Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars Recipe with Silky Creamy Finish

Instructions:

1. Prep the base. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal later.
2. Form the crust. Combine 2 cups of Nilla Wafer crumbs, 6 tbsp melted butter, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan.
3. Initial bake. Bake the crust for 8 to 10 minutes until it smells toasted and looks golden brown. Remove and let cool while you prep the filling.
4. Adjust temperature. Reduce your oven heat to 325°F (165°C). This lower temperature is key to preventing the cheesecake from cracking or puffing up too much.
5. Cream the cheese. Beat 16 oz softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until completely smooth and no lumps remain.
6. Add flavors. Mix in 1/2 cup mashed banana and 1 tsp vanilla extract until incorporated.
7. Incorporate eggs. Add 2 large eggs one at a time on low speed. Fold in 1 tbsp cornstarch gently by hand until just combined.
8. Second bake. Pour the batter over the crust and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the edges are set but the center has a slight jiggle. Cool to room temperature, then chill in the fridge.
9. Prepare pudding. Whisk the instant banana pudding mix with 1.5 cups cold milk for 2 minutes. Spread over the chilled cheesecake layer.
10. Final assembly. Layer sliced bananas over the pudding. Whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread over the bananas and chill for at least 4 hours. Banana Bread Recipe: A Moist Loaf Ready in 75 Minutes — Master this homemade banana bread recipe for a velvety, moist crumb. Includes...Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe: Silky Texture — Master the Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe with this guide on achieving a velvet...Chocolate Protein Bars Recipe: In 1 Hour 15 Mins — Master our fudgy chocolate protein bars recipe, creating soft, candy-bar text... $img_2$