Description
A luscious, creamy cheesecake that’s pure indulgence!
Layers of smooth banana cream, rich caramel drizzle, and crunchy peanuts come together for the ultimate dessert experience. Perfect for celebrations or whenever you crave something truly decadent!
Ingredients:
Crust:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup melted butter
2 tbsp granulated sugar
Filling:
3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream
Topping:
½ cup caramel sauce
½ cup roasted peanuts, chopped
1 sliced banana
(for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the Crust (10 minutes)
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let cool.
Make the Filling (10 minutes)
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in mashed bananas, vanilla extract, and sour cream until fully blended.
Bake the Cheesecake (55–60 minutes)
Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top. Bake for about 55–60 minutes or until the center is just set and slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake rest inside for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
Chill and Decorate (4 hours minimum)
Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight. Once chilled, drizzle caramel sauce over the top, sprinkle with chopped peanuts, and garnish with banana slices.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Baking Time: 1 hour | Cooling/Chilling Time: 5 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 10–12 servings
#BananaCheesecake #CaramelLovers #PeanutDelight #DecadentDessert
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect cheesecake. Start by ensuring all filling ingredients, especially cream cheese and eggs, are at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free batter. When pressing the crust, use the bottom of a flat glass to create an even, compact layer. For the filling, scrape down the bowl sides frequently while mixing. During the critical baking and cooling phase, avoid opening the oven door until the initial bake is complete. The gradual cooling in the turned-off oven is essential for texture and to prevent unsightly cracks.
Serving Suggestions
Serve each slice with an extra drizzle of warm caramel sauce and a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a textural contrast, sprinkle a few extra chopped peanuts on the plate. Pair with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of dessert wine like a Muscat. To keep the banana garnish from browning, dip the slices in a little lemon juice before arranging them just before serving.
How-to Summary
This decadent Banana Caramel Peanut Cheesecake involves creating a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth banana-infused cream cheese filling, and a sweet and crunchy topping. The key steps are: mix and bake the crust, blend the filling ingredients until creamy, bake slowly until just set, then cool gradually in the oven. After a long chill, decorate with caramel, peanuts, and fresh banana.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter in the filling instead of a peanut topping? Yes, you can add 1/4 cup of smooth peanut butter to the filling for a more integrated peanut flavor. Reduce the sour cream by 2 tablespoons to balance consistency.
How do I prevent the banana from making the cheesecake soggy? Ensure your bananas are ripe but not overripe or bruised. Mashing them thoroughly and fully incorporating them into the creamy filling prevents wet pockets.
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time? Absolutely. Bake and chill it completely, then store undecorated in the springform pan, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 days. Add the caramel, peanuts, and banana garnish within a few hours of serving.
My springform pan leaks. What can I do? Wrap the outside bottom and sides of the pan securely with aluminum foil before adding the crust to prevent butter from leaking during baking.
Is there a substitute for sour cream? Full-fat plain Greek yogurt is an excellent 1:1 substitute and will provide a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold cream cheese or eggs, which leads to a lumpy filling.
- Overmixing the batter after adding eggs, which incorporates too much air and can cause cracking.
- Overbaking; the center should still have a slight jiggle when you remove it from the oven.
- Skipping the gradual cool-down in the oven, which is a primary defense against cracks.
- Adding the banana garnish too early, causing it to brown and become slimy on top of the cheesecake.
Conclusion
This Banana Caramel Peanut Cheesecake is a show-stopping dessert that masterfully combines creamy, crunchy, and sweet flavors. While it requires patience for proper chilling and careful baking, the result—a rich, smooth cheesecake with layers of banana, gooey caramel, and salty peanuts—is utterly worth the effort. It’s guaranteed to be the highlight of any special occasion or a magnificent treat for satisfying a serious sweet tooth.