Description
Delicious Banana Cream Cheese Bars with a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth and creamy filling, topped with fresh bananas and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Perfectly baked to golden edges with a set center, these bars make an irresistible dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
Filling
- 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 Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create an even crust layer. Bake it for 10 minutes then remove from oven and let it cool.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and smoothly.
- Add Bananas and Caramel: Arrange the sliced bananas evenly over the cream cheese layer. Drizzle the caramel sauce generously on top of the bananas.
- Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and the center is just set (not jiggly). This ensures a firm but creamy texture.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the bars cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set before slicing into 9 bars.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm bananas to avoid mushy texture.
- For easier slicing, chill the bars overnight.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Caramel sauce can be homemade or store-bought based on preference.
