Banana Caramel Nut Delight – A Sweet, Creamy Dream
This Banana Caramel Nut Delight is the perfect dessert for banana lovers! The buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and the rich sweetness of caramel make this dessert a total treat. Plus, the addition of bananas and a nutty finish adds an extra layer of indulgence!
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cups cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 ripe bananas, mashed
Instructions:
Prepare the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
Add the vanilla extract, eggs (one at a time), sour cream, and heavy cream. Beat until everything is well incorporated.
Gently fold in the mashed bananas, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake the Cheesecake:
Pour the cheesecake batter onto the cooled graham cracker crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly jiggles when moved.
Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set.
Caramel and Nuts (Optional):
If you want to add a caramel drizzle, heat some caramel sauce in a small saucepan and pour it over the cooled cheesecake.
Top with chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch!
Serve and Enjoy!
Slice and serve chilled for a creamy, indulgent dessert experience.
Pro Tips:
Bananas: Use ripe bananas for the best flavor. The riper they are, the sweeter they will taste.
Nuts: If you’re allergic to nuts or prefer a smoother texture, feel free to skip them or use toffee bits as a substitute for crunch.
Serving Suggestion: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Variations:
For a chocolate twist, add a layer of chocolate ganache on top before serving.
If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese.