Can I make this cheesecake without alcohol?

You can skip the rum in both the filling and topping. For the filling, replace it with vanilla extract, and for the topping, use a splash of vanilla extract and a bit more cream for similar flavors.

Why does my cheesecake need a water bath?

The water bath provides gentle, even heat and moisture, helping your cheesecake bake without cracks. It's worth the extra effort for a perfectly smooth top.

How ripe should the bananas be for the filling?

Use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots for the filling - they're sweeter and more flavorful. For the topping, use firm, just-ripe bananas so they hold their shape.

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

You can make the cheesecake base up to 2 days ahead, but add the bananas foster topping just before serving. The fresh bananas on top don't keep well long-term.

What if I don't have a springform pan?

A springform pan is essential for this recipe as it allows you to remove the sides without damaging the cheesecake. Regular cake pans won't work well for this deep, creamy dessert.

Classic Cheesecake with Warm Bananas Foster Topping

Category: Decadent Desserts

Experience the magic where cheesecake meets bananas foster. This dessert features a creamy banana-flavored filling on a spiced cookie crust, crowned with caramelized bananas in a warm buttery rum sauce. It's an impressive treat that brings the famous New Orleans dessert to a whole new level.

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Created By Sarah John

Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:33:44 GMT

A slice of banana cheesecake topped with banana slices, whipped cream, and caramel sauce, served on a silver plate with bananas in the background. | kitchenscroll.com

This Bananas Foster Cheesecake has become my signature dessert since I first created it in my tiny kitchen. The combination of creamy banana brown sugar filling nestled in a spiced cookie crust topped with rum kissed caramelized bananas makes pure magic. I originally meant to share this recipe during pumpkin season but you know what? Bananas are perfect any time of year. This recipe actually holds a special place in my heart since it was featured in my cookbook Simply Beautiful Homemade Cakes when my twins were just tiny babies. Two years later it's still the most requested dessert at every family gathering.

All About That Topping

The crowning glory of this cheesecake is that dreamy bananas foster topping. In my kitchen the aroma of butter brown sugar nutmeg and cinnamon bubbling away takes me straight to New Orleans. Once that dark rum hits the pan pure magic happens. Just be careful with the flames they're quite dramatic! A few swirls to burn off the alcohol a quick dance with fresh bananas and you've got the most incredible topping imaginable.

What You'll Need

For That Perfect Crust: I use cinnamon cookies crushed with brown sugar and extra cinnamon. The warmth of spices makes all the difference.
Bananas: 4 perfectly ripe ones. Look for those with lots of brown spots they're sweeter.
Brown Sugar: 1 cup gives us that deep caramel note throughout.
Warm Spices: 1 tsp cinnamon and 1/2 tsp nutmeg create such cozy warmth.
Dark Rum: 2 tbsp for that classic bananas foster flavor.
Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup makes everything silky smooth.

Creating the Heart of Your Cheesecake

Starting with the Base: Mix those crushed cookies with brown sugar and cinnamon until perfect. Press into your pan creating a cozy bed for the filling.
Making it Creamy: Mash those ripe bananas until smooth then blend with brown sugar spices and that splash of rum. The smell alone will make you swoon.
Baking Time: Pour everything into your waiting crust. Give it a gentle water bath at 325°F for about 45 minutes until it does that perfect little jiggle dance.

A slice of banana cheesecake topped with sliced bananas, whipped cream, and a sprinkle of cinnamon, served on a decorative plate with bananas in the background. | kitchenscroll.com

The Grand Finale

Creating Your Topping: Let butter brown sugar and all those warm spices melt together with cream until everything looks glossy and gorgeous.
The Exciting Part: Here comes the rum! Stand back when you light it the flames are quite impressive. Swirl until the fire dies down.
Adding Fresh Bananas: Toss in those banana slices and watch them get all golden and caramelly.
Bringing it All Together: Pour that warm topping over your chilled cheesecake. Heaven on a plate.

Why Everyone Loves This Recipe

Every time I make this cheesecake my kitchen fills with the most incredible aromas. The way the creamy filling melts into that spiced crust while warm caramelized bananas drip down the sides it's simply irresistible. My dad always claims he's just having one slice but somehow ends up coming back for thirds. That hint of rum brings everything together in the most magical way even if you're not usually a rum fan you'll love how it works here. Fair warning though once you start you might not be able to stop at just one slice.

Common Questions About Cooking

→ Can I make this cheesecake without alcohol?: You can skip the rum in both the filling and topping. For the filling, replace it with vanilla extract, and for the topping, use a splash of vanilla extract and a bit more cream for similar flavors.
→ Why does my cheesecake need a water bath?: The water bath provides gentle, even heat and moisture, helping your cheesecake bake without cracks. It's worth the extra effort for a perfectly smooth top.
→ How ripe should the bananas be for the filling?: Use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots for the filling - they're sweeter and more flavorful. For the topping, use firm, just-ripe bananas so they hold their shape.
→ Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?: You can make the cheesecake base up to 2 days ahead, but add the bananas foster topping just before serving. The fresh bananas on top don't keep well long-term.
→ What if I don't have a springform pan?: A springform pan is essential for this recipe as it allows you to remove the sides without damaging the cheesecake. Regular cake pans won't work well for this deep, creamy dessert.

Bananas Foster Cheesecake

Rich cheesecake with banana brown sugar filling, topped with warm caramelized bananas in rum sauce. A show-stopping dessert that combines two classics.

Preparation Time

120 minutes

Cooking Duration

120 minutes

Total Time Required

240 minutes

Created By: Sarah John

Recipe Category: Sweet Treats

Skill Level Required: Made for Pros

Cuisine Style: American

Recipe Output: 12 Number of Servings (1 cheesecake)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Gather

Contains 01 items 2 1/4 cups vanilla wafer crumbs.

Contains 02 items 1/2 cup salted butter, melted.

Contains 03 items 5 tablespoons light brown sugar.

Contains 04 items 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

Contains 05 items 24 ounces cream cheese, room temperature.

Contains 06 items 1 cup brown sugar.

Contains 07 items 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour.

Contains 08 items 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (2-3 bananas).

Contains 09 items 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon.

Contains 10 items 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.

Contains 11 items 2 tablespoons dark rum.

Contains 12 items 3 large eggs, room temperature.

Contains 13 items 1/4 cup salted butter (for topping).

Contains 14 items 1/2 cup light brown sugar (for topping).

Contains 15 items 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for topping).

Contains 16 items 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping).

Contains 17 items 1 tablespoon heavy cream (for topping).

Contains 18 items 2 tablespoons dark rum (for topping).

Contains 19 items 2 medium bananas, sliced.

Contains 20 items 1/2 cup cold heavy cream (for whipped cream).

Contains 21 items 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for whipped cream).

Contains 22 items 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for whipped cream).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 325°F. Line 9-inch springform pan with parchment, grease sides.

Step 02

Mix wafer crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Press into pan bottom and sides.

Step 03

Bake crust 10 minutes. Let cool.

Step 04

Lower temperature to 300°F. Wrap pan outside with foil for water bath.

Step 05

Beat cream cheese, brown sugar, and flour until smooth. Mix in mashed bananas, cinnamon, nutmeg, and rum.

Step 06

Add eggs one at a time, mixing slowly.

Step 07

Pour into crust. Place in water bath, bake 1 hour.

Step 08

Turn off oven, leave door closed 30 minutes. Crack door, leave another 30 minutes.

Step 09

Cool on counter 15 minutes.

Step 10

Chill 6-7 hours until firm.

Step 11

Melt butter in pan over medium-high heat. Add brown sugar, spices, and cream until sugar dissolves. Add rum, carefully light with lighter until flame burns out. Add banana slices, cook 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens.

Step 12

Beat cream, sugar, and cinnamon until stiff.

Step 13

Pipe cream border around cake edge. Add banana topping in center, drizzle sauce over top.