This Banoffee Cheesecake is a perfect harmony of textures and flavors: a crisp buttery biscuit base, a rich, velvety caramel layer, sweet ripe bananas, and a cloud of silky cream cheese and whipped cream on top. Each bite delivers a delightful balance of sweetness and creaminess that melts in your mouth.
Ideal for special occasions or a luxurious weekend treat, this no-bake cheesecake is simple to prepare yet impressively indulgent. The optional sprinkle of chocolate adds a touch of elegance and depth, making it as beautiful as it is delicious.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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200g digestive biscuits, crushed
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100g unsalted butter, melted
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400g cream cheese, softened
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300ml double cream
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100g icing sugar
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2 ripe bananas, sliced
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397g can of caramel (dulce de leche)
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50g chocolate, grated or chopped (optional)
Directions:
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Line the base of a 20cm (8-inch) springform cake tin with baking parchment.
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Mix the crushed digestive biscuits with the melted butter until evenly combined. Press this mixture into the base of the tin firmly to form an even crust. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set.
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Whip the double cream in a bowl until it forms soft peaks.
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In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with the icing sugar until smooth and creamy.
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Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
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Spread the caramel evenly over the biscuit base, then arrange the sliced bananas over the caramel layer.
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Pour the cream cheese and cream mixture over the banana layer and smooth the top with a spatula.
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Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set properly.
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Before serving, sprinkle grated or chopped chocolate on top for an optional finishing touch.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: None | Chilling Time: 4+ hours | Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 450 kcal per serving | Servings: 8 servings
Why Banoffee Cheesecake is a Crowd-Pleaser
One of the reasons banoffee cheesecake is so popular is its balance of textures and flavors. The buttery, crunchy biscuit base forms a solid foundation that contrasts beautifully with the soft, creamy cheesecake layer on top. The fresh bananas add a natural sweetness and a slight fruitiness that cuts through the richness, while the luscious caramel layer provides a sticky, gooey sweetness that binds everything together.
This dessert satisfies multiple cravings at once — from the crunch and buttery notes of the base to the creamy tang of the cheese filling and the indulgent caramel’s sweetness. This layering makes every bite an experience of different but harmonious sensations. It’s also highly versatile; you can adjust the sweetness level or the thickness of each layer to suit your preferences.
The Simplicity and Versatility of a No-Bake Cheesecake
No-bake cheesecakes like this banoffee version have surged in popularity because they require minimal effort and avoid the risk of baking mishaps. Since the cheesecake layer is set by chilling rather than baking, you don’t have to worry about cracking, overcooking, or uneven texture, which can sometimes be an issue with baked cheesecakes.
This method allows for a lighter, more mousse-like texture while still being luxuriously creamy. It’s perfect for warmer weather or when you want to keep your kitchen cool. Additionally, because it doesn’t rely on eggs or baking, it’s simpler for beginner cooks and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for entertaining.
Banoffee cheesecake is also a versatile base dessert that invites customization. You can swap the digestive biscuit crust for other types such as graham crackers or even gluten-free biscuits if needed. The caramel layer can be homemade or store-bought dulce de leche for convenience. You can also adjust the toppings—adding nuts for crunch, drizzling with chocolate, or sprinkling with sea salt to enhance the caramel’s flavor.
Nutritional Considerations
While banoffee cheesecake is undeniably indulgent, it’s helpful to understand its nutritional profile, especially if you want to enjoy it mindfully. The dessert is rich in fats and sugars due to the cream cheese, double cream, caramel, and biscuits. These ingredients contribute to its creamy texture and deep flavors but also make it a high-calorie treat.
Serving sizes should be moderate, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake or sugar levels. However, this dessert can be part of a balanced lifestyle when enjoyed occasionally and alongside healthier meals. Some variations of the recipe allow for lighter versions, such as using reduced-fat cream cheese or substituting the caramel with a homemade sauce made from dates or natural sweeteners.
How to Serve and Pair Banoffee Cheesecake
Banoffee cheesecake is an excellent centerpiece dessert for special occasions, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers. Its rich flavor and creamy texture mean it pairs well with lighter drinks or accompaniments to balance the palate.
For serving, a simple dusting of cocoa powder, a few fresh banana slices, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can add visual appeal and texture contrast. Some also like to drizzle a little extra caramel or chocolate sauce on top for an even more indulgent presentation.
When it comes to drink pairings, a good coffee or espresso complements the caramel and banana notes perfectly. Alternatively, a sweet dessert wine, such as a late harvest Riesling or a Moscato, can enhance the richness of the cheesecake. For a non-alcoholic option, a spiced chai or a warm vanilla tea also makes an excellent pairing.
Tips for the Best Banoffee Cheesecake
To get the best results, it’s important to use ripe but firm bananas so they hold their shape and don’t turn mushy or overly sweet. The biscuit base should be pressed firmly to avoid crumbling when slicing. When folding the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, do so gently to retain as much air as possible for a light texture.
Chilling time is crucial; giving the cheesecake enough time to set (at least 4 hours, preferably overnight) ensures it slices cleanly and holds its structure on the plate. If you want a cleaner look, run a warm knife around the edges before releasing the springform tin.
For a decorative finish, consider adding grated chocolate or chocolate shavings, as the slight bitterness of the chocolate contrasts nicely with the sweet caramel and banana layers. A sprinkle of sea salt flakes on the caramel can also add a sophisticated twist, enhancing the flavor complexity.
Conclusion
Banoffee cheesecake is a wonderfully indulgent dessert that brings together the classic flavors of banana and caramel with the creamy richness of cheesecake. Its no-bake nature makes it simple to prepare, requiring minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or just craving a sweet treat, this dessert offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes that appeal to a wide range of palates.
Its versatility in preparation and presentation means it can be tailored to suit dietary needs and personal preferences, making it a timeless favorite for dessert lovers everywhere. Rich yet refreshing, easy yet elegant, banoffee cheesecake holds a special place in the world of sweet treats—and once you try it, you’ll understand why.
Enjoy creating this luscious dessert in your own kitchen and delight your friends and family with every luscious bite!