Description
The ingredients :
Base:
2 cups (about 250 grams) of ground plain tea biscuits.
1/2 cup (about 120 g) of chopped nuts (such as pecans or peanuts).
1/2 cup (about 115 g) unsalted butter, melted.
2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional).
For the cheesecake filling:
400 grams of cream cheese, at room temperature.
1/2 cup soft peanut butter.
1/2 cup of powdered sugar.
1 teaspoon of vanilla.
1 cup of cool whip cream
1 ripe banana mashed (or cut into very small pieces).
Peanut Butter Cream :
1/2 cup soft peanut butter.
1/2 cup of powdered sugar.
1/4 cup of sweetened condensed milk.
1 cup of whipped cream
For the caramel sauce and peanut butter (coating):
1/2 cup caramel sauce prepared or homemade.
2 to 3 tablespoons extra peanut butter.
To decorate:
freshly sliced banana.
Nuts (peanuts, or problem nuts) wounded or whole.
Directions:
Preparation of the Base:
In a bowl, mix ground cookies, chopped nuts and brown sugar
Add the melted butter and mix well until the mixture resembles the wet sand.
Press mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch (23 cm) movable cheesecake mold.
Put the mold in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to cool and hold.
Preparation of the stuffing:
In a large bowl, whisk cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar and vanilla using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
In a separate bowl, whip the cold whipping cream until it becomes a thick cream.
Add mashed bananas to cheese mixture and stir gently.
Gradually add the whipped cream to the cheese mixture and mix gently with a spoon until the ingredients are unified.
Pour filling over cooled base, flatten top and sprinkle some nuts
Cover cheesecake and put it in refrigerator to cool and hold for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight
Peanut butter cream :
Mix the peanut butter, sugar and sweetened condensed milk well, then gently mix with the whipped cream.
Pour this cream over the cheesecake layer and let to cool and sit for an hour before adding the final icing.
Salsa preparation and garnishing:
Before serving, combine the caramel sauce with 2-3 tablespoons of peanut butter in a small bowl. You can heat it a little in the microwave or on the fire for easy mixing and pouring.
Take cheesecake out of the mold
pour caramel mixture and peanut butter.
Then decorate with sliced banana and nuts and garnish with caramel sauce.
Slice, Serve and Enjoy
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect no-bake cheesecake. First, ensure all refrigerated ingredients, especially the cream cheese and whipping cream, are at the proper temperature. For the base, process the biscuits into fine crumbs and chop the nuts finely. Combine with melted butter until the mixture holds together when pinched. Press it firmly and evenly into the springform pan, using the bottom of a glass to compact it. Chill for 30 minutes.
For the filling, beat the room-temperature cream cheese until completely smooth with no lumps. Add peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla, beating again. In a separate, clean bowl, whip the cold cream to stiff peaks. Fold the mashed banana into the cheese mixture, then gently fold in the whipped cream in two additions until no white streaks remain. Pour over the chilled base, smooth the top, and refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours.
For the peanut butter cream layer, gently fold the whipped cream into the mixed peanut butter, sugar, and condensed milk. Spread over the set cheesecake and return to the fridge for one hour. Before serving, warm the caramel and peanut butter glaze slightly for easy pouring, decorate, and slice with a hot, clean knife.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this decadent cheesecake chilled. For a beautiful presentation, drizzle extra caramel sauce on individual plates before placing a slice. Pair with a strong cup of coffee to balance the sweetness. Garnish each slice with a fresh banana slice and a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the caramel and peanut butter flavors. For a festive touch, add a dollop of extra whipped cream on the side.
How-to Summary
This no-bake banana peanut butter caramel cheesecake is built in layers: 1) A biscuit and nut base is pressed into a pan and chilled. 2) A creamy filling of cream cheese, peanut butter, banana, and whipped cream is poured over the base and set overnight. 3) A fluffy peanut butter cream layer is added and set briefly. 4) Before serving, it’s topped with a caramel-peanut butter glaze and garnished with fresh banana and nuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter?
We do not recommend natural or oily peanut butter, as it can separate and make the filling greasy. Use a standard, creamy commercial peanut butter for best results.
How do I prevent the banana from browning?
The banana is mixed into the filling and protected from air, so it shouldn’t brown significantly. For the garnish, slice the bananas just before serving and optionally toss them in a little lemon juice.
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely. The cheesecake needs to set for at least 6 hours, making it ideal to prepare the day before. Add the final caramel glaze and fresh banana garnish on the day of serving.
What can I use instead of Cool Whip?
You can substitute an equal amount of freshly whipped heavy cream, sweetened with a tablespoon of powdered sugar. Ensure it is whipped to stiff peaks.
My base is too crumbly. How can I fix it?
If the base doesn’t hold together, you likely need more binding agent. Add an additional tablespoon of melted butter, mix well, and press firmly again.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cream cheese straight from the fridge, which leads to a lumpy filling.
- Over-mixing the whipped cream into the cheese filling, which can deflate it and result in a dense texture.
- Not pressing the base mixture firmly enough into the pan, causing it to crumble when sliced.
- Adding the caramel glaze and banana garnish too far in advance, causing the bananas to brown and the glaze to soak in.
- Attempting to slice the cheesecake before it is fully set, which will cause the layers to collapse.
Conclusion
This no-bake banana peanut butter caramel cheesecake is a show-stopping dessert that masterfully combines beloved flavors. Its layered construction—featuring a crunchy base, a rich and creamy banana-peanut butter filling, a fluffy peanut butter cream, and a decadent caramel topping—creates a perfect textural and taste experience. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can confidently create this impressive treat that is sure to delight any crowd. Remember, patience during the chilling stages is the key to a clean, beautiful slice. Enjoy the delicious results of your effort!