Description
Rich banana caramel peanut butter cheesecake brings classic dessert flavors into spectacular harmony. Creamy layers of sweet banana, smooth peanut butter, and golden caramel invite chefs to craft a luxurious slice of pure comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 ripe bananas
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Sugars and Sweeteners:
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup caramel sauce
Binding and Flavor Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts (optional)
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Craft a buttery graham cracker foundation by blending crumbs with sugar and melted butter. Firmly press the mixture into a springform pan’s base, creating a compact crust. Bake briefly at 325F to set the foundation, then allow to cool completely.
- Whip cream cheese, peanut butter, and sugars into a silky, smooth consistency. Gently incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully integrated. Fold in sour cream, vanilla, and mashed bananas until the mixture achieves a uniform, luxurious texture.
- Carefully transfer the creamy filling over the prepared crust, smoothing the surface with precision. Nestle the springform pan within a larger water bath, ensuring hot water reaches midway up the pan’s exterior. Bake until the edges stabilize and the center maintains a subtle wobble.
- After baking, leave the cheesecake inside the oven with the door slightly ajar, allowing gradual temperature reduction. This technique prevents cracking and ensures a smooth, velvety finish. Once cooled to room temperature, refrigerate for several hours to set completely.
- Just before serving, embellish the chilled cheesecake with cascading caramel sauce. Garnish with fresh banana slices, sprinkle chopped peanuts for crunch, and optional dollops of whipped cream to elevate the dessert’s visual and flavor profile.
- Slice the chilled cheesecake with a clean, warm knife. Serve immediately to showcase the harmonious blend of banana, caramel, and peanut butter flavors in each decadent bite.
Notes
- Prevent crust crumbling by pressing the graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, creating a solid base that holds together when sliced.
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to ensure a smoother, lump-free cheesecake filling that blends seamlessly and bakes evenly.
- Reduce banana browning by tossing sliced bananas in a little lemon juice before topping, which helps maintain their fresh appearance and prevents oxidation.
- Swap ingredients for dietary needs: use gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-free version, replace dairy cream cheese with vegan alternatives, or use sugar substitutes for a lower-sugar option.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 525
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg