Bananas Foster Cheesecake

Bananas Foster Cheesecake blends the creamy, rich texture of cheesecake with the delightful flavors of the classic dessert, Bananas Foster. This tasty dessert features a crunchy vanilla wafer crust, a smooth banana-infused cheesecake filling, and a sweet, caramelized banana topping. Whether for a special occasion or just a Saturday treat, this cheesecake is sure to impress!

Why Make This Recipe

You should make Bananas Foster Cheesecake because it combines two beloved desserts into one delicious treat. It has a unique flavor from ripe bananas and a hint of dark rum. This cheesecake stands out at gatherings or celebrations, making it a fun way to enjoy a classic dish. Plus, it’s perfect for those who love both cheesecake and bananas!

How to Make Bananas Foster Cheesecake

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups (302g) vanilla wafer crumbs
1/2 cup (112g) salted butter, melted
5 tbsp (45g) light brown sugar, loosely packed
1 tsp ground cinnamon
24 ounces (678g) cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup (144g) brown sugar, loosely packed
3 tbsp (24g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (240ml) mashed ripe bananas (2–3 bananas)
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tbsp (30ml) dark rum
3 large eggs, room temperature
1/4 cup (56g) salted butter
1/2 cup (113g) light brown sugar, packed
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp (15ml) heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp (30ml) dark rum
2 medium bananas, sliced into coins
1/2 cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
1/4 cup (29g) powdered sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions:

Prepare the Crust: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan. Mix vanilla wafer crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Press this mixture into the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let the crust cool.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: Lower the oven temperature to 300°F (148°C). Blend cream cheese, brown sugar, and flour until smooth. Add in mashed bananas, cinnamon, nutmeg, and dark rum. Mix in eggs one at a time. Pour this mixture into the cooled crust and bake in a water bath for 1 hour. After baking, let it cool gradually in the oven for 1 hour. Then, refrigerate it for 6-7 hours.
Prepare the Bananas Foster Topping: In a pan, melt butter. Add brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and heavy cream. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Carefully add rum and swirl until the flames burn out. Add sliced bananas and cook for 1-2 minutes. Let the sauce cool.
Prepare the Whipped Cream: Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and cinnamon until stiff peaks form.
Assemble: Remove the cheesecake from the pan. Pipe the whipped cream around the edges and spoon the bananas foster topping over the center. Refrigerate until you are ready to serve.

How to Serve Bananas Foster Cheesecake

Serve your Bananas Foster Cheesecake chilled. You can slice it into wedges and place it on dessert plates. The whipped cream and bananas foster topping will add a lovely presentation and extra flavor!

How to Store Bananas Foster Cheesecake

Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3-5 days. Make sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors from the fridge.

Tips to Make Bananas Foster Cheesecake

Use ripe bananas for better flavor. They should be soft and speckled.
Let the cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing for a smoother filling.
For a simpler drizzle, you can use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making the bananas foster topping.

Variation

You can add crushed nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the crust for added crunch. You could also layer chocolate ganache before adding the cheesecake filling for a chocolate twist!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different crust?
Yes, you can use a graham cracker crust instead of vanilla wafer crumbs if you prefer.

2. Is there a non-alcoholic version of this recipe?
You can omit the dark rum or substitute it with a banana extract for flavor without the alcohol.

3. Can I freeze Bananas Foster Cheesecake?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just ensure it is well-wrapped. Thaw it in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy.