Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Caramelized Bananas
- 3 ripe but firm bananas, sliced evenly
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Rum Glaze
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar in a bowl. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust. Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the filling.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to incorporate fully. Stir in heavy cream and vanilla extract until batter is velvety and smooth.
- Caramelize the Bananas: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add the brown sugar, then place the banana slices in a single layer. Cook until bananas turn golden and sticky, about 2–3 minutes per side, ensuring even caramelization without mushiness.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled crust. Arrange the warm caramelized bananas on top carefully. Bake in a preheated 325°F (163°C) oven for 50–60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle when gently shaken.
- Prepare the Rum Glaze: While the cheesecake cools, combine dark rum, brown sugar, and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly to form a glossy glaze. Remove from heat and keep warm.
- Finish and Chill: Once the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, drizzle the warm rum glaze generously over the caramelized bananas. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to ensure a smooth batter without lumps.
- Choose ripe but firm bananas for perfect caramelization without mushiness.
- Avoid overbaking; the slight jiggle in the cheesecake’s center ensures a creamy texture.
- Cool the cheesecake gradually to prevent cracks by leaving the oven door slightly open during initial cooling.
- Keep the rum glaze warm when drizzling for easy pouring and a shiny finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free crust option)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: caramelized banana cheesecake, rum glaze, banana dessert, creamy cheesecake, tropical dessert, boozy glaze