Have you ever tasted a dessert that feels fancy but also cozy? That’s what I think of when I make Banana Foster Cheesecake. It’s creamy, sweet, and has that warm banana caramel flavor that just pulls you in.

I love how the rich cheesecake mixes with the buttery caramel sauce. The bananas get soft and golden, and every bite feels like comfort. It’s the kind of treat that makes you slow down and enjoy.

And the best part? It looks like something from a bakery, but it’s simple to make at home. Every time I serve it, people can’t stop talking about it.

So, if you’re ready for a cheesecake that’s smooth, rich, and a little extra special, let’s bake it together. Banana Foster Cheesecake is one dessert you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Decadent and Unique: This cheesecake takes the classic flavors of Bananas Foster, famous for its rich caramelized banana topping with a hint of rum, and pairs them perfectly with a creamy cheesecake base.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving it for a holiday or a special occasion, this cheesecake is guaranteed to wow your guests.
Layered with Flavor: The brown butter cinnamon filling, smooth banana cheesecake, and Bananas Foster topping create a trifecta of deliciousness.
Perfect for Special Occasions: This cheesecake makes an impressive dessert for birthdays, dinner parties, or any event where you want to treat yourself and others to something extra special.
Easy to Make in Stages: While the recipe has a few steps, each one can be done in advance, and you can assemble the cheesecake the day before, making it a great make-ahead dessert.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we get started, make sure you have the following kitchen tools to help make this Banana Foster Cheesecake:

Springform Pan: A 9-inch springform pan is ideal for cheesecake. It allows you to easily remove the cheesecake after it has set.
Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: A stand mixer or hand mixer will make the cheesecake filling smooth and fluffy without any lumps.
Large Mixing Bowls: You’ll need separate bowls for mixing the crust, filling, and topping.
Whisk and Spatula: For mixing and ensuring a smooth consistency.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurately measure your ingredients to ensure the perfect flavor balance.
Cooling Rack: A cooling rack helps the cheesecake set properly without condensation forming.
Small Skillet or Pan: For the Bananas Foster topping, a non-stick skillet is ideal for caramelizing the bananas.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredible dessert (you’ll find exact measurements in the recipe card below):

For the Brown Butter Cinnamon Filling:

Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (112 g)
Light Brown Sugar: 1 cup (220 g)
Cinnamon: 1 tbsp
All-purpose Flour: 1/3 cup (42 g)

For the Crust:

Graham Crackers: 16 full sheets (240 g)
Unsalted Butter: 10 tbsp (140 g), melted
Brown Sugar: 2 tbsp (28 g)

For the Banana Cheesecake:

Cream Cheese: 32 oz (907 g), softened
Brown Sugar: 3/4 cup (165 g), packed
Granulated White Sugar: 1/4 cup (50 g)
Cornstarch: 2 tbsp (16 g)
Very Ripe Bananas: 1 cup (250 g), mashed (about 2 large bananas)
Sour Cream: 1/3 cup (82 g), at room temperature
Cinnamon: 1 tbsp
Vanilla Extract: 1 tbsp
Rum Extract: 2 tsp
Whole Eggs: 3 large, at room temperature
Egg Yolks: 2, at room temperature

For the Bananas Foster Topping:

Unsalted Butter: 6 tbsp (84 g)
Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup (110 g), packed
Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp (150 ml)
Rum Extract: 1/2 tsp
Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp
Pinch of Salt
Barely Ripe Bananas: 2 large, sliced

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (112 g), softened
Cream Cheese: 4 oz (113 g), cold
Powdered Sugar: 1 1/2 cups (195 g)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s go through the recipe step by step. While this cheesecake may look complex, we’re going to break it down into manageable sections to help make the process as smooth as possible. Ready to get started?

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

First, we’ll create a classic graham cracker crust for our cheesecake. This will give the cheesecake a crunchy base that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.

Crush the Graham Crackers: Break the graham crackers into smaller pieces and crush them in a food processor until you have fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, you can also place them in a plastic bag and crush them using a rolling pin.
Mix with Butter and Sugar: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
Press into the Pan: Transfer the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to press it down firmly, ensuring the crust is even and compact.
Chill: Place the crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling to help it set.

Step 2: Make the Brown Butter Cinnamon Filling

Next, we’ll make the delicious brown butter cinnamon filling that will add extra flavor to the cheesecake.

Brown the Butter: In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir it constantly, watching carefully as it browns. Once it’s golden and has a nutty aroma (this will take 3-5 minutes), remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.
Mix with Sugar and Cinnamon: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Add the brown butter and stir to combine until smooth.
Pour Over Crust: Pour the brown butter cinnamon filling over the chilled graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.

Step 3: Make the Banana Cheesecake Filling

Now, we’ll make the cheesecake base. The addition of mashed bananas and spices gives this cheesecake its banana flavor.

Beat the Cream Cheese: In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Sugars and Cornstarch: Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cornstarch to the cream cheese. Beat until fully incorporated and smooth.
Add Mashed Bananas and Sour Cream: Add the mashed ripe bananas, sour cream, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and rum extract. Mix until combined and smooth.
Add Eggs and Yolks: One at a time, add the eggs and egg yolks, mixing well after each addition. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecake

Pour the Filling Over the Crust: Gently pour the banana cheesecake filling over the prepared graham cracker crust and brown butter filling.
Smooth the Top: Use a spatula to smooth the top of the cheesecake filling.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the cheesecake in the center of the oven and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly wobbly. If the edges begin to brown too much, cover the cheesecake loosely with foil.
Cool: Once baked, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for about 1 hour. After that, transfer it to the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 5: Make the Bananas Foster Topping

The Bananas Foster topping adds a rich caramelized banana flavor to the cheesecake, taking it to the next level.

Melt Butter and Sugar: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar and stir until the mixture is smooth and bubbling.
Add Heavy Cream and Flavorings: Add the heavy cream, rum extract, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well combined and the sauce thickens slightly.
Add Bananas: Add the sliced bananas and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the bananas to soften and caramelize in the sauce.
Cool: Remove from heat and let the Bananas Foster topping cool slightly.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the Frosting Ingredients: Beat the softened butter, cold cream cheese, and powdered sugar in a stand mixer or with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
Pipe the Frosting: Transfer the frosting to a piping bag with a decorative tip if desired. You can pipe small rosettes along the edges or top of the cheesecake for a decorative touch.

Step 7: Assemble the Final Cheesecake

Top with Bananas Foster Sauce: Once the cheesecake has fully chilled, pour the Bananas Foster topping over the top of the cheesecake. Use a spoon to spread the sauce evenly over the surface.
Decorate with Frosting: Pipe the cream cheese frosting around the edges of the cheesecake or anywhere you’d like to add a little extra flair.
Chill Again: Return the cheesecake to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the topping to set.

How to Serve Banana Foster Cheesecake

This Banana Foster Cheesecake is a showstopper on its own, but here are some ways to serve and present it:

As is: Serve the cheesecake as it is, with the Bananas Foster topping providing a rich, caramelized contrast to the creamy, banana-flavored filling.
With Fresh Fruit: Add some extra fresh sliced bananas or berries for a burst of freshness.
Pair with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on the side can make for a delicious combination.
For Special Occasions: Garnish with chocolate shavings or edible gold leaf for an extra touch of elegance at fancy dinners or holidays.

Storing Banana Foster Cheesecake

Refrigerate: Keep any leftover cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze: You can freeze the cheesecake for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of the cheesecake)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	460
Total Fat	29 g
Saturated Fat	17 g
Cholesterol	105 mg
Sodium	160 mg
Total Carbohydrates	50 g
Dietary Fiber	2 g
Sugars	39 g
Protein	6 g