5 from 1 vote

Banana Cream Bars

By: Julia Pacheco

Layers of creamy banana pudding and fluffy whipped topping over a crisp golden cookie crust—these no-bake Banana Cream Bars are the epitome of cool, dreamy, and utterly irresistible desserts. Perfect for warm weather or when you’re craving a fuss-free treat, they bring a taste of paradise right to your table.

Prep: 25 mins

Cook: 40 mins

Total: 1 hr 5 mins

Servings: 8 servings

About These Dreamy No-Bake Banana Cream Bars

Imagine a dessert that requires no oven, minimal effort, and delivers maximum flavor. That’s exactly what you get with these incredible No-Bake Banana Cream Bars! Featuring a buttery, crunchy Golden Oreo crust, a rich and velvety cream cheese-banana filling, a layer of smooth instant banana pudding, and a generous topping of light whipped cream, these bars are a textural and flavorful masterpiece.

They are the perfect indulgence for family gatherings, summer picnics, potlucks, or simply as a delightful treat on a warm evening. The combination of fresh bananas and creamy textures makes them a universally loved dessert that disappears quickly!

Why You’ll Adore This Recipe

• Effortlessly Delicious: No baking required means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying! It’s a fantastic option for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a quick and impressive dessert.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight treat or a special event, these bars are always a hit. Their chilled nature makes them especially refreshing during warmer months.
• Layers of Flavor and Texture: From the crisp cookie crust to the creamy banana layers and the airy whipped topping, every bite offers a delightful sensory experience.
• Kid-Friendly: The sweet banana flavor and familiar ingredients make this a dessert that even the pickiest eaters will love.
• Make Ahead Friendly: These bars need time to chill, making them an ideal make-ahead dessert. Prepare them the day before and simply garnish before serving.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your luscious banana cream bars:

• 20 Golden Oreos, for the crust
• 5 Golden Oreos, for the final topping
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 3 bananas (2 sliced for layering, 1 mashed for the cream cheese filling)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
• 8 ounces cool whip (or homemade whipped cream)
• 1 ½ cups milk (cold, for pudding)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (4 oz) box instant banana pudding mix

Equipment You’ll Need

• 8×8 inch baking dish
• Food processor or a rolling pin and Ziploc bag
• Mixing bowls (at least two)
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
• Spatula or offset spatula for spreading

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust: Begin by making the irresistible cookie crust. Place about 20 Golden Oreos into a food processor and pulse until finely crushed. If you don’t have a food processor, you can place the cookies in a large Ziploc bag and crush them with a rolling pin until fine crumbs are formed. Melt the unsalted butter and pour it over the crushed cookies, mixing thoroughly until all crumbs are moistened. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking dish. Ensure it’s firmly packed to create a sturdy base. Place the dish in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to allow the crust to firm up completely. This chilling step is crucial for a clean slice.
2. Mix the Banana Pudding: In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the instant banana pudding mix with 1 ½ cups of cold milk. Whisk thoroughly for about 2 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken. It won’t be fully set yet, but it should be well combined and slightly viscous. Set this aside to allow it to continue firming up while you prepare the next layer.
3. Create the Cream Cheese-Banana Layer: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Add one mashed banana to the cream cheese and continue mixing until well incorporated and no lumps remain. Stir in the vanilla extract and powdered sugar until smooth. Finally, gently fold in 1 cup of Cool Whip using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this will keep the mixture light and airy.
4. Layer the Bananas: Once the crust has sufficiently chilled and firmed up, remove the baking dish from the freezer. Arrange the two sliced bananas in a single, even layer over the cookie crust. This layer of fresh banana is essential for that authentic banana cream flavor.
5. Assemble the Bars: Carefully spread the cream cheese-banana mixture (from Step 3) over the sliced bananas, ensuring an even layer that covers all the banana slices. Next, gently pour and spread the prepared banana pudding (from Step 2) over the cream cheese layer. The pudding should be slightly thicker by now. Finally, top the entire dessert with the remaining Cool Whip, spreading it smoothly across the top.
6. Chill and Serve: Place the assembled banana cream bars back into the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 2 to 3 hours. This allows all the layers to set properly and the flavors to meld beautifully. For the best results, chilling overnight is recommended. Just before serving, garnish with a few broken or crushed Golden Oreos and a few extra fresh banana slices for an appealing presentation. Slice into bars and enjoy this delightful, cool treat!

Tips for Perfect No-Bake Banana Cream Bars

• Ripe Bananas are Key: Use bananas that are ripe but still firm (yellow with a few brown speckles) for the best flavor and texture. Overripe bananas can make the filling too mushy. For the mashed banana in the cream cheese layer, slightly riper bananas are fine.
• Soften Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, creamy filling.
• Chill Thoroughly: The chilling time is crucial for the bars to set properly. Don’t rush this step! A well-chilled bar holds its shape better and is easier to cut.
• Prevent Banana Browning: To keep your sliced bananas from browning, you can lightly toss them in a tablespoon of lemon juice or a fruit fresh solution before layering. However, since they are covered by the filling, this is less critical if consumed within a day or two.
• Gentle Folding: When incorporating the Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture, fold it gently to maintain its airy texture.

Variations to Explore

• Crust Alternatives: Instead of Golden Oreos, try Nilla wafers, graham crackers, or shortbread cookies for the crust. Adjust butter quantity as needed.
• Add Caramel: Drizzle a layer of caramel sauce over the banana slices before adding the cream cheese filling for a Bananas Foster-inspired twist.
• Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings between layers or on top for a chocolate-banana combination.
• Homemade Whipped Cream: For an extra touch of decadence, swap out the Cool Whip for freshly made whipped cream (heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract).
• Nutty Crunch: Add a layer of finely chopped pecans or walnuts over the crust for added crunch and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These No-Bake Banana Cream Bars are a star on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a light drizzle of chocolate syrup, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, or even a side of fresh berries. They are perfect for summer barbecues, birthday parties, or as a delightful potluck contribution. Their refreshing coolness makes them a welcome dessert after any meal.

Storage Tips

Store leftover Banana Cream Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. While they are best enjoyed fresh, they hold up quite well. Due to the fresh bananas, they are not ideal for freezing, as the bananas can become mushy upon thawing.