Why You’ll Love Banana Caramel Nut Cheesecake Recipe
This cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for banana lovers and caramel enthusiasts alike. It combines the comforting flavors of banana and vanilla with a buttery graham cracker crust and a crunchy peanut topping. The caramel drizzle adds a luxurious finish that elevates every bite. It’s an ideal make-ahead dessert that tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for dinner parties or holidays.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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graham cracker crumbs
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unsalted butter, melted
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sugar
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cream cheese, softened
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large eggs
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vanilla extract
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ripe bananas, mashed
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roasted peanuts, chopped
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caramel sauce
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sliced bananas, caramel sauce, and whole peanuts for garnish
Directions
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In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 3/4 cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
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Stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas until fully incorporated.
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Pour the cream cheese filling over the prepared crust. Sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts evenly over the top.
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Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 50 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly golden.
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Allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature. Once cooled, drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the top.
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Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
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Before serving, garnish with sliced bananas, extra caramel sauce, and whole peanuts for a stunning presentation.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Variations
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Nut-Free Option: Omit the peanuts for a smoother texture or replace with crushed pretzels for a salty crunch.
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Chocolate Twist: Add a chocolate ganache layer on top of the chilled cheesecake for an extra layer of richness.
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Crust Swap: Use crushed vanilla wafers or chocolate cookies instead of graham crackers for a different flavor base.
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Tropical Touch: Mix in a bit of crushed pineapple with the bananas for a tropical cheesecake flavor.
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Mini Cheesecakes: Make this recipe in muffin tins with liners for individual servings perfect for parties.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. This cheesecake is best served cold and does not require reheating.
FAQs
How ripe should the bananas be for this cheesecake?
Use bananas that are fully ripe with brown spots on the skin. They offer the best sweetness and flavor for baking.
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, this cheesecake can be made a day in advance. It actually tastes better after chilling overnight.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Absolutely. Store-bought caramel sauce works well and saves time. You can also make your own if you prefer.
What type of peanuts should I use?
Roasted, unsalted peanuts are ideal to balance the sweetness of the cheesecake and caramel.
Can I freeze the entire cheesecake?
Yes. Wrap it tightly and freeze it without the fresh banana garnish. Add the garnish after thawing.
How do I know when the cheesecake is fully baked?
The center should be just set with a slight wobble. It will continue to firm up as it cools.
What can I use instead of a springform pan?
You can use a deep 9-inch cake pan lined with parchment paper, but removing the cheesecake will be more challenging.
Can I use a different nut besides peanuts?
Yes, try chopped pecans or walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?
Avoid overmixing, don’t open the oven during baking, and allow it to cool slowly at room temperature.
Is this cheesecake gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust to make it gluten-free.
Conclusion
Banana Caramel Nut Cheesecake is a dessert that’s sure to impress with its balance of creamy, sweet, and crunchy elements. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering or a weekend indulgence, this rich and flavorful treat will have everyone asking for seconds. With simple ingredients and make-ahead convenience, it’s a must-try recipe for any cheesecake lover.
