Creamy Banana Caramel Cups

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12-16 cups (depending on size)

Ingredients:

For the Caramel Layer:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Banana Filling:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped until stiff peaks form

For the Cups:

• 12-16 mini graham cracker crusts (store-bought or homemade, or use cookie crumbs)
• Whipped cream, for topping (optional)
• Caramel drizzle, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Caramel Layer

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Once the butter is melted, stir in the brown sugar and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Carefully pour in the heavy cream while continuing to stir. The mixture will bubble up. Let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
5. Set the caramel aside to cool for a few minutes. Spoon a small amount of the caramel mixture (about 1-2 teaspoons) into the bottom of each mini graham cracker crust. You can place the crusts on a tray lined with parchment paper to avoid mess.
6. Chill the caramel-filled crusts in the refrigerator while you prepare the banana filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Banana Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. You can leave some small chunks for texture, or mash until smooth, depending on your preference.
2. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add the mashed bananas, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon (if using) to the cream cheese mixture. Stir to combine.
4. Gently fold in the whipped heavy cream until everything is well combined and the filling is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Assemble the Cups

1. Spoon the banana filling on top of the caramel layer in each graham cracker crust. Use a spoon or small spatula to smooth the filling into an even layer.
2. Place the assembled banana caramel cups in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to set and the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

1. Once the cups are chilled and set, you can top them with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
2. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce over the whipped cream or directly on the filling for an extra touch of sweetness and flavor.
3. Serve the banana caramel cups chilled and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This recipe makes about 12-16 servings, depending on the size of the cups. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per cup (based on 12 servings):

Calories: 230-280 kcal
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 120mg
Calcium: 4% of the Daily Value (DV)
Iron: 2% of the DV

Nutritional Breakdown:

• Calories: The calories in these banana caramel cups come mainly from the cream cheese, heavy cream, and caramel. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can try reducing the amount of caramel or using lighter versions of the dairy ingredients.
• Protein: Each cup contains a small amount of protein from the cream cheese and whipped cream, though it’s not a significant source of protein.
• Carbohydrates: The majority of the carbs come from the graham cracker crust, sugar, and bananas. The bananas contribute a bit of fiber and natural sugar to balance the sweetness.
• Fat: These cups are relatively high in fat, largely due to the butter, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Using lighter dairy options or reducing the butter can help lower the fat content.
• Sodium: The sodium content is moderate, mainly from the cream cheese and butter. If you’re watching sodium intake, you can use unsalted butter and adjust the amount of salt added to the caramel.
• Vitamins and Minerals: The bananas provide a small amount of potassium and vitamin C. The dairy in the cream cheese and whipped cream offers calcium and other essential minerals.

Tips for Customization:

1. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers or cookie crumbs for the crust to make this recipe gluten-free.
2. Nut-Free: If you need a nut-free version, be sure to check that your graham crackers are free from any nut contamination. You can also use a cookie crust made from vanilla wafers or shortbread.
3. Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, use non-dairy cream cheese and coconut cream in place of the whipped cream. You can also make a dairy-free caramel by using coconut milk and dairy-free butter.
4. Add Chocolate: If you’re a fan of chocolate, you can drizzle a bit of melted chocolate over the top of the whipped cream or add chocolate chips into the banana filling for an extra layer of flavor.
5. Banana Chips: For added texture, top each cup with a few crispy banana chips or sliced fresh banana.

Conclusion:

These Creamy Banana Caramel Cups are the perfect dessert for banana and caramel lovers. The combination of smooth banana filling, gooey caramel, and a crunchy graham cracker crust makes for an unforgettable treat. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering, preparing a special treat for the family, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these little cups will become an instant favorite. Enjoy!