Frozen Peanut Butter and Banana Bars

Submitted by kitchenslave03

"From Everyday Food. These look absolutely divine. When I make them I will probably leave off the peanuts and drizzle some chocolate on top instead. Cook time includes time in freezer."

 

• Ready In: 7hrs 30mins
• Ingredients: 9
• Serves: 12

ingredients

• 20 chocolate wafers
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted,plus more for the pan
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 3⁄4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1⁄2 cup peanut butter
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 3 -4 bananas
• 1⁄2 cup roasted peanuts, chopped

directions

1. Make crust: Preheat oven to 350. In food processor, process cookies til crumbs form. Add butter; pulse til mixture holds together when squeezed. Lightly butter an 8 inch square baking pan. Line it with two crisscrossed rectangles of parchment that hang out of pan on each side by a few inches. Press crust firmly into bottom of pan on top of parchment and slightly up the sides. Use the bottom of a metal measuring cup or small bowl to help pat crumbs in evnenly.
2. Bake until crust is firm and dry to the touch, 15- 20 minute Cool to room temperature.
3. Make filling: In clean food processor, process cream cheese, sugar, heavy cream, peanut butter, and salt until smooth and light, scraping sides as needed.
4. Peel bananas; halve lengthwise. Spread half the cream cheese mixture over the crust; top with a snug layer of bananas. Cover with remaining cream cheese mixture, smoothing top. Sprinkle with peanuts; cover with plastic wrap. Freeze til firm, at least 6 hours.
5. To remove, wipe outside of pan with a hot towel; run a knife around inside edge (between paper and pan). Gently pull on paper to lift out of pan. Cut into 12 rectangles.