Instructions

• Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides to lift the bars out later.
• In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Stir to distribute the sugar evenly.
• Pour ½ cup melted and cooled salted sweet cream butter over the crumbs and stir until all crumbs are evenly coated.
• Press the buttered crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish to form the crust. Refrigerate the crust while you make the filling.
• Ensure the 16 ounces cream cheese is softened. In a stand mixer or using a handheld mixer in a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and ⅓ cup granulated sugar on medium-high for 1 to 1½ minutes, scraping the bowl once, until smooth and lump-free.
• Add the 3.4 ounces banana cream instant pudding mix to the cream cheese mixture and beat on medium until just combined.
• Reduce mixer speed to low. Measure out 1¼ cups of the thawed whipped topping and add it to the bowl; mix on low until incorporated.
• While mixing on low, drizzle in 1¼ cups half-and-half and continue mixing just until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous. Do not overmix.
• Spread the banana cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled crust and smooth the top.
• From the same 16-ounce container of whipped topping, use the remaining whipped topping (about ¾ cup) to top the filling: spread it evenly over the filling. (You should have used 1¼ cups for the filling and the rest of that container for the top.)
• Cover and refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 6 hours or overnight to set.
• To serve, lift the set bars from the pan using the parchment overhang and place on a cutting surface. Using a large sharp knife, cut into 3 rows by 3 rows (9 bars). Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat slices.
• If desired, sprinkle the 2 tablespoons crushed vanilla wafer crumbs over the tops (optional). For garnish, place one slice of ripe banana and one whole vanilla wafer on top of each bar (use the 9 banana slices and 9 vanilla wafers). If you want piped swirls, transfer the remaining whipped topping to a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip and pipe a small star in the center of each bar before adding the banana slice and wafer. Serve immediately.