No Bake Cheesecake Bars (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For the crust
01 -
1 ½ cups vanilla wafer crumbs (about 50 cookies)
02 -
3 tablespoons light brown sugar
03 -
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
→ For the cheesecake filling
04 -
16 ounces cream cheese (two 8-ounce packages), softened to room temperature
05 -
½ cup granulated sugar
06 -
¼ cup sour cream
07 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 -
1 cup heavy whipping cream
09 -
3.4 ounces banana pudding mix
→ For garnish
10 -
Fresh banana slices
11 -
Vanilla wafers
12 -
Whipped cream
# Instructions:
01 -
Grease an 8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
02 -
Pulse vanilla wafers in a food processor until they become fine crumbs. Mix in the brown sugar and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan using the flat bottom of a measuring cup.
03 -
Place the crust in the freezer for about 20 minutes (or refrigerate for 30-40 minutes) while you prepare the filling.
04 -
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well mixed.
05 -
Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract just until combined.
06 -
In a separate bowl, stir together the heavy cream and banana pudding mix until the pudding dissolves. The mixture will be quite thick.
07 -
Gradually beat the pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture in three additions, mixing well after each addition.
08 -
Pour the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight until completely set.
09 -
Cut into squares and garnish each piece with fresh banana slices, a vanilla wafer, and a dollop of whipped cream just before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
These bars will keep for 4-5 days covered in the refrigerator.
02 -
You can freeze these cheesecake bars for up to 3 months. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in a freezer bag.
03 -
When freezing, note that the crust and topping may soften slightly upon thawing.
04 -
For best results, thaw frozen bars overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
05 -
Add the banana slices just before serving to prevent browning.