Banana’s Foster Cheesecake Recipe

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There’s nothing quite like the rich, dramatic flair of a classic Bananas Foster dessert—unless you turn it into a showstopping cheesecake. This Banana’s Foster Cheesecake Recipe brings the elegance of a tableside flambé to your kitchen in the form of a decadent, creamy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Bananas Foster originated in New Orleans and quickly became a signature American dessert. Traditionally made by flambéing bananas in a brown sugar, butter, and rum sauce, the dish is served over vanilla ice cream. Here, we’re layering all of that indulgence into a luscious cheesecake base, and the results are unforgettable.

Imagine a buttery graham cracker crust, a silky banana-infused cream cheese filling, and a thick, caramelized banana topping made with brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and dark rum. Each forkful delivers a balance of spice, sweetness, and melt-in-your-mouth richness.

Whether you’re planning a dinner party, holiday gathering, or just looking to treat yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. It’s indulgent, flavorful, and brings the wow factor with very little effort.

One of the best things about this cheesecake is its structure—firm yet creamy, with each layer holding its own. The banana flavor is distinct but not overpowering, blending beautifully with the cinnamon-spiced topping.

No torch or flambé necessary. You get all the warm, cozy flavors of Bananas Foster with a much more approachable technique. Plus, it stores and slices beautifully, making it perfect for make-ahead desserts or leftovers.

A little patience goes a long way here. While the bake and chill times are longer than a basic dessert, the payoff is absolutely worth it. This cheesecake is rich, golden, and completely over-the-top—in the best way.

It also freezes well, so you can bake it in advance and pull it out when the craving hits. And trust us, it will hit again and again.

Let’s dive into this Southern-inspired slice of heaven.

Servings: 12 slices

Time:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Cooling & Chilling Time: 6 hours or overnight
• Total Time: 7.5 hours

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake:

• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed

For the Banana Foster Topping:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp dark rum (or 1 tsp rum extract + 1 tbsp water)
• 2 ripe bananas, sliced

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the outside in foil to prevent leaks.
2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix until combined.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add sour cream, vanilla, and mashed bananas. Mix until smooth.
5. Pour filling over crust. Place the pan in a water bath and bake for 55–65 minutes, until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
6. Turn off oven, crack door, and let cheesecake cool for 1 hour. Then refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
7. Before serving, make the topping: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and cinnamon; stir until bubbly.
8. Stir in rum (or extract/water mixture) and carefully add banana slices. Cook 2–3 minutes until soft and glazed.
9. Spoon warm topping over chilled cheesecake before slicing and serving.

Tips:

• Make sure all cheesecake ingredients are at room temperature to avoid lumps.
• Don’t skip the water bath—it helps prevent cracks.
• For extra depth, toast the crust before adding the filling.
• If you want a flambé effect, carefully ignite the rum topping in the skillet (with proper precautions).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

It’s the ultimate fusion of Southern comfort and cheesecake indulgence. With banana, cinnamon, caramel, and a hint of rum, each slice is layered with rich, complex flavor. Easy to make ahead and guaranteed to wow a crowd.

Summary: This Banana’s Foster Cheesecake is a decadent twist on a classic dessert, featuring a graham cracker crust, banana-rich filling, and a caramelized topping. A stunning make-ahead treat perfect for special occasions—or anytime indulgence.