Decadent Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares: A Marriage of Two Classics (Highlights the combination of desserts)
Calling all banana pudding and cheesecake lovers! This recipe combines the best of both worlds in a delightful and visually stunning dessert – Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares. It features a blondie crust for a unique twist, followed by a creamy cheesecake filling bursting with banana flavor.
A Match Made in Dessert Heaven:
- Blondie Base: A buttery and sweet blondie crust forms the base of this dessert, offering a delightful textural contrast to the creamy cheesecake layer. Mashed banana adds a subtle hint of banana flavor that complements the overall taste profile.
- Dreamy Cheesecake Filling: A luxuriously smooth and creamy cheesecake filling is made with cream cheese, sugar, instant banana pudding mix, milk, and vanilla extract. It delivers the classic cheesecake taste with a delightful banana twist.
- Optional Whipped Cream Bliss: For an extra touch of indulgence, fold in whipped cream to the cheesecake filling for an even lighter and dreamier texture.
Ingredients for Your Decadent Delight:
For the Blondie Crust:
- The Buttery Base:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Binds the dry ingredients and adds richness.
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar: Provides sweetness and a touch of caramel depth.
- The Dry Ingredients:
- 1 large egg yolk: Contributes to the structure and richness of the crust.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dry ingredients.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- The Flavor Boosters:
- ¼ cup mashed ripe banana: Adds a subtle banana flavor that complements the cheesecake filling.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Infuses the crust with a touch of warm vanilla bean flavor.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- The Creamy Base:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened: The foundation for the smooth and decadent cheesecake layer.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling to perfection.
- The Banana Bliss:
- 3.4 oz instant banana pudding mix: Injects the classic banana pudding flavor into the cheesecake.
- ½ cup milk: Thins the mixture to a perfect pipeable consistency.
- The Flavor Makers:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warm vanilla bean flavor.
- Powdered sugar (optional): For those who prefer an extra dose of sweetness.
For the Finishing Touches:
- 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream: Whipped to stiff peaks for an optional lighter and dreamier cheesecake filling.
- Nilla wafers (optional): A classic garnish that adds a delightful textural contrast and visual interest.
Step-by-Step Guide to Decadent Delight:
- Blondie Crust Magic: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8x8 inch baking pan with nonstick spray. In a bowl, cream together the melted butter and brown sugar. Next, whisk in the egg yolk, flour, salt, mashed banana, and vanilla extract until well combined. Press the blondie batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 15-20 minutes, until set. Let it cool completely at room temperature.
- Creamy Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer to whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate it to maintain stiffness. In another bowl, using a hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the sugar, banana pudding mix, milk, and vanilla extract, beating until well incorporated. Gently fold the chilled whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture for a lighter texture (optional). Taste and adjust sweetness with powdered sugar if desired.
- Assemble and Chill: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled blondie crust, spreading it into an even layer. Refrigerate the entire dessert for at least 2 hours, or until completely set.
- Serve and Savor! Cut the Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares into squares and garnish with Nilla wafers (optional) before serving. Enjoy this decadent and delicious dessert that combines the best of banana pudding and cheesecake!
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