Banana Pudding Bars are a scrumptious dessert that combines the flavors of banana pudding and cookies or cake. They are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. I will show you how to make these yummy treats in a few simple steps. You will need the following ingredients and tools:
Ingredients Banana Pudding Bars
- 1/4 cup of butter, melted
- 2 cups of crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 2 packages of instant banana pudding mix (3.4 oz each)
- 4 cups of cold milk
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 tub of whipped topping (8 oz)
- Optional: chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or sprinkles for topping
Preparation Banana Pudding Bars
- Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the butter, crushed wafers or crackers, sugar, and salt. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly golden. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and milk until smooth and thickened. Spread half of the pudding over the cooled crust.
- Arrange the banana slices over the pudding layer. Spread the remaining pudding over the bananas.
- Spoon the whipped topping over the pudding layer and spread it evenly. Sprinkle with nuts, chocolate chips, or sprinkles if desired.
Baking and Serving
- Refrigerate the Banana Pudding Bars for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
- Cut into bars and serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Enjoy your delicious Banana Pudding Bars!
Variations and Additions
- You can use different flavors of pudding mix, such as vanilla, chocolate, or lemon, to create different variations of Banana Pudding Bars.
- You can also use different types of cookies or cake for the base, such as shortbread, oatmeal, or yellow cake mix.
- You can add other fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, or pineapple, to the pudding layer for extra flavor and color.
- You can top the Banana Pudding Bars with whipped cream, caramel sauce, or chocolate sauce for a decadent touch.
Storage and Shelf Life
- You can store the Banana Pudding Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can also freeze the Banana Pudding Bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutritional Information
- One serving of Banana Pudding Bars (1/15 of the recipe) has about 280 calories, 10 grams of fat, 4 grams of protein, 44 grams of carbohydrates, and 1 gram of fiber.
- Banana Pudding Bars contain dairy, gluten, and nuts (if added). If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, please consult your doctor before making or consuming this recipe.
FAQ
How do I prevent the bananas from browning?
You can toss the banana slices with some lemon juice or pineapple juice to prevent them from browning. Alternatively, you can add the banana slices just before serving.
Can I make Banana Pudding Bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Banana Pudding Bars ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to serve. However, they may become softer and less crunchy over time. For best results, serve them within a day or two of making them.
Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding mix?
Yes, you can use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding mix. However, you may need to adjust the amount of milk and pudding according to your recipe. You may also need to cook the pudding on the stovetop before spreading it over the crust.
