Decadent Bananas Foster Cheesecake: A Rum-Spiked Caramel Dream
This Bananas Foster Cheesecake layers a cinnamon-spiced graham cracker crust with a velvety banana-brown sugar filling, crowned with boozy caramelized bananas and a rum-infused glaze. Every bite balances rich creaminess with the warm flavors of cinnamon, brown sugar, and dark rum—ideal for dinner parties or indulgent weekends.
Prep Time:
30 minutes
Cook Time:
1 hour
Calories:
Approximately 450 kcal per slice
ingredients
For the Crust:
2¼ cups (240g) graham cracker crumbs (about 16 full sheets)
½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Cheesecake Filling:
24 oz (678g) cream cheese, room temperature
¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (240ml) mashed ripe bananas (2–3 medium)
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
2 tbsp (30ml) dark rum
3 large eggs, room temperature
For the Bananas Foster Topping:
¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter
½ cup (100g) brown sugar
½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp (15ml) heavy cream
2 tbsp (30ml) dark rum
2 medium bananas, sliced into coins
For Garnish:
Whipped cream
Toasted pecans (optional)
Directions
1. Prepare the Crust
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Press firmly into the pan’s bottom and sides. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool completely.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
Beat cream cheese, brown sugar, and flour until smooth (~3 minutes). Add mashed bananas, cinnamon, nutmeg, and rum; mix until combined.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated. Pour over the crust.
Place the pan in a water bath (see Tips) and bake for 50–60 minutes until the center is slightly jiggly. Cool gradually in the oven (door cracked) for 1 hour, then refrigerate for 6+ hours.
3. Caramelize the Bananas
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and heavy cream; stir until dissolved.
Carefully add rum and flambé (optional). Simmer for 1–2 minutes, then add banana slices and cook until softened (~2 minutes). Cool slightly.
4. Assemble
Top chilled cheesecake with the banana mixture. Garnish with whipped cream and pecans. Serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I skip the rum?
Yes! Replace rum with 1 tbsp vanilla extract + 1 tbsp banana liqueur (or omit alcohol entirely).
2. How do I prevent cracks?
Use a water bath and cool the cheesecake gradually in the oven. Overmixing or overbaking can also cause cracks.
3. Can I use frozen bananas?
Thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture, which may affect texture.
4. How long does it keep?
Refrigerate for up to 3 days (without topping) or freeze (unfrosted) for 1 month.
5. Is a springform pan necessary?
Yes—it ensures clean slices. For no-bake versions, a deep pie dish works.
Tools You'll Need
9-inch springform pan
Food processor (for crust)
Electric mixer
Skillet (flameproof for flambéing)
Roasting pan (for water bath)
Tips
Use High-Quality Chocolate: Opt for semi-sweet or dark chocolate with 60-70% cocoa content for the ganache. This ensures a rich flavor and firm texture, making it ideal for shaping into ganache balls.
Soak the Cake Layers Evenly: After baking and slicing the chocolate cake, drizzle chocolate milk over each piece, ensuring it’s well-moistened but not soggy. This step adds moisture and enhances the cake’s flavor.
Chill Between Layers: After assembling each layer of cake and cream, refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes. This helps the layers set properly and makes it easier to cut clean slices.
Customize the Cream Filling: Feel free to fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips into the cream mixture for added texture and flavor.
Allow the Cake to Rest: After assembling and topping with ganache, refrigerate the cake for several hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up, making it easier to slice and serve.
Allergy Information
Contains: Dairy (cream cheese, butter), eggs, gluten (graham crackers).
Gluten-free: Use GF graham crackers or almond flour crust.
Dairy-free: Substitute with plant-based cream cheese and coconut oil.
Conclusion
This Bananas Foster Cheesecake is a celebration of bold flavors and creamy textures—a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to devour. Whether you’re channeling New Orleans vibes or simply treating yourself, its caramel-kissed decadence won’t disappoint. Share your creations with #BoozyBananaMagic and let the rum-infused joy spread!
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