Description
Rich, creamy, buttery, and bursting with caramelized banana flavor—banana foster cheesecake is the dreamy dessert mashup you didn’t know you were missing. Imagine the decadence of classic New York-style cheesecake paired with the flair of Bananas Foster: flambéed bananas, brown sugar, rum, and butter. It’s a dessert made for celebrations but easy enough to whip up for a weekend treat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Banana Foster Topping:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 ripe but firm bananas, sliced
- 2 tbsp dark rum (or 1 tsp rum extract)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prep the Oven & Pan: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment and grease lightly.
- Make the Crust: Mix graham crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter. Press into the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Set aside.
- Make the Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, eggs (one at a time), vanilla, and sour cream. Mix until creamy.
- Bake: Pour filling over crust. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until center is set but slightly jiggly. Let cool for 1 hour, then chill 4+ hours.
- Make Banana Foster Topping: In a skillet, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon. Add banana slices and cook for 2–3 minutes. Stir in rum and vanilla. Cook 1–2 more minutes.
- Assemble & Serve: Spoon warm topping over chilled cheesecake. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Notes
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Room temperature ingredients: For the creamiest cheesecake filling, make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This helps prevent lumps and ensures smooth texture.
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Phyllo dough handling: If using phyllo or any delicate layers (if applicable), keep sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out during assembly.
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Alcohol alternatives: If you prefer to avoid alcohol, substitute rum with rum extract or apple juice for a similar flavor without the alcohol content.
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Banana ripeness: Use ripe but firm bananas for the topping to avoid mushiness. Overripe bananas may become too soft and watery.
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Storage: Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This cheesecake can also be frozen before adding the banana topping—freeze wrapped well, thaw overnight, and add topping fresh before serving.
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Toppings: Feel free to customize your cheesecake with toasted pecans, walnuts, or a drizzle of dark chocolate for extra indulgence.
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Water bath tip: Baking the cheesecake in a water bath helps prevent cracking and promotes even cooking, but it’s optional for this recipe.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American (with Southern influence)