Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Dessert Bars

A rich and creamy layered dessert with fresh bananas, cream cheese, and pudding on a buttery graham cracker crust.

This cool and creamy banana dessert is the kind of treat that always feels special, yet comes together with simple pantry ingredients. With a buttery graham cracker crust, layers of sweet cream cheese, fresh bananas, and fluffy banana pudding, it’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for Sunday dinner, potlucks, or warm summer evenings.

It’s light, nostalgic, and always one of the first desserts to disappear from the table.

Ingredients:

1/2 c. butter, melted
1/4 c. sugar
1 3/4 c. graham crackers, crushed into crumbs

Filling:

1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. sugar
1 (8 oz.) container whipped cream topping, (about 3 cups), divided
3 or 4 bananas, sliced
1 3/4 c. cold milk
1 (3.4 oz.) package instant banana cream pudding mix

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly butter a 9-inch square baking dish.

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the sugar and graham cracker crumbs until well combined.

Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Bake for 5–7 minutes, just until set. Remove from the oven and allow the crust to cool completely on a wire rack. 

While the crust cools, it is time to make the filling.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.

Gently fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping until smooth and creamy.

Slice the bananas into thin rounds.

Arrange half of the banana slices evenly over the cooled crust. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the bananas. Repeat the layers with the remaining bananas and cream cheese mixture.

In a small bowl, whisk together the cold milk and instant pudding mix for about 2 minutes, until it begins to thicken.

Let it sit for a few minutes until soft-set.

Fold in 1 cup of the remaining whipped topping until smooth.

Spread the pudding mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.

Refrigerate for 1–2 hours, or until fully set.

Slice and serve chilled, topped with extra whipped cream if desired.

Notes:

For best flavor, use ripe but firm bananas.

To prevent bananas from browning, you may lightly brush them with a little lemon juice before layering.

This dessert is best served the same day or within 24 hours for the freshest appearance.

You can also use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping if preferred. 

Serving Suggestions:

Because this is a rich dessert, a little goes a long way — and that makes it perfect for gatherings.

Serve well chilled with an extra dollop of whipped cream on top.

Garnish with a few fresh banana slices just before serving.

Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers or graham cracker crumbs over the top for added texture.

Add a light drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special touch.

This pairs beautifully with:

Hot coffee

Iced tea

A simple Sunday supper of roast, potatoes, and green beans

It’s especially lovely for potlucks, church dinners, or when neighbors stop by unexpectedly — just like the recipe once did. 💛