Description
A no-bake, creamy dessert made with just a few simple ingredients. These bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a rich filling of cream cheese, ripe bananas, and whipped cream, topped with a sweet and salty caramel swirl.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
- 16 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 400g)
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 2 fresh bananas, sliced (optional, for garnish)
- Sea salt flakes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides, and lightly spray with non-stick spray.
- Place graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and a pinch of salt in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the bottom of a measuring cup. Chill in the fridge while making the filling.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the mashed bananas and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Beat on medium speed until fully combined and smooth.
- In a separate cold bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the banana cream cheese mixture using a spatula until uniform and fluffy.
- Pour the filling over the chilled crust and spread evenly.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top and use a knife or skewer to swirl it into the surface for a marbled effect.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until set.
- Lift the bars out using the parchment handles. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to cut into squares.
- Garnish with fresh banana slices and sea salt flakes if desired.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. Chill the mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the heavy cream for better volume. Do not overmix the filling once the whipped cream is added to maintain a light texture. For clean slices, dip the knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts. These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: no-bake cheesecake, banana dessert, caramel bars, easy dessert, cream cheese dessert, graham cracker crust, make-ahead dessert