Bananas Foster Cheesecake

Oh wow, have you ever had that perfect bite of cheesecake that just melts in your mouth? Now imagine that, but with rich caramelized bananas, warm brown sugar, and a hint of rum. That’s Bananas Foster Cheesecake—creamy, dreamy, and absolutely irresistible.

I still remember the first time I made this. The moment that buttery banana topping hit the cheesecake, I knew I had something special. It’s like classic Bananas Foster and silky cheesecake had the best dessert baby ever.

The best part? You don’t need fancy skills to make this. If you love cheesecake and bananas, you’re in for a treat. This recipe is foolproof, and every slice feels like a little bit of heaven.

So, grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let’s get baking! Trust me, this one’s a keeper. You’ll want to make it again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Luxuriously Creamy: The smooth, velvety cheesecake melts in your mouth.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Sweet bananas, warm spices, and a hint of rum create a harmonious blend.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: A favorite for banana lovers and cheesecake enthusiasts alike.
• Impressive Yet Simple: Despite its gourmet appeal, this recipe is straightforward to make.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for preparing in advance, as the flavors intensify overnight.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Cooling & Chilling Time: At least 6 hours (preferably overnight)
• Total Time: About 7 hours

Servings:

• This cheesecake serves 10-12 slices, making it perfect for gatherings.

Difficulty:

• Intermediate: Some baking experience is helpful, but the steps are easy to follow.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you start, make sure you have the following tools:
✔ 9-inch springform pan
✔ Mixing bowls
✔ Electric mixer or stand mixer
✔ Spatula
✔ Measuring cups and spoons
✔ Whisk
✔ Saucepan
✔ Baking sheet
✔ Aluminum foil (for water bath)

Ingredients for the Crust

Here’s what you’ll need for the perfect graham cracker crust:

• 1 ¾ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

How to Make the Graham Cracker Crust

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Mix the Crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
3. Press into Pan: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan, creating an even layer.
4. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Ingredients for the Cheesecake Filling

For a rich and creamy banana-infused cheesecake, you’ll need:

• 24 ounces (3 blocks) full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream, at room temperature
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

How to Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. Prepare the Batter

1. Beat the Cream Cheese & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and brown sugar together until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes). Scrape down the sides as needed.
2. Add Spices & Vanilla: Mix in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until combined.

2. Add the Wet Ingredients

3. Incorporate the Sour Cream & Bananas: Gently mix in the sour cream and mashed bananas, ensuring everything is well blended but not over-mixed.
4. Add the Eggs & Cornstarch: Add eggs one at a time, beating on low speed just until combined. Finally, mix in the cornstarch until fully incorporated.

3. Prepare for Baking

5. Pour the Batter: Carefully pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust in the springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6. Tap Out Air Bubbles: Gently tap the pan on the counter to remove any trapped air bubbles.

How to Bake the Cheesecake

1. Prepare a Water Bath (Bain-Marie)

A water bath helps prevent cracks and ensures even baking.

1. Wrap the Pan: Tightly wrap the bottom and sides of the springform pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in.
2. Boil Water: Bring a kettle of water to a boil.
3. Set Up the Water Bath: Place the foil-wrapped cheesecake pan inside a large roasting pan. Carefully pour the boiling water into the roasting pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan.

2. Bake the Cheesecake

4. Bake: Place the cheesecake in a preheated 325°F (163°C) oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. The center should be slightly jiggly but set.
5. Turn Off the Oven: Once baked, turn off the oven and crack the oven door slightly. Let the cheesecake sit inside for 1 hour to cool gradually.

3. Chill the Cheesecake

6. Cool Completely: Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and allow it to cool to room temperature.
7. Refrigerate: Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours (preferably overnight) to allow the flavors to develop.

Ingredients for the Bananas Foster Topping

For the rich, caramelized banana topping, you’ll need:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 2 ripe bananas, sliced
• 2 tablespoons dark rum (optional)

How to Make the Bananas Foster Topping

1. Caramelize the Sugar

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add Brown Sugar & Cinnamon: Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sugar starts to dissolve.

2. Add Cream & Bananas

3. Incorporate Heavy Cream & Vanilla: Slowly stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. The mixture will start to bubble slightly.
4. Add the Bananas: Gently add the banana slices and cook for 1-2 minutes, flipping once to coat them in the caramel sauce.

3. Optional: Flambé with Rum

5. Flambé for a Classic Touch (Optional): If using rum, remove the pan from heat, add the rum, and carefully ignite with a long lighter. Let the flames burn off naturally, then return the pan to the heat and stir gently.

4. Cool Slightly & Top the Cheesecake

6. Let the Topping Cool Slightly: Allow the caramelized bananas to cool for about 5 minutes before spooning them over the chilled cheesecake.
7. Serve Immediately or Refrigerate: Serve right away for a warm topping or refrigerate to enjoy a chilled caramelized layer.

Serving and Decoration

Bananas Foster Cheesecake is best served slightly chilled, with the warm topping spooned over each slice. For a stunning presentation:

• Whipped Cream: Pipe fresh whipped cream around the edges.
• Extra Caramel Sauce: Drizzle additional caramel sauce for extra richness.
• Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: Sprinkle for a bit of crunch.
• Dusting of Cinnamon: A light sprinkle enhances the warm flavors.

How to Serve:

• Serve slices immediately after adding the topping for a warm, gooey finish.
• If topping is cold, reheat gently before serving.

Storing Bananas Foster Cheesecake

Refrigerator:

• Store without the topping for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
• Add the Bananas Foster topping just before serving.

Freezer:

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding the topping.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein
1 slice (1/12)	~420	45g	25g	7g

(Note: Nutrition values are approximate and depend on specific ingredient brands.)

Bananas Foster Cheesecake FAQs

1. Can I make this without alcohol?

Yes! Simply omit the rum and proceed with the recipe as usual. The caramelized bananas will still have a deep, rich flavor without the alcohol.

2. Can I use a different crust?

Absolutely! If you’re looking for an alternative, a vanilla wafer or Biscoff cookie crust adds a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Cheesecake actually tastes better after chilling for a day. Just prepare the cheesecake in advance and add the Bananas Foster topping right before serving.

4. How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

• Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing adds air bubbles that can cause cracks.
• Use a water bath. The steam from the water helps bake the cheesecake evenly.
• Let it cool gradually. Sudden temperature changes can cause cracking, so always let it cool in the oven first.

5. How can I store leftovers?

• Store without the topping for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Freeze individual slices (wrapped well) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.

Conclusion

Bananas Foster Cheesecake is the ultimate indulgence, combining the smooth, creamy texture of classic cheesecake with the rich, caramelized flavor of bananas foster. Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or just to satisfy a dessert craving, this cheesecake is sure to impress.

Try this recipe, and you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that everyone will love!