Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy decadence of this Banana Caramel Nut Cheesecake. A luscious dessert that combines the sweetness of bananas with the smoothness of cream cheese, topped with crunchy nuts and a drizzle of caramel.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Sliced bananas (for garnish, optional)
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the outside with foil to prevent leaks.
- Make the crust: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then remove and let cool.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add mashed bananas and brown sugar and beat until well combined. Mix in the sour cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until incorporated—do not overmix. Pour the filling into the cooled crust and smooth the top.
- Bake: Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly but set around the edges. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Before serving: Top with chopped nuts and drizzle generously with caramel sauce. Add fresh banana slices and whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- To prevent cracks, avoid overmixing the batter and cool the cheesecake gradually.
- Add a bit of rum or banana liqueur to the filling for an extra flavor boost.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 31g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
