Description
A decadent cheesecake featuring a creamy peanut butter filling, luscious caramel layer, and fresh banana slices, all on a crunchy graham cracker crust. This dessert is perfect for special occasions or any time you want to treat yourself!
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
For the cheesecake filling:
- 3 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the caramel layer:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the toppings:
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- Additional caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Make the crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and 1 cup granulated sugar until smooth. Mix in the smooth peanut butter and vanilla extract until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Finally, stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust.
- Bake the cheesecake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set. Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture.
- Make the caramel layer: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a golden brown color. Add 6 tablespoons of cubed butter and stir until melted. Gradually pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream, stirring until the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Assemble the cheesecake: Once the cheesecake is chilled, pour the caramel sauce over the top, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes to set the caramel.
- Add toppings: Before serving, arrange banana slices over the top of the cheesecake. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and drizzle with additional caramel sauce.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature ingredients, especially the cream cheese.
- Add bananas just before serving to prevent browning.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg