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Classic Cheesecake with Warm Bananas Foster Topping

Featured in 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.

Sarah
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:33:44 GMT
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A slice of banana cheesecake topped with banana slices, whipped cream, and caramel sauce, served on a silver plate with bananas in the background. Pin it
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. Pin it
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.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ 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.

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

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (1 cheesecake)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2 1/4 cups vanilla wafer crumbs.
02 1/2 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 (2-3 bananas).
09 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon.
10 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
11 2 tablespoons dark rum.
12 3 large eggs, room temperature.
13 1/4 cup salted butter (for topping).
14 1/2 cup light brown sugar (for topping).
15 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for topping).
16 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping).
17 1 tablespoon heavy cream (for topping).
18 2 tablespoons dark rum (for topping).
19 2 medium bananas, sliced.
20 1/2 cup cold heavy cream (for whipped cream).
21 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for whipped cream).
22 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for whipped cream).

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.

Notes

  1. Best eaten within 2-3 days due to fresh bananas on top.
  2. Keep refrigerated.
  3. For best results, all ingredients should be room temperature before starting.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9-inch springform pan.
  • Electric mixer.
  • Large roasting pan (for water bath).
  • Food processor (for crushing cookies).
  • Lighter.
  • Large skillet (for bananas foster).
  • Piping bag.

Allergy Information

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

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: 20.9 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 40 g
  • Protein: 5.9 g