What is the difference between Banana Blondie Cheesecake and banana cheesecake bars with real bananas?

The key difference is in the base. Banana Blondie Cheesecake uses a chewy, dense blondie layer made with mashed bananas and brown butter, while traditional banana cheesecake bars often use a graham cracker crust. The blondie adds structure and rich banana flavor from the bottom up, creating a more indulgent dessert bar with a bakery-style texture.

Can I make a no bake banana blondie cheesecake?

Yes, with a few modifications. Instead of baking the blondie, create a no-bake version using crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers for the crust. For the filling, combine cream cheese, mashed bananas, and whipped topping. Chill thoroughly before serving. While it won't have the same chewy base, it delivers the same creamy banana cheesecake flavor. For other no-bake ideas, check out this no-bake blueberry cheesecake.

What makes this an easy banana blondie cheesecake recipe?

This easy banana blondie cheesecake comes together with basic ingredients—bananas, cream cheese, brown sugar, and caramel—and bakes in a single pan. There’s no water bath or complicated layering. The batter is forgiving and full of flavor, making it a great option even for beginner bakers. Want to simplify your prep even more? Try pairing it with funfetti dip for a party-friendly spread.

Does banana cheesecake pudding work in this recipe?

Absolutely. If you’re going for a more pudding-style texture, fold banana pudding into the cheesecake layer before baking. It adds smoothness and intensifies the banana flavor. This variation leans into that nostalgic banana pudding cheesecake bar experience many people love.

Can I make banana cheesecake brownies instead of blondies?

Yes, just swap the blondie base for a dense, fudgy brownie layer. The result is a chocolate-banana fusion that’s still rich and creamy. However, you’ll lose the golden caramel contrast that makes the original banana blondie cheesecake so distinctive. For a chocolaty dessert bar option, consider these double chocolate banana bread bars.

Are there tips for using real bananas in banana cheesecake bars?

Use overripe bananas—they’re sweeter and mash smoother. Avoid using too many, or your cheesecake layer could become too soft. One large or two small bananas are perfect. They should be fully incorporated into the cream cheese for a silky finish. This is especially important in recipes like this banana cheesecake with caramel sauce, where the banana should enhance—not overpower—the cheesecake base.

Easy Banana Blondie Cheesecake – 5-Star Dessert Bar Recipe

Name: Banana Blondie Cheesecake
Prep time: 4 h 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: PT-491292H15M40S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup unsalted butter, browned and cooled; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup); 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 small ripe bananas, mashed (about ¾ cup); 2 large eggs; ¼ cup sour cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp cinnamon; ⅓ cup caramel sauce (use my Pink Salt Caramel Sauce); Optional: ½ tsp flaky sea salt for salted caramel version

Description

This Banana Blondie Cheesecake is a layered dessert that combines the chewy depth of browned butter blondies with a smooth banana cheesecake center and a swirl of rich caramel. It’s bold, comforting, and finished with a salted caramel glaze that makes each bite unforgettable. Whether you’re baking for a party or indulging midweek, this dessert delivers flavor and texture in every single layer.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Banana Blondie Base:

¾ cup unsalted butter, browned and cooled
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt

For the Banana Cheesecake Layer:

16 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 small ripe bananas, mashed (about ¾ cup)
2 large eggs
¼ cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp cinnamon

For the Caramel Swirl:

⅓ cup caramel sauce (use my Pink Salt Caramel Sauce)
Optional: ½ tsp flaky sea salt for salted caramel version

All the fresh ingredients ready for your homemade Banana Blondie Cheesecake.

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Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on all sides.

Step 1: A 9×9-inch pan lined with parchment paper ensures the bars come out easily.

2. Make the Blondie Layer:

In a large bowl, whisk the browned butter with brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg, vanilla, and mashed bananas. Stir until fully combined. Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until no streaks remain. Spread into the prepared pan evenly.

Step 2: Spreading the thick banana blondie batter evenly into the prepared pan.

3. Par-Bake the Base:

Bake the blondie base for 12–14 minutes until slightly puffed but not fully cooked. Remove from oven and let rest while preparing the cheesecake.

Step 3: The blondie base is par-baked until puffed and golden.

4. Mix the Cheesecake Layer:

In a stand mixer or bowl with a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese until creamy. Add sugar and mix until smooth. Mix in mashed bananas, then eggs (one at a time), followed by sour cream, vanilla, and cinnamon. Blend until silky.

Step 4: Mixing the banana cheesecake batter until silky and smooth, with real banana chunks.

5. Layer & Swirl:

Pour the cheesecake mixture over the blondie layer. Dollop caramel sauce on top and swirl gently with a knife. Sprinkle sea salt if making the Salted Caramel Banana Cheesecake variation.

Step 5: Drizzling and swirling caramel sauce into the cheesecake layer before baking.

6. Bake to Perfection:

Bake for 35–40 minutes, until edges are set but center still jiggles slightly. Don’t overbake. Let cool fully at room temperature, then chill for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).

Step 6: The finished Banana Blondie Cheesecake, golden brown and cooling on a rack.

7. Slice & Serve:

Use a sharp knife, wiped clean between each cut. Serve chilled or closer to room temp for a gooier texture. Add banana slices and extra caramel on top if desired.

These perfectly sliced Banana Blondie Cheesecake bars are ready to serve.

Notes

Bananas: Use fully ripe bananas with brown spots—they bring deep flavor and natural sweetness.

Swirl Smart: Don’t over-swirl the caramel—let it stand out visually and flavor-wise.

Freezer-Friendly: Wrap individual bars in parchment and foil, freeze up to 2 months.

Crowd-Sized? Double the recipe for a 9×13 pan and increase bake time by 10 minutes.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: oven
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: per bar
Calories: 312 kcal
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 168mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 67mg