vanilla wafer crust and smooth on top.
    • Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until outside of pan is puffed but center of cheesecake still jiggles slightly.
    • Cool completely at room temperature, then cover and chill at least 4 hours or overnight.

    Custard and Toppings

    • Heat evaporated milk and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring until butter is melted and mixture reaches a simmer. There should be small bubbles near the outside of the pan, but don't let it boil. Turn off heat.
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Add about half of scalded milk mixture very gradually, ½ cup at a time, pouring slowly and whisking the egg mixture constantly. This is to temper the eggs and prevent them from curdling.
    • Return the saucepan to medium heat and gradually pour the tempered egg-and-milk mixture back into the pan, whisking constantly.
    • Cook custard mixture, stirring constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon, for 10-15 minutes, until mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and set aside.
    • Top cheesecake layer with fresh banana slices and mini vanilla wafers. Pour slightly cooled custard on top, and cut into squares. Alternatively, you can cut the cheesecake squares first and top each with custard individually.
    • Sprinkle with more vanilla wafer crumbs, if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve, keeping in mind these squares are best served the same day.
    Last Step!Click here to leave a review and a star rating! It helps spread the word and allows me to keep sharing free recipes! 🥰

    Video

    Notes

    Make ahead: You can make the cheesecake ahead of time and freeze it until you're ready to make the custard -- just store in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer, well wrapped, for up to 2 months.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 square | Calories: 330 kcal | Carbohydrates: 29 g | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 22 g | Saturated Fat: 12 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6 g | Trans Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 115 mg | Sodium: 217 mg | Potassium: 171 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 23 g | Vitamin A: 748 IU | Vitamin C: 1 mg | Calcium: 96 mg | Iron: 1 mg
    Nutrition Disclaimer
    Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can't wait to see (and share) your results! Follow me on Instagram at @chenee_today and tag #cheneetoday!

    Pin these baked banana pudding cheesecake squares for later!

    banana pudding cheesecake bars recipe pin
    Pin these banana pudding cheesecake squares for later!

    Last Updated on February 23, 2025 by Chenée Lewis

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    3.4K shares

    Comments

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    1. June says

      September 01, 2023 at 4:59 pm

      5 stars
      I just finished making these and I’m so excited! They were easy to make and they taste soooo good! Thank you for sharing this recipe. It’s definitely a keeper!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        September 27, 2023 at 11:40 pm

        I think so too! Thank you!

        Reply
    2. Elizabeth says

      May 23, 2023 at 8:44 am

      5 stars
      I love the idea of combining cheesecake with banana pudding! This is a perfect recipe to bring to my next church potluck. These squares would be gobbled up quickly!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        May 24, 2023 at 1:46 pm

        They always go fast over here! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Casey says

      May 23, 2023 at 8:08 am

      5 stars
      I love banana everything, so trying this recipe was a no brainer. These were to die for! So moist and delicious. It was hard to eat just one square!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        August 03, 2023 at 11:11 am

        They're so full of delicious banana flavor! Glad you liked them!

        Reply
    4. Michelle says

      May 23, 2023 at 7:45 am

      5 stars
      These cheesecake squares are next-level amazing! Everyone loved them! Definitely a keeper, thank you for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        August 03, 2023 at 11:11 am

        Thank you so much! These are a favorite of mine for sure!

        Reply
    5. dina and bruce miller says

      May 23, 2023 at 7:45 am

      5 stars
      This was so good! Loved the contrast of sweet banana and cream cheese! Can not wait to make this for our next visit to my son's house! He will love it!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        August 03, 2023 at 11:10 am

        So glad you liked them! 🙂

        Reply
    6. Cheyenne says

      November 27, 2022 at 7:52 pm

      5 stars
      This was a HUGE hit at thanksgiving and I’ll make again! One of the most delicious things I’ve ever made. My bananas weren’t overripe (just ripe) so I doubled the banana and used 3 full ones - this brought the banana taste through just right. I also plan to double the crust next time since I like a thicker crust. This is my first time writing a review! Thank you for the awesome recipe!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        November 27, 2022 at 10:26 pm

        I'm so happy to hear that! This recipe is special to me so I'm so glad that you like it!

        Reply
    7. Sarah says

      March 12, 2022 at 8:06 pm

      5 stars
      I don’t normally comment recipes but I really felt the urge for this one.

      This cheesecake was AMMAAZZINNGG
      Made it for me and my friend and we could have devoured the whole thing in one sitting. Wishing I had 3 stomachs to do so. I’m not even a fan of cheesecake but this was incredible
      It was easy to make, too!
      Definitely keeping this around for holidays

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        March 20, 2022 at 9:26 am

        Thank you so much for your feedback! I'm so glad you liked the recipe -- and yes it's definitely a great one for the holidays!!

        Reply
    8. Tristin says

      October 24, 2021 at 8:00 pm

      5 stars
      Ok, this look amazing and I love banana pudding!! Trying this asap and also love your tip on getting eggs up to room temperature quickly, gonna use that one the next time I forget to pull out the eggs.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        October 25, 2021 at 11:34 pm

        Oh yeah I use that trick almost every time! haha

        Reply
    9. Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says

      October 24, 2021 at 5:49 pm

      5 stars
      What a scrumptious recipe! Such a huge crowd favorite! Thank you so much for sharing!!!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        October 31, 2021 at 12:11 pm

        You're so welcome! 🙂 Glad you enjoyed them!

        Reply
    10. NATALIA says

      October 24, 2021 at 1:37 pm

      5 stars
      Chenée, absolutely delicious! This is really quick to prepare and gets even better after a few hours. Now, this is one of the best puddings I’ve tried and my family loved it! Thank you so much for this banana pudding recipe!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        October 25, 2021 at 11:34 pm

        So glad you liked them!! 🙂

        Reply
      • nhi says

        November 06, 2022 at 8:02 pm

        would i be able to make these in cupcake forms instead of squares?

        Reply
        • Chenée Lewis says

          November 11, 2022 at 9:38 pm

          I haven't tried it in cupcake cups, but I would imagine it would work. They will most likely need a little less time in the oven.

    11. Chef Dennis says

      October 24, 2021 at 11:07 am

      5 stars
      OMG your banana cheesecake squares were ah-mazing! What a delicious treat

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        October 31, 2021 at 12:10 pm

        Thank you so much! So glad you liked them 🙂

        Reply
    12. Sophia says

      October 24, 2021 at 12:15 am

      5 stars
      I haven't tried this particular recipe yet but I know it is GOOD! Like you I use the good stuff such as NILLA VANILLA Wafers, 100% Pure Vanilla Wafers, real butter with salt etc. and I make my pudding from scratch. I am sure the family will love it!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        October 24, 2021 at 3:02 pm

        Thank you so much! Only the best ingredients for good banana pudding! Thanks for the comment 🙂

        Reply
    13. Enriqueta E Lemoine says

      October 23, 2021 at 11:07 pm

      5 stars
      I already bought the Nillas to make these banana pudding cheesecake squares. Your pictures made me hungry! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        October 24, 2021 at 5:07 pm

        Thank you!! Hope you enjoy them!

        Reply
    14. Kathryn says

      October 21, 2021 at 4:57 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a fun twist on banana pudding! I love the cheesecake flavors too and the custard on top. Amazingly delicious dessert, thank you!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        October 21, 2021 at 6:44 pm

        Thank you so much! Glad you like it!

        Reply
    15. Tammy says

      October 21, 2021 at 1:36 pm

      5 stars
      Oh hello gorgeous! These look a-mazing! This is such a creative and delicious idea for cheesecake...I must try this. Oh I can't wait...fabulous idea!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        October 22, 2021 at 4:11 pm

        I hope you love them!!

        Reply
    16. Jenny says

      October 19, 2021 at 9:33 am

      5 stars
      These banana pudding cheesecakes are fantastic! The flavors are so good. I am so thrilled to find your recipe! Thanks so much for sharing; I will make them again.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        October 19, 2021 at 7:43 pm

        So glad you liked them!

        Reply
    17. Bernice says

      October 18, 2021 at 11:39 am

      5 stars
      Bananas and custard are a match made in heaven! I couldn't get enough of these decadent bars and I'm already planning a second batch.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        October 18, 2021 at 2:50 pm

        I don't blame you! I love these so much!

        Reply
    banana pudding cheesecake bars recipe pin

    About Chenée

    I’m Chenée (kinda rhymes with “today”) and I love all types of baking and cooking! But my favorite recipes are ones that are quick and easy, and still yield impressive results. The ones you can't help but make again and again! That's what I share here, and I hope I can make your life a little easier along the way. MORE ABOUT CHENÉE >>

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