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Rich Banana Cheesecake

Featured in Irresistible Sweet Treats.

This showstopping dessert transforms classic bananas foster into cheesecake form. A cinnamon-spiced cookie crust holds creamy banana filling, topped with rum-flamed caramel bananas and whipped cream. While it takes time to prepare, most is cooling time for perfect texture.

Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:10:19 GMT
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A slice of banana cream pie topped with banana slices and caramel drizzled over a graham cracker crust. Pin it
A slice of banana cream pie topped with banana slices and caramel drizzled over a graham cracker crust. | recipesbyclare.com

Bananas Foster Cheesecake is a decadent dessert featuring a creamy banana-flavored filling, a cinnamon cookie crumb crust, and a rich bananas foster topping. Combining the warmth of brown sugar, cinnamon, and rum with the sweetness of bananas, this cheesecake is an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This cheesecake is a showstopper with its luxurious texture and layered flavors. The combination of spiced banana filling and caramelized bananas foster topping creates a harmonious balance of sweetness and warmth. It's the ultimate indulgence for banana and cheesecake lovers alike.

Essential Ingredients For Success

  • Crust Components:
    • Cinnamon cookie crumbs: 2 cups (240g) processed to 1/16-inch uniform pieces
    • Dark brown sugar: ¼ cup (50g) packed, moisture content 3-4%
    • Unsalted butter: 6 tablespoons (85g) melted at 165°F (74°C)
  • Filling Components:
    • Cream cheese: 24 oz (680g) at 65°F (18°C), full-fat (33% minimum)
    • Dark brown sugar: 1 cup (200g) packed, fresh with no lumps
    • Large eggs: 3 (150g) at 65°F (18°C)
    • Pure vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml)
    • Ground cinnamon: ½ teaspoon (1.3g) Ceylon variety
    • Ground nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon (0.5g) freshly grated
    • Dark rum: 2 tablespoons (30ml) 80 proof
    • Ripe bananas: 2 large (240g) mashed to smooth consistency
  • Topping Elements:
    • Unsalted butter: ¼ cup (57g) at 65°F (18°C)
    • Dark brown sugar: ½ cup (100g) packed
    • Ground cinnamon: ½ teaspoon (1.3g)
    • Ground nutmeg: ⅛ teaspoon (0.25g)
    • Heavy cream: ¼ cup (60ml) at 40°F (4°C), 36% fat minimum
    • Dark rum: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
    • Firm bananas: 2 large (240g) sliced ½-inch thick

Step By Step Instructions

Environment Preparation
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C), verified with separate thermometer. Position rack in center. Prepare 9-inch springform pan with parchment liner. Room temperature should be 68-72°F (20-22°C) with humidity below 60%.
Crust Development
Combine crumbs with sugar. Add melted butter at 165°F (74°C). Press into pan base with flat-bottomed glass. Compact to 1/4-inch thickness. Bake 10 minutes until set. Cool to 75°F (24°C).
Filling Creation
Beat cream cheese until smooth (3 minutes). Gradually add sugar until dissolved. Add eggs individually, mixing 30 seconds each. Incorporate flavorings and mashed bananas. Final temperature should be 68-70°F (20-21°C).
Water Bath Assembly
Wrap springform pan in three layers of heavy-duty foil. Place in roasting pan. Pour filling into crust. Add water at 180°F (82°C) halfway up sides.
Baking Protocol
Bake 60-70 minutes until edge is set but center maintains 2-inch wobble. Internal temperature should reach 150°F (66°C). Surface should be matte with no browning.
Cooling Process
Cool in oven 1 hour with door ajar. Remove from water bath at 120°F (49°C). Chill 4 hours minimum to 40°F (4°C).
Topping Development
Heat butter and sugar in heavy skillet to 240°F (116°C). Add spices and cream, maintain temperature at 220°F (104°C). Add rum, ignite and cook off alcohol. Add bananas when sauce reaches 200°F (93°C).
Final Assembly
Pour warm topping (170°F/77°C) over chilled cheesecake. Arrange banana slices decoratively. Chill 30 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth filling. Use a water bath to prevent cracking and maintain a creamy texture. For the topping, use ripe but firm bananas to hold their shape during cooking.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze without the topping for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding the bananas foster topping.

Variations and Customizations

Substitute the crust with graham crackers or vanilla wafer crumbs for a different base. Add a splash of banana liqueur to the filling for enhanced flavor. Swap dark rum with bourbon or omit it entirely for an alcohol-free version.

A sliced banana cheesecake topped with caramel sauce and banana slices sits on a black plate. Pin it
A sliced banana cheesecake topped with caramel sauce and banana slices sits on a black plate. | recipesbyclare.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve Bananas Foster Cheesecake as a stunning dessert centerpiece at parties or family gatherings. Pair with coffee or a dessert wine to complement the rich flavors. Garnish with whipped cream or caramel sauce for added decadence.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use a water bath?

The water bath provides gentle, even heat that prevents cracking and helps achieve perfect texture.

→ Can I skip the rum?

Yes, though it adds classic flavor. Replace with rum extract for flavor without alcohol, or omit entirely.

→ Why cool the cheesecake so slowly?

Gradual cooling prevents cracking and ensures proper texture. Quick temperature changes can cause sinking or cracks.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Make cheesecake 1-2 days ahead, but add bananas foster topping just before serving as bananas can brown.

→ Why light the rum?

Flaming burns off alcohol while leaving flavor. It's traditional for bananas foster but can be skipped if preferred.

Bananas Foster Cake

A decadent cheesecake that combines creamy banana filling with classic bananas foster topping. Rich brown sugar and rum flavors in every layer.

Prep Time
120 Minutes
Cook Time
120 Minutes
Total Time
240 Minutes

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2¼ cups vanilla wafer crumbs.
02 ½ cup salted butter, melted.
03 5 tablespoons light brown sugar.
04 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
05 24 ounces cream cheese, room temperature.
06 1 cup brown sugar.
07 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
08 1 cup mashed ripe bananas.
09 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon.
10 ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg.
11 2 tablespoons dark rum.
12 3 large eggs, room temperature.
13 ¼ cup salted butter.
14 ½ cup light brown sugar.
15 ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg.
16 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon.
17 1 tablespoon heavy cream.
18 2 tablespoons dark rum.
19 2 medium bananas, sliced.
20 ½ cup heavy cream, cold.
21 ¼ cup powdered sugar.
22 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon.

Instructions

Step 01

Bake at 325°F for 10 minutes.

Step 02

Lower the oven temperature to 300°F.

Step 03

Beat cream cheese, sugar, and flour until smooth.

Step 04

Add bananas, spices, and rum to the mixture.

Step 05

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly between each addition.

Step 06

Pour the mixture into the prepared crust.

Step 07

Bake in a water bath for 1 hour.

Step 08

Cool in the oven for 1 hour with the door closed or cracked.

Step 09

Chill in the refrigerator for 6-7 hours.

Step 10

Prepare bananas foster topping by cooking the ingredients and carefully flaming the rum.

Step 11

Cook the topping mixture until thickened.

Step 12

Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and cinnamon until peaks form.

Step 13

Add the bananas foster topping and whipped cream to the chilled cake.

Notes

  1. Use water bath to prevent cracks.
  2. Cool gradually for best texture.
  3. Best eaten within 2-3 days due to fresh bananas on top.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9-inch springform pan.
  • Stand mixer.
  • Large roasting pan.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Aluminum foil.
  • Kitchen lighter.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Wheat (flour).
  • Milk (cream cheese, cream).
  • Eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 370
  • Total Fat: 21 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 40 g
  • Protein: 6 g