Dreamy Bananas Foster Cheesecake Recipe: Sweet Caramel Bliss

Creamy cheesecake meets a classic New Orleans dessert in this decadent bananas foster cheesecake recipe that promises pure indulgence.

The rich, caramelized banana flavor weaves through a velvety cream cheese base, creating a dessert that’s both elegant and comforting.

Warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg dance alongside sweet rum-soaked bananas, elevating each delectable bite.

The graham cracker crust provides a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the silky smooth filling.

Dark caramel drizzles add a luxurious touch to this show-stopping dessert.

Layers of flavor and texture make this cheesecake a true celebration of culinary creativity.

Prepare to impress everyone at your next gathering with this irresistible sweet sensation.

What Makes Rich Banana Cheesecake So Tempting

• Elevate Baking Skills: Perfect for intermediate bakers looking to challenge themselves with a gourmet dessert that requires precise techniques like water bath baking and careful mixing.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Fusion: Combines classic cheesecake with rich banana and rum notes, creating a sophisticated dessert that impresses guests at dinner parties or special celebrations.
• Decadent Layered Experience: Features multiple components including a carefully prepared crust, creamy filling, bananas foster topping, and homemade whipped cream, delivering complex textures and flavors in every bite.
• Make-Ahead Dessert Superstar: Requires advanced preparation with chilling time, making it ideal for planners who love to have desserts ready before guests arrive, reducing last-minute kitchen stress.

Rich Banana Cheesecake – Ingredient Essentials

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
• Butter: Helps bind the crumbs together and adds richness to the crust.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates the smooth and creamy texture of the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tangy cream cheese.
• Flour: Helps stabilize the cheesecake and prevent cracking.
• Bananas: Provides natural sweetness and a rich banana flavor to the filling.
• Rum: Adds depth and complexity to the banana flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the banana flavor.
• Eggs: Bind the filling and create a smooth, custard-like texture.

• Butter, Brown Sugar: Create a caramelized base for the bananas foster topping.
• Bananas: Fresh fruit that adds extra flavor and visual appeal.
• Rum: Used for flambéing and adding a rich, deep flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a light and fluffy whipped cream topping.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm spice to the whipped cream.

Steps to Make a Rich Banana Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare Graham Cracker Crust

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs.

Mix with melted butter until well combined.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan.

Create an even layer that covers the entire base of the pan.

Step 2: Initial Baking Process

Place the crust in a preheated oven at 325°F.

Bake for 10 minutes to set the crust.

Remove and let cool while preparing the filling.

Step 3: Create Smooth Cream Cheese Base

• Cream cheese
• Granulated sugar
• All-purpose flour

Beat the ingredients using an electric mixer until completely smooth and free of lumps.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.

Step 4: Develop Banana Flavor Profile

Mash ripe bananas until completely smooth.

• Ground cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Dark rum

Mix thoroughly to distribute the banana and spices evenly throughout the batter.

Step 5: Integrate Eggs Carefully

Add eggs one at a time to the banana cream cheese mixture.

Mix on low speed after each addition.

Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

This prevents overmixing and keeps the cheesecake texture light and creamy.

Step 6: Fill Prepared Crust

Pour the banana cheesecake batter into the pre-baked graham cracker crust.

Smooth the top with a spatula to create an even surface.

Step 7: Create Water Bath Baking Method

Wrap the outside of the springform pan with aluminum foil.

Place the pan in a larger baking dish.

Fill the larger dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan.

Carefully transfer to a preheated oven at 300°F.

Step 8: Slow Baking Process

Bake the cheesecake for approximately 1 hour.

The center should have a slight jiggle but appear set around the edges.

Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open.

Step 9: Extended Cooling Method

Allow the cheesecake to cool inside the oven for an additional hour.

This gradual cooling prevents cracking and helps create a smooth texture.

Step 10: Refrigerate Completely

Transfer the cooled cheesecake to the refrigerator.

Chill for 6-7 hours or overnight to set completely.

Step 11: Prepare Bananas Foster Topping

• Brown sugar
• Butter
• Banana slices
• Dark rum

Cook until the mixture begins to caramelize.

Carefully flame the rum to enhance the flavor.

Step 12: Create Whipped Cream Topping

• Heavy cream
• Powdered sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Beat until stiff peaks form and the cream holds its shape.

Step 13: Final Decoration

Spread the bananas foster topping over the chilled cheesecake.

Pipe or spread the whipped cream around the edges.

Garnish with additional banana slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

Banana Cheesecake: Tips from the Pros

• Bake cheesecake in a water bath to create gentle, even heat and prevent surface cracks.
• Use overripe bananas for deeper, more intense banana taste and natural sweetness.
• Beat cream cheese at room temperature to ensure smooth, lump-free filling without overmixing.
• Choose dark rum for richer flavor or substitute with banana liqueur for enhanced banana profile.
• Leave cheesecake in oven after baking with door slightly open to prevent sudden temperature changes and maintain creamy texture.

Banana Cheesecake – Fun and Flavorful Variations

• Gluten-Free Banana Cheesecake: Replace graham cracker crust with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Banana Cream Cake: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream, use coconut whipped cream, and replace eggs with flax eggs or silken tofu.
• Low-Sugar Banana Cheesecake: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, incorporate Greek yogurt for added protein and reduced calories.
• Tropical Banana Coconut Cheesecake: Add shredded coconut to the crust, mix coconut extract into the filling, and garnish with toasted coconut flakes for a Caribbean-inspired dessert.

How to Serve Banana Cheesecake for Any Occasion

• Tropical Rum Twist: Serve with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes and a small shot of dark rum on the side for an authentic Caribbean-inspired dessert experience.
• Brunch Elegance: Pair with fresh coffee or a mimosa, creating a decadent weekend morning treat that transforms an ordinary breakfast into a luxurious celebration.
• Seasonal Garnish Delight: Top with caramelized banana slices, a dusting of cinnamon, and a drizzle of warm caramel sauce to enhance the cake's rich banana flavor profile.
• Plating Perfection: Use a clean white plate, create an artistic swirl of whipped cream, and place a perfectly cut cheesecake slice diagonally for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Keeping Rich Banana Cheesecake Fresh

• – Refrigerate Tightly wrap the cheesecake in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and absorb other food odors.
• – Preserve Freshness Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its creamy texture and delightful flavor.
• – Freeze Wisely Wrap the cheesecake carefully in multiple layers of plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month to enjoy later.
• – Thaw Gently Remove the cheesecake from the freezer and let it thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight, preserving its smooth consistency and preventing condensation.

FAQs

• Why use a water bath when baking cheesecake?

Water bath helps prevent cracking by creating a humid environment and ensuring even, gentle heat distribution around the delicate cheesecake.

• Can I substitute rum in the recipe?

Yes, you can use vanilla extract or banana liqueur as alternatives. If avoiding alcohol completely, simply omit it without replacing.

• How do I know when the cheesecake is properly baked?

The edges should be set but the center slightly jiggly. When gently shaken, the cake should have a slight wobble like soft pudding, not liquid movement.

• What makes bananas foster topping special for this cheesecake?

The caramelized bananas with rum create a rich, complex flavor that complements the creamy cheesecake, adding depth and a luxurious touch to the dessert.

Bananas Foster Cheesecake Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy cheesecake meets classic New Orleans dessert in this irresistible Bananas Foster Cheesecake that blends rich caramel, warm spices, and smooth cream cheese. Indulgent layers promise a delightful journey through sweet, buttery flavors you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup (240 grams) mashed ripe bananas
• 2 medium bananas, sliced

Crust Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups (280 grams) vanilla wafer crumbs
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) salted butter, melted
• 5 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons dark rum
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) salted butter
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) light brown sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons dark rum
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, cold
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Craft a buttery graham cracker crust by combining crumbs and pressing into a springform pan, then bake at 325°F for 10 minutes to set the base.
2. Reduce oven temperature to 300°F, preparing for the cheesecake’s delicate baking process.
3. Blend cream cheese until velvety smooth, gradually incorporating sugar and flour to create a silky foundation.
4. Fold mashed ripe bananas into the cream cheese mixture, enhancing with warm spices and a splash of dark rum for depth of flavor.
5. Gently introduce eggs one at a time, carefully mixing after each addition to maintain a luxurious, even texture.
6. Carefully transfer the banana-infused filling into the pre-baked crust, ensuring an even distribution.
7. Position the cheesecake in a water bath and bake for approximately 1 hour, maintaining a consistent low temperature.
8. Allow the cheesecake to rest inside the oven for 1 hour after baking, with the door slightly ajar or closed to prevent cracking.
9. Refrigerate the cheesecake for 6-7 hours, allowing it to set and develop a rich, creamy consistency.
10. Create a decadent bananas foster topping by caramelizing bananas with butter, brown sugar, and rum in a skillet.
11. Carefully flame the rum and continue cooking until the topping reaches a thick, glossy consistency.
12. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and a hint of cinnamon until soft, billowy peaks form.
13. Embellish the chilled cheesecake with the warm bananas foster topping and dollops of spiced whipped cream before serving.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, lump-free mixing and even baking of the cheesecake.
• Crush graham crackers finely for a compact, crisp crust that holds together perfectly when sliced.
• Prevent cracks by avoiding overmixing and using a water bath during baking, which creates gentle, even heat.
• Swap rum with vanilla extract for a kid-friendly version or non-alcoholic alternative that maintains rich flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg