Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares are a delightful dessert that combines the comforting flavors of banana pudding with the richness of cheesecake, all layered over a soft, blondie crust. This dessert is perfect for those who love the classic taste of banana pudding but want something a little more indulgent. The addition of vanilla wafers as a garnish not only adds a nostalgic touch but also provides a delightful crunch. Whether you’re serving this at a gathering or enjoying it as a special treat at home, these cheesecake squares are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
For the Blondie Crust:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup mashed ripe banana
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Cheesecake Topping:
- 2/3 cup heavy whipped cream
- 16 ounces cream cheese (2 blocks)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3.4-ounce box of instant banana pudding powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Powdered sugar for extra sweetness
Garnish:
- Nilla wafers
Instructions:
For the Blondie Crust:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare an 8×8 baking pan with your preferred non-stick method.
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar. Whisk in the egg yolk, flour, salt, mashed banana, and vanilla until well combined.
- Bake the Crust: Spread the blondie batter in the prepared pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes until just set. Cool to room temperature.
For the Cheesecake Topping:
- Whip Cream: In a medium-sized bowl, whip the heavy cream with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate the whipped cream.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually add the sugar, banana pudding powder, milk, and vanilla extract, beating until well incorporated.
- Combine: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Taste and add powdered sugar if desired for extra sweetness.
- Assemble: Pour and evenly spread the cheesecake topping over the cooled blondie crust. Freeze for at least 2 hours or until completely firm.
To Serve:
- Garnish: Before serving, garnish the cheesecake squares with Nilla wafers.
- Thaw: Let the squares thaw for a few minutes if they are too firm to cut easily.
Nutrition Facts (per square, approximate):
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 4g
Bonus Tips:
- Texture: For a crisper crust, you can bake the blondie layer a little longer.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
- Variations: Experiment by adding different toppings like sliced bananas or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares are a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts, offering a creamy, banana-flavored treat with a unique twist. They’re perfect for any occasion where you want to impress with both flavor and presentation.