Quick Description
These High-Protein Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars are a rich and creamy fusion of classic banana pudding and smooth cheesecake. They feature a buttery vanilla wafer crust, a fluffy banana-infused cheesecake filling, and optional whipped topping with fresh bananas. Perfect for parties, meal prep desserts, or when you want an indulgent treat with added protein support.
Servings & Timing
Serves: 12 bars
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: ~3 hours
Ingredients List
For the Crust
- 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff
- 3.4 oz banana cream pudding mix
- 1 cup mashed banana (about 2 bananas)
Optional High-Protein Boost
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based)
Optional Toppings
- Light whipped cream or protein whipped topping
- Fresh banana slices
- Crushed vanilla wafers
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven
Preheat to 325°F (165°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. -
Prepare the Crust
Mix vanilla wafer crumbs and melted butter. Press firmly into pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool. -
Make the Filling
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla, marshmallow fluff, pudding mix, mashed bananas, and protein powder if using. -
Bake
Pour filling over crust. Bake 40–45 minutes until center is slightly jiggly. -
Cool & Chill
Cool completely, then refrigerate 2 hours minimum. -
Slice & Serve
Add toppings if desired and cut into bars.
Nutrition (per bar – approximate)
Calories: 240
Protein: 12g
Carbs: 26g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 1.5g
Sugar: 16g
Benefits
- High-Protein Dessert Option
- Creamy & Satisfying
- Great for Meal Prep
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor
- Customizable Sweetness
Additional Notes
- For lighter version: use reduced-fat cream cheese
- Add extra protein powder for stronger macros
- Blend filling for ultra-smooth texture
- Use sugar-free pudding mix to reduce sugar
Dietary Info
High-Protein: Yes
Low-Carb Option: Moderate
Gluten-Free Option: Yes (GF cookies)
Dairy-Free Option: Yes (with substitutions)
Vegetarian: Yes
Brief Introduction
These bars combine everything people love about banana pudding and cheesecake into one irresistible dessert. Creamy, fluffy, lightly sweet, and perfect for slicing, they’re guaranteed to impress.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Make crust → Mix filling → Bake → Cool → Chill → Slice → Enjoy
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Vanilla wafers: Graham crackers also work
- Cream cheese: Use Greek yogurt + cream cheese mix for lighter texture
- Pudding mix: Adds banana flavor & structure
- Marshmallow fluff: Can substitute with Greek yogurt for lower sugar
- Protein powder: Vanilla works best
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
Variations
- Chocolate banana version
- Strawberry banana pudding bars
- Peanut butter swirl
- Crustless version
Serve With
- Coffee or iced latte
- Fresh berries
- Sugar-free caramel drizzle
- Protein ice cream
Storage & Make-Ahead
Refrigerate: Up to 5 days
Freeze: Up to 2 months (slice first)
Reheat: Not needed – serve chilled
FAQs
Can I make it without pudding mix?
Yes, but texture will be softer.
Can I make this keto?
Use almond flour crust + sugar-free pudding.
Do these travel well?
Yes, great for events.
Can I use ripe bananas?
Yes, they’re best for flavor.
Optional Personal Story
I made these for a family gathering and they vanished within minutes. Even people who said they didn’t like banana desserts asked for seconds. Now they’re a permanent favorite.
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Save this High-Protein Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars recipe and make it your new go-to dessert for special occasions, meal prep, or anytime cravings strike 🍌🍰💪
