Description
Transform ripe bananas into a decadent dessert with this Banana Cheesecake with Fresh Banana Topping. Featuring a vanilla wafer crust, creamy banana-infused filling, and a flambéed bananas foster topping, this luxurious treat is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 1/4 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
- 5 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons dark rum
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
For the Bananas Foster Topping:
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons dark rum
- 2 medium bananas, sliced
For the Whipped Cream:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, cold
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Combine vanilla wafer crumbs, melted butter, light brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, ensuring an even layer.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- Lower the oven temperature to 300°F (149°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, brown sugar, and flour until smooth.
- Add mashed bananas, cinnamon, nutmeg, and dark rum. Mix until well combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Pour the batter over the prepared crust.
3. Bake the Cheesecake:
- Place the springform pan in a water bath to prevent cracks and ensure a creamy texture.
- Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for an additional hour with the door slightly ajar.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and chill in the refrigerator for 6-7 hours or overnight.
4. Prepare the Bananas Foster Topping:
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Stir in brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and heavy cream. Cook until the mixture begins to bubble.
- Add dark rum and carefully ignite with a long lighter to create a flambé effect. Allow flames to subside.
- Fold in the sliced bananas and cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Make the Whipped Cream:
- In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and cinnamon until stiff peaks form.
6. Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and place it on a serving platter.
- Spoon bananas foster topping over the cheesecake.
- Pipe or dollop whipped cream around the edges for a decorative finish.
- Serve and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American