Banoffee Cheesecake Bars

The luscious layers of these Banoffee Cheesecake Bars are as delicious as they are stunning. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich homemade toffee sauce, ripe banana slices, and a thick, creamy cheesecake filling, every bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.

This no-bake dessert is perfect for summer gatherings, parties, or when you just want to impress without turning on the oven. The banana-toffee combo is a beloved classic, and when paired with a silky cheesecake layer and a light whipped topping, it becomes utterly irresistible.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

• 2 tablespoons white sugar

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Toffee Sauce Filling:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter

• ⅓ cup brown sugar

• ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream

• 2 (3.4-ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix

• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

• ⅛ teaspoon salt

• 2 medium ripe bananas, sliced

Topping:

• Sweetened whipped cream

• Chocolate shavings

Directions:

1. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.

2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

3. For the toffee filling, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and bring to a boil, stirring until dissolved. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Stir in ⅓ cup whipping cream and bring back to a boil, stirring constantly for 3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Let cool to room temperature.

5. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add condensed milk and 1 ½ cups whipping cream. Beat until smooth.

6. Add pudding mixes, vanilla, and salt. Beat until thick and well blended.

7. Spread half the cheesecake mixture over the chilled crust.

8. Pour and spread the cooled toffee sauce evenly over the cheesecake layer.

9. Top with banana slices.

10. Add the remaining cheesecake mixture over the bananas, spreading gently to avoid disturbing layers.

11. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

12. Cut into 16 bars. Before serving, top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes (includes chilling)
Kcal: ~420 kcal per bar | Servings: 16 bars

Banoffee Cheesecake Bars: A Sweet Fusion of British Tradition and American Indulgence

When it comes to desserts that seamlessly blend textures, flavors, and cultural origins, Banoffee Cheesecake Bars strike a near-perfect balance. This no-bake treat merges the British classic banoffee pie with the creamy richness of American-style cheesecake, layering it into a conveniently shareable bar format. The result is a decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert that offers both visual appeal and culinary satisfaction.

A Bit of History: From Banoffee Pie to Cheesecake Bars

The original banoffee pie hails from the United Kingdom, developed in the 1970s by Nigel Mackenzie and Ian Dowding at The Hungry Monk Restaurant in East Sussex. The name “banoffee” is a portmanteau of banana and toffee, the two core ingredients. Traditionally, it’s a pie made with a biscuit base, thick caramel (toffee), fresh bananas, and whipped cream.

Cheesecake, on the other hand, has roots in ancient Greece but gained massive popularity in the United States, especially in New York, where it evolved into the creamy, sweet dessert most of us know today. Combining these two concepts into Banoffee Cheesecake Bars is a brilliant culinary crossover  a hybrid that satisfies both nostalgic tradition and modern convenience.

What Makes These Bars Stand Out?

These cheesecake bars distinguish themselves in several ways, notably their no-bake preparation, layered construction, and ability to hold their shape while offering a soft, creamy bite. Let’s break down what contributes to their appeal:

1. No-Bake Simplicity

One of the standout features of this recipe is that it requires no baking. That’s a huge advantage for home cooks during warmer months or for those without access to an oven. Despite the lack of baking, the dessert achieves a firm texture thanks to the combination of pudding mix, whipped cream, and cream cheese.

2. Multiple Layers of Flavor

Each layer plays a unique role:

• Graham Cracker Crust: The American classic that adds a slightly salty, crumbly base.

• Toffee Sauce: A rich, buttery caramel layer made from scratch, offering depth and a luxurious mouthfeel.

• Creamy Cheesecake Filling: Enhanced with pudding mix and sweetened condensed milk for thickness and flavor.

• Fresh Banana Slices: A fresh, fruity contrast to the richness of the other layers.

• Whipped Cream and Chocolate Shavings: The final touch adds both visual and textural contrast, making the bars look as good as they taste.

3. Visual Appeal

Each cut square reveals distinct layers, from the golden crust to the pale creamy filling and banana pieces. Topped with a dollop of whipped cream and delicate chocolate curls, they look professionally made  ideal for entertaining or elevating a simple family meal.

Why These Bars Are a Perfect Dessert Option

These bars aren’t just a flavor bomb they are also a practical option for a wide range of scenarios:

• Perfect for Potlucks and Parties: Because they’re made in bar form, they’re easy to slice, serve, and transport.

• Great Make-Ahead Dessert: With at least four hours of chilling required (and an option to prepare them overnight), they are ideal for planning ahead. The chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

• Flexible and Customizable: You can easily swap the graham cracker crust for digestive biscuits for a more authentic British touch, or experiment with toppings such as caramel drizzle, chopped nuts, or crushed cookies.

Tips for Success

While the recipe is straightforward, there are a few pro tips to ensure optimal results:

1. Use Firm, Ripe Bananas

Too soft and they’ll turn mushy; too firm and they won’t blend well with the creamy filling. You want a sweet banana with enough structure to hold its shape.

2. Chill Thoroughly

Do not skip the chilling steps — both the crust and the assembled bars need time to firm up. This not only enhances the flavor but ensures that the bars cut cleanly.

3. Even Layering

Each layer should be spread evenly for best results. Use an offset spatula or back of a spoon for smooth, professional-looking layers.

4. Add Toppings Just Before Serving

While the core of the bar can be made ahead, fresh toppings like whipped cream and chocolate curls should be added just before serving to maintain their texture and appearance.

Nutrition Considerations

As indulgent as these bars are, it’s worth noting they are high in sugar and dairy. For those with dietary restrictions, there are opportunities to adapt:

• Use plant-based butter and cream cheese for a vegan version.

• Swap out sweetened condensed milk for coconut condensed milk.

• Use sugar substitutes or natural sweeteners to reduce sugar content.

However, this dessert is best enjoyed as an occasional treat  a rich finale to a special meal or celebration.

Serving Suggestions

Banoffee Cheesecake Bars are best served cold, directly from the refrigerator. To elevate the presentation:

• Add a drizzle of salted caramel.

• Serve with a side of fresh berries.

• Offer a scoop of vanilla ice cream or espresso for a complementary contrast.

Pairing-wise, a cup of strong coffee or a dessert wine like Moscato would enhance the sweetness and creaminess of the bars.

Conclusion: A Modern Classic Worth the Indulgence

Banoffee Cheesecake Bars are more than just a dessert  they’re a celebration of flavor, texture, and culinary creativity. The recipe successfully fuses the nostalgia of traditional British banoffee pie with the creamy indulgence of American cheesecake, and does so in a format that is accessible and convenient for home cooks.

With their no-bake method, impressive presentation, and rich layers, these bars are ideal for birthdays, holidays, or just because you’re craving something sweet. Whether you’re serving them to guests or savoring them solo, Banoffee Cheesecake Bars are a dessert that promises to delight every time.