Bananas Foster Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust

Delight in this creamy Bananas Foster Cheesecake, featuring a spiced graham cracker base and a luscious banana-infused filling, crowned with a decadent bananas foster topping.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 2 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Filling:

• 25.4 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup bananas, mashed
• 3 eggs
• 2 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Bananas Foster Topping:

• ½ cup butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 3 bananas, sliced

Instructions:

1. Crust Assembly:
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
   • Combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
   • Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of the springform pan and bake for 7-8 minutes. Allow to cool.
2. Filling Preparation:
   • Lower oven temperature to 280°F (140°C).
   • In a large mixing bowl, blend the cream cheese, brown sugar, spices, sour cream, and vanilla until creamy.
   • Incorporate the mashed bananas, then the eggs, and finally stir in sifted cornstarch until well-combined and smooth.
   • Pour the filling over the crust, tap to release air bubbles, and bake for approximately 60 minutes or until the edges are set but the center has a slight jiggle.
3. Cooling Phase:
   • Cool the cheesecake gradually by first leaving it in the oven with the door slightly open, then moving it to room temperature. Finally, chill in the refrigerator for at least 5 hours or overnight.
4. Topping Creation:
   • For the topping, melt butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until a caramel forms. Stir in cream and simmer before adding sliced bananas.
   • Cool the bananas foster to room temperature before spreading over the chilled cheesecake.

Notes:

• Ingredients should be at room temperature for seamless mixing and a smooth cheesecake texture.
• Mix the cheesecake batter on a lower speed, adding eggs one at a time to avoid overbeating.
• Regularly scrape down the bowl sides to ensure even mixing.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes to prevent cracks or collapse; keep the oven door shut until it’s time to cool.

This Bananas Foster Cheesecake merges classic dessert flavors into a sumptuous treat, perfect for impressing guests or indulging your sweet tooth.