Description
Delectable banana caramel peanut butter cheesecake combines creamy textures with rich flavors from classic ingredients. Smooth layers of caramel and peanut butter nestled in a graham cracker crust promise a memorable dessert you will savor completely.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz (454 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 ripe bananas
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts (optional)
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Crust Preparation: Pulverize graham crackers with sugar and melted butter, pressing firmly into a springform pan’s base. Bake at 325F for 10 minutes, then cool completely to create a sturdy foundation.
- Filling Creation: Blend cream cheese, peanut butter, and sugars until velvety smooth. Introduce eggs individually, mixing thoroughly. Incorporate sour cream, vanilla, and mashed bananas, stirring until achieving a uniform, luxurious consistency.
- Baking Process: Pour filling over the prepared crust, smoothing the surface meticulously. Position the springform pan in a water bath, ensuring hot water reaches midway up the pan’s exterior. Bake until edges set and center maintains a gentle jiggle.
- Cooling Technique: After baking, leave cheesecake in the oven with door slightly open, allowing gradual temperature reduction. This method prevents surface cracks and ensures a silky texture. Once cooled to room temperature, refrigerate for several hours to set completely.
- Final Presentation: Prior to serving, drizzle with caramel sauce. Adorn with fresh banana slices, sprinkle chopped peanuts, and add optional whipped cream dollops to enhance visual and flavor dimensions.
- Serving Suggestion: Slice with a clean, warm knife. Serve chilled to highlight the harmonious fusion of banana, caramel, and peanut butter in each indulgent slice.
Notes
- Prevent Crust Crumbling: Mix graham cracker crumbs thoroughly with melted butter and sugar, pressing firmly into the pan to create a solid, compact base that won’t fall apart when slicing.
- Smooth Filling Technique: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and beat until completely smooth to avoid lumps, incorporating eggs one at a time to maintain a silky, uniform texture.
- Avoid Cheesecake Cracking: Use a water bath and cool the cheesecake gradually inside the oven with the door slightly open, preventing sudden temperature changes that cause unsightly surface cracks.
- Dietary Modifications: Swap regular cream cheese with low-fat or dairy-free alternatives, use gluten-free graham crackers, and replace eggs with vegan substitutes to accommodate different dietary needs while maintaining the dessert’s rich, creamy essence.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg