Bananas Foster Cheesecake
A rich, creamy cheesecake inspired by the famous New Orleans dessert, combining a buttery vanilla wafer crust, smooth banana-rum filling, and a decadent bananas foster topping with caramelized bananas and pecans.
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Wafer Crust:
2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs (about 60 wafers, finely crushed)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Banana Rum Cheesecake Filling:
4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons dark rum (or 1 teaspoon rum extract for non-alcoholic version)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup heavy cream
For the Bananas Foster Topping:
¼ cup unsalted butter
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
½ teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons dark rum (optional)
2–3 ripe bananas, sliced
½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Crust
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
Mix vanilla wafer crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined.
Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, then cool completely.
2️⃣ Make the Cheesecake Filling
Beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
Add sugar and mix until fully incorporated.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition.
Mix in mashed bananas, lemon juice, rum, vanilla, sour cream, and heavy cream until smooth.
Pour filling over cooled crust.
3️⃣ Bake the Cheesecake
Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan.
Add hot water halfway up the sides (water bath method).
Bake for 60–75 minutes, until the center is slightly jiggly but set around the edges.
Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4️⃣ Prepare the Bananas Foster Topping
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon; cook until bubbly.
Add sliced bananas and cook gently for 2–3 minutes.
Stir in rum (careful if flambéing — optional).
Remove from heat and fold in pecans. Cool slightly.
5️⃣ Assemble
Spoon bananas foster mixture over chilled cheesecake just before serving.
Slice and enjoy!
Tips
Use very ripe bananas for maximum flavor.
For cleaner slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts.
Make one day ahead for best texture and flavor.
Why It’s Perfect for Mardi Gras
This dessert is inspired by the classic New Orleans creation Bananas Foster, originally created at Brennan’s. Its rich caramelized banana flavor and rum notes make it a festive show-stopper for any Louisiana-style celebration.
