Indulge in the heavenly fusion of ripe bananas, creamy cheesecake, and buttery graham cracker crust with our delectable Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars. This delightful dessert offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special event, or simply craving a sweet treat, these bars are sure to impress.
History
The origins of cheesecake can be traced back to ancient Greece, where it was served to athletes during the first Olympic games as a source of energy. Over the centuries, cheesecake has evolved into countless variations, each with its own unique ingredients and techniques. The addition of bananas to cheesecake recipes became popular in the mid-20th century, adding a tropical twist to this classic dessert. Our Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars pay homage to this tradition while offering a modern twist that will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
1. Preparing the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer. This will serve as the deliciously crunchy crust for your cheesecake bars.
2. Making the Cheesecake Filling
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for achieving a silky texture in your cheesecake bars.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter texture.
- Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the cheesecake filling.
3. Preparing the Banana Mixture
- In another bowl, combine the mashed bananas with lemon juice. The lemon juice not only adds a tangy flavor but also helps prevent the bananas from browning.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the banana mixture, stirring until smooth. This will help thicken the mixture and prevent it from becoming too runny.
4. Combining the Ingredients
- Gently fold the banana mixture into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the batter and result in a denser texture.
- Pour the batter over the graham cracker crust in the baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Make sure to cover the entire surface for uniform baking.
5. Baking and Serving
- Bake the cheesecake bars in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. This allows the cheesecake bars to set properly.
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours or until chilled and firm. This step enhances the flavor and texture, making them even more irresistible.
- Finally, cut the chilled cheesecake into bars and serve. Whether enjoyed as a standalone dessert or paired with your favorite toppings, these Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars are sure to delight your senses.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes
- Servings: Makes about 12-16 bars
- Calories: Varies depending on serving size and ingredients used