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Banana Caramel Peanut Cheesecakes
Olivia

Banana Caramel Peanut Cheesecakes

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tbsp sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling
  • 24 oz cream cheese softened
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ¾ cup smooth peanut butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 ripe bananas mashed
For the Caramel Layer
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter cut into cubes
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • A pinch of sea salt
For Topping
  • 2 ripe bananas sliced
  • ¼ cup chopped roasted peanuts
  • ¼ cup caramel sauce store-bought or homemade
Ingredient Notes
  • Cream cheese: Always use full-fat for the best creamy texture.
  • Peanut butter: Smooth peanut butter works best but crunchy adds texture.
  • Bananas: Use ripe but not overripe bananas—spotty ones are ideal.
  • Caramel sauce: Homemade salted caramel adds depth but any good store-bought one works fine.

Method
 

Step 1: Make the Crust
  1. In a large bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until it feels like wet sand. Press this mixture into a springform pan, and use a spoon to flatten it evenly. Chill it for 10 to 15 minutes, while you prepare the filling.
  2. Tip: If you like a little chocolate twist, swap half the graham crumbs for crushed chocolate cookies.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
  1. In another large bowl, beat until smooth and fluffy-creamy cheese. Sugar and peanut butter: mixing well until fully incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla and the heavy cream. Gently fold in the mashed bananas in order to prevent the dense texture.
  2. An extraordinary aroma fills the room at this point, a kind of fusion between peanut butter cookies and banana pudding.
Step 3: Pour and Bake
  1. Pour the filling over the prepared crust. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove air bubbles. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 50–55 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center still jiggles slightly.
  2. Let it cool completely before chilling in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best texture.
  3. No-Bake Option:
  4. If you prefer a Banana Caramel Peanut Cheesecake no bake, skip the eggs and add 2 tsp of gelatin (dissolved in warm water) to the filling. Chill for 6 hours until firm.
Step 4: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce
  1. In a saucepan, heat sugar on medium heat until it melts and turns amber. Add butter and stir until melted. Slowly pour in heavy cream and stir until smooth. Sprinkle a pinch of salt for balance. Let it cool slightly before pouring.
Step 5: Assemble and Decorate
  1. Once the cheesecake is chilled, spread a layer of caramel sauce on top. Add banana slices and sprinkle chopped peanuts for crunch. Drizzle a bit more caramel before serving.
  2. Every slice looks irresistible—with banana cream, nut cheesecake filling, and glossy caramel ribbons on top.