Description
Rich banana caramel peanut butter cheesecake combines creamy textures with indulgent flavors from classic dessert traditions. Dessert enthusiasts will discover a perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and smooth ingredients that create an irresistible culinary experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz (454 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 large eggs
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 banana, sliced
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts (optional, for garnish)
- Whipped cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Crust Preparation: Pulverize graham crackers and combine with melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into a foil-lined springform pan, creating an uniform base. Toast in a preheated 325°F oven for 10 minutes to set the foundation.
- Filling Creation: Whip cream cheese until silky, blending in peanut butter and sugars. Methodically incorporate eggs, ensuring complete integration. Gently fold in sour cream, vanilla, and mashed bananas to create a smooth, rich filling with balanced flavors.
- Baking Process: Pour the creamy filling over the prepared crust, smoothing the surface carefully. Place the pan in a larger water bath, allowing gentle heat circulation. Bake until the center shows a subtle wobble and edges appear set, typically 60-70 minutes.
- Cooling Technique: Allow the cheesecake to rest in the oven with the door slightly open, facilitating gradual cooling. Once at room temperature, refrigerate for at least four hours to develop optimal texture and flavor intensity.
- Final Presentation: Before serving, drizzle with caramel sauce, arrange fresh banana slices around the edge, and sprinkle chopped peanuts for added crunch. Optional whipped cream can provide an extra layer of indulgence.
- Serving Ritual: Use a knife warmed under hot water to create clean, precise slices. Present the cheesecake as a decadent masterpiece celebrating the harmonious blend of banana, caramel, and peanut butter flavors.
Notes
- Prevent Crust Crumbling: Compress graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a stable base that won’t fall apart when slicing the cheesecake.
- Control Mixing Temperature: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature before whipping to achieve a smooth, lump-free texture without overmixing.
- Master Water Bath Technique: Use hot water when creating the water bath and wrap the springform pan in multiple layers of foil to prevent water seepage and potential soggy crust.
- Avoid Cheesecake Cracking: Cool the cheesecake gradually by leaving it in the oven with the door slightly open, preventing sudden temperature changes that cause unsightly surface cracks.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg