A luscious baked cheesecake infused with warm Banana Foster flavors, topped generously with caramel sauce—a decadent dessert that combines creamy richness with fruity warmth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cheesecake is a showstopper, pairing velvety baked cheesecake with the classic flair of bananas flambéed in butter and brown sugar. The caramel drizzle enhances every bite with its buttery sweetness, creating a layered dessert that’s perfect for celebrations or indulgent evenings.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Graham cracker or shortbread crumbs (for crust)
Unsalted butter, melted
Cream cheese, softened
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Sour cream or heavy cream
Large eggs
Ripe bananas, sliced
Unsalted butter (for Banana Foster)
Light brown sugar
Dark rum or banana liqueur (optional, for flambeé)
Vanilla extract
Cinnamon (optional)
Caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)

directions

Prepare crust: Mix crumbs with melted butter and press firmly onto the base of a springform pan. Chill while preparing the filling.
Make filling: With a mixer, beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add sour cream (or heavy cream), vanilla, and eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated.
Bake cheesecake: Pour filling over chilled crust. Bake at 325 °F (160 °C) for about 55–65 minutes, until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly. Turn off oven, crack door, and let cheesecake rest inside for 1 hour. Cool completely, then chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Prepare Banana Foster topping: In a skillet, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Add banana slices and cook until they begin to caramelize. Carefully add rum or banana liqueur and flambe if using (or simmer off alcohol). Stir gently until sauce thickens. Let cool slightly.
Top cheesecake: Arrange Banana Foster mixture evenly over the cheesecake. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce before serving.
Serve: Slice with a hot, clean knife for clean cuts, plating with sauce and optional whipped cream or nuts.

Servings and timing

Yield: 12 servings
Prep time: 30 minutes (plus chilling/baking time)
Bake time: 55–65 minutes
Rest & chill time: 5 hours minimum
Total time: Approximately 6 hours (including chilling and topping prep)

Variations

Nutty crust: Use pecan or walnut crumbs in the crust for extra texture and flavor.
Chocolate swirl: Swirl melted dark chocolate into the cheesecake batter before baking for a mocha twist.
Spiced variation: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to both the filling and Banana Foster topping.
Banana split: Top with fresh strawberry slices and dollops of whipped cream before serving for a classic ice‑cream-sundae vibe.

storage/reheating

Refrigeration: Keep cheesecake covered in the fridge for up to 5 days (prepare Banana Foster topping fresh or store separately).
Freezing: Freeze uncut cheesecake (without topping) for up to 1 month—thaw overnight before adding toppings.
Reheating: Warm Banana Foster topping gently before serving but do not reheat the entire cheesecake to preserve texture.

FAQs

Can I skip the flambeé step?

Yes—you can omit the rum or cook it without igniting. The bananas still caramelize beautifully.

What crust works best?

A buttery graham cracker crust is classic, but shortbread or nut-based crusts also pair well with the rich filling.

Why did my cheesecake crack?

Ensure gentle mixing to avoid air bubbles, bake at low heat, and use a water bath or allow gradual cooling by leaving the oven door cracked.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Fresh bananas are preferred to avoid excess moisture. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry before cooking.

How do I get a smooth cheesecake filling?

Beat cream cheese until completely smooth before adding sugar; avoid over-mixing once eggs are added.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes—use gluten-free crumbs for the crust and verify that all ingredients are gluten-free.

How do I store leftover Banana Foster topping?

Store cooled topping in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; gently reheat before using.

Can I prepare the topping ahead?

Yes—you can cook and refrigerate it—reheat gently before topping your cheesecake.

Why is the topping runny?

Allow the sauce to thicken on the stove longer before placing on the cheesecake; cool slightly to set.

What garnishes work well?

Serve with toasted pecans, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra elegance.

Conclusion

Banana Foster Cheesecake with Caramel Drizzle is a rich, celebratory dessert combining creamy cheesecake with the tropical warmth of caramelized bananas. Its multilayered texture and flavor make it a crowd‑pleaser for any occasion. Prepare components ahead, assemble with flair, and enjoy slices of this exquisite indulgence!