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Homemade Banana Pudding Bars

Soft, creamy, and sweet dessert bars with a gentle banana flavor, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 0.75 cups cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces Keep cold for best crust texture
For the filling
  • 2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium to large bananas)
  • 1 cups whole milk Use for best flavor
  • 0.5 cups heavy cream or additional milk
  • 3 large eggs Fresh for best results
  • 0.5 cups granulated sugar For the filling
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch Thickening agent
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings
  • sliced bananas For topping
  • crushed vanilla wafers or cookies For topping

Method
 

Prep and preheat
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper.
Make the crust
  1. In a bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar.
  2. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Press evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are pale gold.
Prepare banana filling
  1. Mash bananas until smooth with small lumps.
  2. In a saucepan, whisk together milk, cream, eggs, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and salt.
  3. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until thickened.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in mashed bananas.
Combine and bake
  1. Pour banana filling over the hot crust and spread evenly.
  2. Bake for 18-22 minutes until slightly jiggly in the center and edges are puffed.
Cool and chill
  1. Let bars cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then cover and chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours.
Slice and finish
  1. Run a knife under hot water, dry it, and cut the bars into squares.
  2. Add optional toppings if desired.

Notes

Chilling is essential for clean slicing. Use ripe bananas for best flavor and sweetness. Can serve with whipped cream or ice cream.