Description
This Banana Caramel Nut Cheesecake combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a rich and creamy cream cheese filling, topped with fresh banana slices, luscious caramel sauce, and crunchy nuts. Perfectly baked to a slight jiggle in the center, this dessert delivers a harmonious balance of sweet, creamy, and nutty flavors, ideal for special occasions or indulgent treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
Toppings
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan to prevent sticking.
- Make crust: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until evenly combined. Press the mixture firmly into the base of the springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool.
- Prepare filling: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until the batter is fully combined.
- Bake cheesecake: Pour the cream cheese batter over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Bake in the oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly but mostly set.
- Cool cheesecake: Turn off the oven and leave the door ajar, letting the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour to prevent cracking. Then, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to firm up completely.
- Add toppings and serve: Before serving, top the cheesecake with the sliced ripe bananas. Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the bananas, then sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the batter.
- To prevent bananas from browning too quickly, add the toppings just before serving.
- Use chopped walnuts or pecans according to your taste preference; both add great crunch.
- Chilling the cheesecake overnight enhances flavor and texture.
- For a more caramel flavor, warm the caramel sauce slightly before drizzling.
