These Banana Pudding Gooey Butter Bars are a soft, sweet, ultra-creamy dessert inspired by the classic Southern banana pudding we all grew up loving. A buttery cake base, a rich cream cheese–banana custard layer, and whole Nilla wafers baked right on top — every bite tastes like banana pudding in bar form. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, family gatherings, or anytime you want a nostalgic treat that everyone will rave about.
Servings and Timing
Yield: 16 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Cooling Time: 20–30 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
Nutritional Info (Per Bar – Approximate)
Values vary based on cake mix and cream cheese brands.
- Calories: 285
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Sugar: 28g
- Protein: 3g
Ingredients
For the Base Layer
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Banana Pudding Gooey Layer
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant banana pudding mix
- ½ cup milk
Topping
- Whole Nilla wafers (about 20–24 cookies)
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13 baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
⭐ How to Make Banana Pudding Gooey Butter Bars
1. Prepare the Base Layer
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line your baking dish with parchment paper.
In a bowl, combine:
- cake mix
- melted butter
- egg
Stir until a thick dough forms.
Press evenly into the bottom of your pan.
2. Make the Gooey Banana Filling
In a separate bowl, beat together:
- softened cream cheese
- eggs
- vanilla
Mix until smooth.
Add:
- sweetened condensed milk
- banana pudding mix
- milk
Beat again until silky and creamy.
Pour this mixture over the cake base.
3. Add the Nilla Wafers
Press whole Nilla wafers gently into the top of the filling.
Make sure each square will have at least one wafer — the signature look!
4. Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until:
- edges are lightly golden
- center is set but still slightly jiggly
- top is glossy
Do NOT overbake — gooey is what makes them perfect.
5. Cool and Cut
Let bars cool in the pan for 20–30 minutes, then lift out using parchment.
Cut into 16 squares.
Serve warm for extra gooeyness or chilled for a firmer texture.
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
Cake Mix:
Vanilla or butter cake mix also works.
Banana Pudding Mix:
Swap with vanilla pudding + mashed banana for stronger banana flavor.
Add-Ins:
- Sliced bananas (add right before serving)
- White chocolate chips
- Toasted pecans
Milk Options:
Use whole milk, 2%, or even half-and-half for a richer filling.
Serving Suggestions
- Dust with powdered sugar
- Drizzle with caramel
- Serve chilled like banana pudding
- Top with whipped cream
- Add fresh banana slices on top before serving
Perfect for:
- Church gatherings
- Holiday dessert tables
- Birthday “non-cake” treats
- Summer cookouts
- Make-and-take parties
Tips for Best Results
- Use softened cream cheese for a smooth filling.
- Don’t overmix once the pudding is added — it thickens fast.
- Do not overbake; they should stay slightly gooey in the center.
- Chill before slicing for neat squares.
- Add fresh bananas only when serving to prevent browning.
Storage Instructions
Room Temp:
Up to 12 hours (if serving same day)
Refrigerator:
Store covered for 3–4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw in fridge and enjoy chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different pudding flavor?
Yes! Vanilla, cheesecake, or banana-cream pudding all work beautifully.
Q: Why is my filling too thick?
It’s normal — pudding mix thickens quickly. Spread gently with a spatula.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use two pans or a larger sheet pan.
Q: Can I skip the Nilla wafers?
You can, but they’re the signature look and classic banana pudding flavor.
Conclusion
These Banana Pudding Gooey Butter Bars are the perfect blend of nostalgia and indulgence — comforting like banana pudding, rich like cheesecake, and fun like cookie bars. With their golden top, creamy center, and signature Nilla wafer finish, they’re guaranteed to be the most-loved dessert at any gathering.
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Tried this recipe? Share your photos or tag your banana pudding bars on Pinterest — I can’t wait to see your gooey, golden squares!
