If you love rich, creamy cheesecake and caramelized bananas, this Bananas Foster Cheesecake is a dessert dream! This indulgent treat fuses the classic New Orleans Bananas Foster with a velvety cheesecake, creating a show-stopping dessert perfect for any occasion.
This recipe captures the essence of Brennan’s Bananas Foster, a famous dessert that originated in New Orleans. If you’re curious about its history, learn more here. The magic happens when ripe bananas are sautéed in butter, brown sugar, and rum, then flambéed to create a deep caramelized flavor. This boozy banana topping perfectly complements the rich cheesecake base. If you’ve never flambéed before, don’t worry—here’s a guide to flambéing safely.
Why You’ll Love This Bananas Foster Cheesecake
Perfect Flavor Balance
- A creamy, decadent cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust.
- Caramelized banana topping with hints of rum, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Inspired by a Classic New Orleans Dessert
- A modern take on the famous Brennan’s Bananas Foster.
- A showstopper dessert that’s perfect for holidays and celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup melted butter
The Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
The Bananas Foster Topping:
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp dark rum (or banana liqueur)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Graham Cracker Crust
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter in a bowl.
- Press into a springform pan, covering the bottom evenly.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then cool.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, mix cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently.
- Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream.
- Spread over the cooled crust and smooth the surface.
Bake the Cheesecake in a Water Bath
- Cover the bottom of the pan with aluminum foil to prevent leaks.
- Place the pan in a larger baking dish and pour in hot water (1 inch deep).
- Bake for 60 minutes or until the center is slightly jiggly.
- Switch off the oven and let the cheesecake rest inside with the door slightly ajar.
Make the Bananas Foster Topping
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon until bubbly.
- Add sliced bananas and cook until caramelized.
- Pour in rum and carefully ignite with a long lighter (optional).
- Let the flames die, then spoon the topping over the cooled cheesecake.
Expert Tips for the Best Cheesecake
- Use a water bath (prevents cracks and keeps the texture silky).
- Don’t overmix the batter (it prevents air bubbles and sinking).
- Chill overnight (enhances flavors and sets the cheesecake).
- Flambé with caution (alcohol burns off quickly, leaving a deep caramelized taste).
For more cheesecake inspiration, check out this Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake, which features a nostalgic and crunchy topping!
How to Store & Serve Bananas Foster Cheesecake
Storage Tips:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
- Freeze without the topping for up to two months.
- Warm the topping separately before serving.
Best Ways to Serve:
- Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Drizzle with extra caramel sauce for indulgence.
Serve alongside Black and White Chocolate Chip Cookies for a rich and indulgent dessert pairing.
FAQs – People Also Ask
1. Can I make Bananas Foster Cheesecake without alcohol?
Yes! Replace rum with banana extract or maple syrup for a non-alcoholic version.
2. What are the best ways to prevent my cheesecake from cracking?
- Use a water bath for even baking.
- Avoid overmixing the batter.
- Let it cool gradually in the oven.
3. Can I prepare this cheesecake in advance?
Absolutely! Make it 24-48 hours ahead, then add the topping before serving.
Final Thoughts – Why You Need to Try This Recipe
Bananas Foster Cheesecake is the ultimate fusion dessert—combining rich, creamy cheesecake with boozy, caramelized bananas. Whether celebrating a special occasion or treating yourself, this dessert is a guaranteed showstopper.
So, grab your ingredients and start baking! In the comments, let us know how your Bananas Foster Cheesecake turns out!
Bananas Foster Cheesecake
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
For the Bananas Foster Topping:
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp dark rum (or banana liqueur)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Optional
For Garnish:
- Whipped cream
- Caramel sauce
- Toasted pecans
Instructions
Make the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Mix graham crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter. Press into a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake 10 minutes, then cool.
Prepare Filling:
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time.
- Mix in vanilla and sour cream. Pour over crust.
Bake (Water Bath Method):
- Wrap pan bottom in foil. Place in a roasting pan with 1 inch hot water.
- Bake 55-65 minutes until edges are set but center jiggles slightly.
- Turn off oven; let cheesecake cool inside with door ajar for 1 hour.
Make Topping:
- Melt butter in a skillet. Add brown sugar and cinnamon; simmer 2 minutes.
- Add bananas; cook 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat, add rum, and carefully flambé (optional).
- Cool slightly before topping cheesecake.
Chill & Serve:
- Refrigerate cheesecake 6+ hours (overnight best).
- Add bananas foster topping before serving. Garnish with whipped cream and caramel.
Notes
-
Storage:
- Fridge: Up to 5 days (cover loosely).
- Freeze: Without topping for 2 months. Thaw overnight.
- Alcohol-Free: Substitute rum with 1 tbsp banana extract + 1 tbsp water.
- Tip: Use room-temperature ingredients to prevent cracks.
