Banana Cream Pie Bars

Banana Cream Pie Bars

from insanelygoodrecipes.com
330 min
9 servings

With its nostalgic flavors and impressive presentation, these decadent banana cream pie bars will become a crowd-pleasing favorite at any gathering.

Ingredients

  • 4 egg yolks
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 4 ripe bananas
  • 2 cups Nilla Wafer crumbs (about 45 wafers)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • optional garnish: sliced banana, crushed Nilla Wafer crumbs, drizzle of caramel

Directions

  1. 1

    Make the Banana Filling: In a blender or food processor, add the egg yolks, lemon juice, cornstarch, butter, sugar, and bananas (in that order). Pulse until smooth.

  2. 2

    Pour the mixture into a medium saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 10 minutes.

  3. 3

    Remove the pot from the heat and strain the curd through a fine-mesh sieve into a wide, shallow bowl. Press a sheet of plastic wrap directly onto the surface, then set aside to cool completely.

  4. 4

    Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix the Nilla Wafers crumbs and melted butter until moistened. It should resemble wet sand.

  5. 5

    Line a 9x9 baking dish with parchment paper and press the mixture firmly into the bottom. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to compact the crumbs tightly, then chill for at least 30 minutes.

  6. 6

    Make the Cheesecake Layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and thick.

  7. 7

    In a separate bowl, whip the cream and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Add to the cream cheese mixture and fold gently to combine.

  8. 8

    Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled crust. Cover and chill for 20-30 minutes, then spread the cooled banana filling evenly over the top.

  9. 9

    Make the Whipped Cream: In a large, cold bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the banana layer. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight).

  10. 10

    Garnish with sliced banana, crushed Nilla Wafers, and a drizzle of caramel, if desired. Slice into bars, serve, and enjoy!