Description
Creamy peanut butter banana cheesecake blends rich flavors into a luxurious dessert that dances between comfort and indulgence. Smooth cream cheese meets ripe bananas and nutty peanut butter, creating a heavenly slice you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240 grams) creamy peanut butter
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 cup (120 grams) graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
Sweetening and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Chocolate syrup
- Chopped peanuts
Instructions
- Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lightly greasing its surface, then preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure proper baking environment.
- Create a robust foundation by combining graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, firmly pressing the mixture into the pan’s bottom to form a compact, uniform crust.
- Whip cream cheese in a mixing bowl until silky smooth, gradually incorporating powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and peanut butter until the mixture achieves a consistent, creamy texture.
- Gently fold mashed bananas into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution of fruit throughout the filling.
- Carefully transfer the prepared filling over the graham cracker crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly and eliminate any potential air pockets.
- Position the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, watching for a nearly set center that indicates perfect doneness.
- Once baked, remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature, which helps prevent cracking.
- Refrigerate the cooled cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours or preferably overnight to achieve optimal flavor and texture.
- Before serving, enhance the presentation by drizzling chocolate syrup or sprinkling chopped peanuts across the surface for added visual appeal and crunch.
Notes
- Choose ripe, spotty bananas for maximum sweetness and deeper banana flavor in the cheesecake.
- Soften cream cheese at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to ensure smooth, lump-free mixing.
- Use a water bath while baking to prevent surface cracking and create a silky, creamy texture.
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 441 kcal
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg