Silky cream cheese layered over a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with sweet bananas and a caramel drizzle—these Banana Cream Cheese Bars are a dessert lover’s dream. They’re the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and indulgent, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these bars bring together layers of texture and flavor: a buttery crust, smooth cream cheese, and sweet bananas with a luxurious caramel drizzle. They’re easy to make, but they look and taste like a professional dessert. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or craving a special treat, these bars are always a hit.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup crushed graham crackers
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup sugar
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 bananas, sliced
1/2 cup caramel sauce
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
In a bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the base of the prepared dish. Bake for 10 minutes and set aside to cool.
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Arrange the banana slices on top of the cream cheese layer, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the bananas.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars and serving.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 9 bars
Calories per Serving: 280 kcal
Variations
Chocolate Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese mixture or drizzle melted chocolate instead of caramel.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, over the bananas before baking.
Berry Swap: Replace the banana slices with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a fruity variation.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
Spiced Flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the graham cracker crust for a warm, spiced twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I recommend serving them chilled for the best texture and flavor. If you’d like to warm them slightly, you can microwave individual bars for about 10-15 seconds.
Related Recipes:
- Blueberry Lemon Cookie Bars with White Chocolate Drizzle
- Caramel Apple Bars
- BANANA CREAM CHEESECAKE BARS
FAQs
How do I prevent the bananas from browning?
I like to brush the banana slices with a bit of lemon juice before adding them to the bars. This helps slow down the browning process without affecting the flavor.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I use a different fruit instead of bananas?
Absolutely. Sliced strawberries, raspberries, or even peaches work wonderfully as substitutes.
What size baking dish should I use?
An 8×8-inch baking dish works perfectly for this recipe, ensuring the layers are thick and evenly distributed.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars are perfect for making ahead. Prepare them the day before, refrigerate, and slice them just before serving.
Conclusion
These Banana Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful dessert that combines rich, creamy, and fruity flavors in every bite. They’re versatile enough for casual snacking or a centerpiece at a gathering. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) these as much as I do. Happy baking.
📖 Recipe:
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Banana Cream Cheese Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Silky cream cheese layered over a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with sweet bananas and a caramel drizzle—these Banana Cream Cheese Bars are the ultimate indulgent dessert. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a cozy treat at home, this recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
Crust:
1 cup crushed graham crackers
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup sugar
Cream Cheese Layer:
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping:
2 bananas, sliced
1/2 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture into the base of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes and cool.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust, spreading evenly.
- Arrange banana slices over the cream cheese layer and drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
- Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.
Notes
Brush banana slices with lemon juice to prevent browning.
For a gluten-free version, substitute with gluten-free graham crackers.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze individual bars for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9 bars
- Calories: 280 kcal
