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Bananas Foster Cheesecake

This Bananas Foster Cheesecake combines a buttery cinnamon vanilla wafer crust with a creamy banana-spiced cheesecake filling and warm caramelized bananas. A cinnamon whipped cream topping adds a light finish to this rich dessert. With ripe bananas, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of dark rum, this cheesecake brings classic Bananas Foster flavors to every slice.

Ingredients

Crust

  • 2 1/4 cups (302g) vanilla wafer crumbs
  • 1/2 cup (112g) salted butter, melted
  • 5 tablespoons (45g) light brown sugar, loosely packed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cheesecake Filling

  • 24 ounces (678g) cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup (144g) brown sugar, loosely packed
  • 3 tablespoons (24g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240ml) mashed ripe bananas, about 2-3 medium bananas
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) dark rum
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature

Bananas Foster Topping

  • 1/4 cup (56g) salted butter
  • 1/2 cup (113g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) dark rum
  • 2 medium bananas, sliced into coins

Cinnamon Whipped Cream

  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1/4 cup (29g) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper if desired.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  3. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the springform pan.
  4. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while preparing the filling.

Make the Cheesecake Filling

  1. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and brown sugar on medium-low speed until smooth and creamy. Avoid overmixing.
  3. Add the flour, mashed bananas, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix just until combined.
  4. Pour in the dark rum and mix briefly.
  5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just incorporated.
  6. Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust and smooth the top.
  7. Bake for about 55-70 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle.
  8. Turn off the oven, crack the oven door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for about 30 minutes.
  9. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
  10. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, before decorating and serving.

Make the Bananas Foster Topping

  1. When ready to serve, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the brown sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Stir until the sugar begins to dissolve and the mixture becomes smooth and syrupy.
  3. Stir in the heavy whipping cream.
  4. Carefully add the dark rum and stir to combine. If flambéing, use caution and follow appropriate fire-safety precautions; otherwise, simply simmer the sauce for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Add the sliced bananas and gently cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until softened and coated in the caramel sauce.
  6. Remove from the heat and let the topping cool slightly.

Make the Cinnamon Whipped Cream

  1. Beat the cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and cinnamon in a chilled bowl until soft to medium peaks form.
  2. Do not overbeat the cream.

Assemble and Serve

  1. Carefully remove the chilled cheesecake from the springform pan and place it on a serving plate.
  2. Top with the cinnamon whipped cream.
  3. Spoon the warm or slightly cooled Bananas Foster topping over the cheesecake.
  4. Slice with a sharp knife and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas for the cheesecake filling because they provide the strongest natural banana flavor.
  • Make sure the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth cheesecake batter.
  • A slight jiggle in the center when the cheesecake comes out of the oven is normal. It will continue to set as it cools.
  • Chill the cheesecake for at least 6 hours before slicing for the cleanest pieces.
  • Prepare the Bananas Foster topping shortly before serving for the best texture.
  • If you prefer to avoid alcohol, replace the dark rum in both the filling and topping with a small amount of rum extract and additional cream or milk as needed.
  • Store leftover cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.