No-Bake Peanut Butter and Banana Cheesecake Cups
Creamy no-bake cheesecake cups layered with peanut butter and fresh banana slices, perfect for quick indulgence without an oven. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers softened cream cheese, smooth peanut butter, powdered sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz, softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 medium, sliced ripe banana
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 4 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp, for garnish chopped peanuts
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter, 1/3 cup powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2: In a separate chilled bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream to stiff peaks using an electric mixer on high speed, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 3: Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until fully combined and fluffy.
- Step 4: Combine 1 cup graham cracker crumbs with 4 tbsp melted unsalted butter in a small bowl, stirring until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Step 5: Spoon 2 tbsp of the graham cracker crust into the bottom of each of 4 serving cups, pressing down gently to form a base.
- Step 6: Add a layer of sliced banana (about 3-4 slices) over the crust, then spoon in 1/4 of the peanut butter cheesecake filling.
- Step 7: Repeat layers if desired, finishing with a layer of filling on top.
- Step 8: Chill the cups in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set. Just before serving, sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped peanuts evenly over the top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Peanut Butter and Banana Cheesecake Cups take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover No-Bake Peanut Butter and Banana Cheesecake Cups?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in No-Bake Peanut Butter and Banana Cheesecake Cups?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale No-Bake Peanut Butter and Banana Cheesecake Cups for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with No-Bake Peanut Butter and Banana Cheesecake Cups?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
