Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake filling:
- 3 cups softened cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the caramel layer:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For garnish:
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- Caramel sauce
Substitutes for ingredients:
- For cream cheese: You can use fat-free cream cheese, almond butter, or mashed avocado as plant-based alternatives.
- For heavy cream: You can substitute canned coconut cream (solid part), coconut cream, or whipped almond milk.
- For sugar: Natural sweeteners like honey, brown sugar, or stevia can be used as alternatives.
Preparation Method
For the crust:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then let it cool.
For the cheesecake filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add the peanut butter and vanilla extract, mixing well until combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition until fully incorporated. Then add the heavy cream and stir until well mixed.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Bake the cheesecake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
For the caramel layer:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring continuously until it turns golden brown.
- Add the butter and mix until fully melted. Then slowly add the heavy cream, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth. Remove from heat and allow the caramel to cool slightly.
- Pour the caramel over the cooled cheesecake and spread it evenly. Refrigerate the cheesecake for 30 minutes.
For garnish:
- Arrange the banana slices on top of the cheesecake.
- Sprinkle the chopped peanuts over the top.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
Additional Tips
- Choosing ingredients: It’s best to use smooth peanut butter for the perfect texture. You can also use ripe bananas to enhance the sweetness.
- Make ahead: The caramel can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, then warmed slightly before use.
- Creative presentation:
- You can add other fruits like strawberries or blueberries for a colorful and flavorful touch.
- Sprinkle a little cocoa powder or cinnamon on top of the cheesecake for a different flavor.
- Drizzle warm chocolate sauce on top of the cheesecake before serving.
Summary:
Banana caramel peanut butter cheesecake is a recipe that combines rich flavors and a creamy texture, making it a perfect choice for parties and special occasions. Enjoy preparing and savoring this delicious dessert!
Warning: This recipe contains dairy products, peanuts, and eggs, so it is not suitable for individuals with allergies to these ingredients or those following a dairy-free diet. It may also be high in calories and sugars, so it is recommended to consume it cautiously for individuals with health issues related to sugar or fats.
Calories and Nutritional Values:
For the crust:
- Graham cracker crumbs (1.5 cups): Approximately 450 calories
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Approximately 200 calories
Total calories for the crust: 650 calories
For the cheesecake filling:
- Cream cheese (3 cups): Approximately 2400 calories
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Approximately 775 calories
- Peanut butter (1 cup): Approximately 1500 calories
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Approximately 12 calories
- Eggs (3 large): Approximately 210 calories
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Approximately 400 calories
Total calories for the filling: 5297 calories
For the caramel layer:
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Approximately 775 calories
- Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons): Approximately 600 calories
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Approximately 400 calories
Total calories for the caramel layer: 1775 calories
For the garnish:
- Bananas (2 bananas): Approximately 210 calories
- Chopped peanuts (1/4 cup): Approximately 200 calories
- Caramel sauce (estimate): Approximately 200 calories
Total calories for the garnish: 610 calories
Total calories for the recipe:
650 + 5297 + 1775 + 610 = 8332 calories
Caloric Breakdown
The total calories can be divided by the number of servings to determine the calories per serving. For example, if the cheesecake is divided into 12 servings, the calories per serving would be approximately:
8332 ÷ 12 = 694.33 calories per serving
Nutritional Values (per serving):
These are approximate estimates and depend on the brands used and the exact preparation method.
- Fat: The recipe is high in fat due to the cream cheese, peanut butter, and heavy cream.
- Protein: Comes from the cream cheese, peanut butter, and eggs.
- Carbohydrates: Primarily from sugar, the cracker crumbs, and the bananas.
Note: These numbers are approximations. For more accurate figures, it is recommended to use a nutritional calculator like MyFitnessPal or similar apps, with the exact weights and quantities of each ingredient.