Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Banana caramel cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who craves rich, creamy indulgence with a fruity twist. The smooth cheesecake base is infused with ripe bananas, layered over a buttery crust, and topped with a luscious caramel drizzle that ties all the flavors together. The natural sweetness of bananas blends perfectly with the tang of cream cheese, while the caramel adds a decadent touch that makes this dessert unforgettable. Unlike traditional fruit cheesecakes, this recipe highlights the warm, comforting flavors of banana and caramel in a sophisticated way. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion, it looks stunning yet is simple enough to make at home. Each bite delivers a balance of creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy notes, making it a crowd-pleaser. Once you try this banana caramel cheesecake, it’s sure to become one of your go-to recipes whenever you want to impress with minimal effort.
Banana Caramel Cheesecake – Creamy & Indulgent Dessert
- Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A luscious banana caramel cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy banana-flavored cheesecake filling, and a rich caramel topping for the ultimate indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- Sliced bananas, for garnish
- Whipped cream, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly into bottom of pan to form crust.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated.
- Mix in mashed bananas, sour cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and flour until smooth.
- Pour batter over prepared crust and smooth the top.
- Bake 55–65 minutes, or until center is set but slightly jiggly. Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
- Remove from oven, cover, and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, spread caramel sauce over cheesecake and garnish with banana slices and whipped cream.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe bananas with brown spots for natural sweetness.
- To prevent cracks, bake cheesecake in a water bath.
- Cheesecake can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Graham cracker crumbs create a firm, slightly sweet crust that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.
Butter binds the crust together and adds rich flavor.
Cream cheese is the star of the filling, lending tangy creaminess.
Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and a fruity twist to the cheesecake base.
Granulated sugar balances the tang of cream cheese and highlights the banana flavor.
Eggs give the filling structure while maintaining a smooth, custard-like texture.
Vanilla extract enhances the flavors and adds warmth.
Heavy cream helps create a rich, silky consistency in the filling.
Caramel sauce drizzled on top adds sweetness and a glossy finish.
Whipped cream (optional) makes a beautiful garnish and adds extra indulgence.
Directions
Begin with the crust. Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into a springform pan and bake briefly to set. Allow to cool while preparing the filling.
For the filling, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add mashed bananas, eggs, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, mixing until combined but not overmixed. Pour the filling over the prepared crust and smooth the top.
Bake the cheesecake in a water bath to ensure even cooking and prevent cracks. Once the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle, remove from the oven and cool gradually before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Before serving, drizzle generously with caramel sauce and garnish with whipped cream or banana slices if desired. Slice and enjoy this creamy, decadent treat.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 servings. Preparation takes 25 minutes, baking requires 50–60 minutes, and chilling time is at least 4 hours. Overall, plan for about 5–6 hours before serving.
Storage/reheating
Banana caramel cheesecake should be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Avoid microwaving to preserve the texture.
Variations and Customizations
Salted Caramel Twist
Use salted caramel sauce for a sweet-and-salty contrast.
Nutty Crunch
Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the caramel for texture.
Chocolate Swirl
Melt chocolate into the filling for a banana–chocolate variation.
Banoffee Style
Layer sliced bananas over the crust before adding the cheesecake filling.
Mini Cheesecakes
Bake in muffin tins for single-serve portions.
Whipped Topping
Replace caramel with banana-flavored whipped cream for a lighter finish.
Coconut Banana Cheesecake
Add shredded coconut to the crust for a tropical twist.
Espresso Kick
Mix in espresso powder for a mocha-banana flavor combination.
Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free cookies or graham crackers for the crust.
Caramel Banana Topping
Add caramelized banana slices on top before serving for extra decadence.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, it works perfectly and saves time.
Do I need a water bath?
It helps prevent cracks, but you can bake without one if careful.
Can I use overripe bananas?
Yes, the riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the cheesecake.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better after chilling overnight.
What type of pan is best?
A springform pan works best for easy release.
Conclusion
Banana caramel cheesecake is a decadent dessert that combines creamy cheesecake, sweet bananas, and rich caramel into one irresistible creation. With its buttery crust, smooth filling, and glossy topping, it’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special. Easy to customize and even easier to enjoy, this cheesecake is a must-try for anyone who loves indulgent desserts with a fruity twist.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!