Banana pudding cheesecake squares

Vanilla, banana and wafers are just a few of the ingredients in banana pudding cheesecake squares. These make a nice dessert after any kind of meal, or you can enjoy one as a snack with your beverage of choice.

The layered cheesecake dessert is made up of a vanilla wafer crust along with a banana cheesecake filling and then you have vanilla wafer crumbs and fresh banana slices on top. 

Not only does this dessert look amazing but it also tastes great and, if you like bananas, you’re going to love it. You can make it ahead if you like, and make changes to the ingredients list if you want.

It’s a great way to use up overripe bananas if you don’t want to make banana bread. The grownups are going to enjoy this dessert just as much as the kids do. It’s rich, creamy and perfectly balanced in terms of flavor.

Why You’ll Love the Recipe:

You will love how this dessert boasts three different layers, each with its own charm and flavor. The crust is crisp and tasty, the cheesecake layer is creamy and the custard layer goes perfectly. Some cookie crumbs and sliced banana on top adds even more appeal.

How to Serve It:

Have it by itself or add a little whipped cream on the side if you like.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• white sugar
• melted salted butter
• vanilla wafer crumbs

For the Filling:

• cream cheese
• bananas
• cornstarch
• vanilla extract
• white sugar
• eggs at room temperature
• heavy cream at room temperature

For the Custard:

• egg yolks
• evaporated milk
• vanilla extract
• cornstarch
• salted butter
• white sugar

Optional Toppings:

• Vanilla wafer crumbs
• Banana slices (only just ripe is best)
• Mini vanilla wafers

How to make Banana pudding cheesecake squares:

For the Crust:

Step 1. Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 2. Put the vanilla wafers in a freezer bag and crush using a rolling pin or crush them in a food processor. 

Step 3. Mix the resulting crumbs with the white sugar.

Step 4. Stir in the melted butter.

Step 5. Transfer the mixture into the square pan, pressing it down evenly.

Step 6. Bake for 10 minutes then let it cool.

For the Cheesecake Layer:

Step 1. Turn the oven temperature down to 325°F.

Step 2. Puree the bananas with an immersion blender or hand mixer until smooth.

Step 3. Beat in the cream cheese and sugar.

Step 4. Beat in the eggs, cream and vanilla.

Step 5. Mix in the cornstarch, then spoon the mixture into the crust and smooth out the top with a spatula.

Step 6. Bake for 35 minutes or until the cheesecake is slightly jiggly in the middle still and the edges are puffy.

Step 7. Let it cool to room temperature and then chill overnight or for at least 4 hours.

For the Custard Layer:

Step 1. Heat the butter and evaporated milk in a pan over a moderate heat and stir until you see tiny bubbles around the outside.

Step 2. Turn off the heat and don’t let the mixture boil.

Step 3. Whisk the egg yolks with the cornstarch and sugar until smooth, then add ½ cup of the milk mixture at a time

Step 4. Keep whisking all the time to “temper” the eggs (to stop them from curdling).

Step 5. Put the pan back on the heat and pour the egg mixture back into the pan, whisking all the time.

Step 6. Cook for about 12 minutes or until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 7. Take the pan off the heat and let the mixture cool for 10 minutes.

Step 8. Top the cheesecake layer with mini vanilla wafers.

Then fresh slices of banana.

Step 9. Pour the custard mixture on top, then cut it into squares and serve.

Cheesecake squares made with vanilla custard and banana pudding make a great dessert. Bananas and vanilla pair so well with one another, and this dessert is very simple to prepare.

Can You Make It Ahead?

Actually you have to make this one ahead because it needs to chill for several hours.

Storage Instructions:

Keep leftovers refrigerated and eat within 3 days.

Variations and Substitutes:

You might like to add a splash (no more than a tablespoon) of brandy or spiced rum to the custard, if it’s for adults only. Not a banana fan? You can use strawberries, mango or another kind of fruit instead, as long as the fruit is very ripe and can be mashed.