These Banana Cream Bars are an easy summer dessert that everyone will love! The no-bake dessert has a vanilla wafer crust, creamy filling, fresh bananas, and fluffy topping. It’s cool, creamy, and perfect for hot days when you don’t want to turn on the oven. Want the full pie version? Try my homemade Banana Cream Pie recipe next! And if you love banana desserts, don’t miss my ultimate list of banana recipes, too!
What Is Banana Cream Pie?
Banana cream pie is a classic dessert made with a buttery crust, fresh banana slices, creamy pudding, and a fluffy whipped topping. It’s smooth, sweet, and always feels like a special treat. I grew up loving banana cream pie, and these bars are my quick, no-bake way to enjoy those same cozy flavors without the extra work. They’ve got all the goodness of banana cream pie, just easier to make and perfect for sharing!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Crust: The crust is made with crushed vanilla wafers (which you can make at home!), melted butter, and a little salt. It’s sweet, buttery, and holds everything together. You can also use graham crackers, Golden Oreos, or shortbread cookies for the crust if you like!
- Cheesecake Layer: The cheesecake layer is smooth and creamy, made by beating softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla, then gently folding in Cool Whip for a light, fluffy texture. It adds a rich, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the bananas and pudding.
- Banana Pudding Layer: The banana pudding layer uses instant banana pudding mix, so it’s super quick to make. You just mix it with milk until it’s thick and creamy, then stir in some Cool Whip to make it light and smooth. It gives the bars a sweet banana flavor everyone loves!
- Bananas: Fresh bananas are the star of this dessert! They add natural sweetness and a soft, creamy texture inside the bars. I also like to use extra banana slices on top; they make the bars look pretty and add a little extra fruity yum.
- Cool Whip: Cool Whip makes these bars light and fluffy. You’ll use about 3 cups total: 1 cup in the cream cheese layer, ½ cup in the pudding layer, and 1 ½ cups spread on top. It keeps the bars cool and creamy, perfect for summer!
Can I Use Homemade Whipped Cream Instead of Cool Whip in Banana Cream Pie Bars?
Yes, you can use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip in these bars! For best results, use stabilized whipped cream because it holds its shape longer and keeps the bars from getting watery. Regular whipped cream works too, but softens faster, so it’s best to enjoy the bars the same day you make them.
How Do You Keep Bananas from Browning in Banana Cream Pie Bars?
To keep bananas from browning, lightly brush the slices with lemon or pineapple juice before adding them. This helps them stay fresh and keeps your bars looking great!
Can I Make Banana Cream Pie Bars Ahead of Time?
Yes! These bars are great for making ahead. Just prepare the layers, cover the pan tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before serving. This gives the flavors time to blend and makes them even tastier. Just add fresh banana slices and any crunchy toppings right before serving for the best texture.
Can I Use Different Pudding Flavors in Banana Cream Pie Bars?
Yes! You can use other instant pudding flavors like vanilla, chocolate, butterscotch, coconut, or cheesecake to change up the taste. Just remember the flavor you pick will affect the bars, but they’ll still be creamy and delicious.
How to Store Banana Cream Pie Bars
Store your banana cream pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 3 days. To keep the bananas from browning, add any fresh banana slices or crushed vanilla wafers right before serving.
Can I Freeze Banana Cream Pie Bars?
You can freeze these banana cream pie bars, but I don’t really recommend it because the texture can get a bit off. If you do, freeze the bars before adding bananas and topping, then let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Add fresh bananas and Cool Whip before serving for the best taste!
Banana Cream Pie Bars
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups whole vanilla wafers, crushed (about 1 cup crumbs)
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 pinch kosher salt
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (120 g) Cool Whip, thawed
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
Pudding Layer
- 1 box (3.4-ounces) instant banana pudding mix
- 1 ¼ cups whole milk
- ½ cup (60 g) Cool Whip, thawed
Toppings
- 1 ½ cups (180 g) Cool Whip, thawed
- Vanilla wafers, crushed, optional
- sliced banana, optional
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Crust
- In a food processor, pulse the wafers until they become fine crumbs.
- Transfer the crumbs to a medium bowl. Stir in melted butter and salt until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the bottom of a measuring cup or glass.
- Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill for 10 minutes.
Cream Cheese Layer
- In another medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add sugar and continue beating for 2 to 3 minutes until fully incorporated. Add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Gently fold in Cool Whip with a rubber spatula until no streaks remain. Spread the mixture evenly over the chilled cookie crust.
- Layer sliced bananas evenly over the cheesecake layer.
Pudding Layer
- In a medium bowl, whisk the banana pudding mix and whole milk together for about 2 minutes, until the pudding thickens.
- Gently fold in the Cool Whip until combined.
- Pour the pudding mixture over the banana layer and spread evenly with a spatula.
Topping
- Spread the Cool Whip evenly over the pudding layer, smoothing the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the dessert is fully set.
- When ready to serve, garnish with crushed vanilla wafers and fresh banana slices.
Did you make this recipe?
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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
These Banana Cream Pie Bars are amazing! The crust is crunchy and sweet, and the creamy layers taste like a pie, but easier to make. I love how fresh the bananas taste!
Elizabeth
This might be my new favorite dessert! I love banana cream pie, but these bars are even better!
Bella
These are a great summer dessert! I love how creamy and banana-y they are.
Stephanie
These bars are just as good as a banana cream pie. I love that they are no-bake, too!
They are called Banana Cream Pie Bars. Nowhere does it say anything about Cheesecake!!
Yummy 😋 looks sensational but I would have to use truvia or something to cut down on the sugar.. Very delicious though for others..I love following you!