Bananas Foster Topped Cheesecake Recipe

Prep and crust

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). In a medium bowl combine graham cracker crumbs, 2 tbs granulated sugar and melted butter until evenly moistened. Press mixture firmly into the bottom (and slightly up the sides if desired) of a 9-inch springform pan. Chill crust in refrigerator for 15 minutes while preparing filling.

Make filling

Reduce oven to 300°F (150°C). In a large bowl beat room-temperature cream cheese until smooth and creamy (about 2–3 minutes) using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Gradually add 1 cup granulated sugar and beat until combined and smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed and scraping bowl between additions. Mix in sour cream, vanilla extract, lemon zest and flour until just combined; avoid overbeating. Pour filling onto chilled crust and smooth the top.

Bake

Place springform pan in a larger roasting pan and add hot water to the roasting pan to come about halfway up the side of the springform (water bath) to reduce cracking. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 50–65 minutes until edges are set and center still slightly jiggly. Turn oven off, crack oven door and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. Remove from oven, run a thin knife around edge to loosen, then cool to room temperature on a rack. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight until fully set.

Sugared pecans

In a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat melt 1 tbs butter. Add pecan halves and toast, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add 2 tbs granulated sugar and a pinch of salt; continue stirring until sugar melts and coats pecans (about 1–2 minutes). Transfer pecans to a sheet of parchment to cool and separate. Once cool, break any large clusters and reserve. You can lightly sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt if you like a sweet-salty contrast.

Prepare bananas

Peel bananas and slice lengthwise in half, then crosswise into 2–3 inch pieces (or leave halves whole for a more dramatic presentation). Toss gently with 1 tsp lemon juice to prevent browning and set aside.

Make bananas foster sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat melt 4 tbs butter. Add 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon. Stir until sugar dissolves and mixture begins to bubble, about 2–3 minutes. Stir in 2 tbs heavy cream and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, cook 30 seconds until glossy. If using banana liqueur, stir in now. Keep sauce warm over low heat.

Cook bananas briefly

Increase heat to medium-high, add sliced banana pieces to the sauce in an even layer and cook 30–60 seconds per side just to warm and coat — do not overcook or they will break down. Remove skillet from heat briefly to prepare for flambé.

Tableside flambé (safety first)

For tableside service use an appropriate metal skillet and long-handled lighter or long match. Warm 1/4 cup dark rum in a small metal ladle (or pour directly from bottle with care). Return skillet to low heat, pour warmed rum over bananas, tilt skillet away from you and ignite the rum with a long match or lighter (stand back). Let flames burn off — this takes 10–20 seconds. If you prefer not to ignite, pour the rum into the skillet and cook 30 seconds to evaporate alcohol. After flames subside, spoon any pan sauce over the bananas. (Do not flambé near flammable materials; have a fire extinguisher or lid nearby.)

Finish sauce and reserve

If necessary, stir in an extra 1–2 tbs heavy cream to reach desired saucy consistency. Taste and adjust with a pinch of salt or extra vanilla. Keep warm until plating.

Remove cheesecake from springform and place on a serving platter or individual plates. Spoon warm bananas foster and pieces of the flambéed bananas over the top of the cheesecake. Scatter sugared pecans across the top and around the plate. Drizzle additional bananas foster sauce over everything.

Optional: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If performing tableside flambé, bring a small skillet with hot sauce and warmed rum to the table and perform the flambé at the table before spooning the bananas and sauce onto the cheesecake for dramatic presentation.

Garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon or a few extra pecans. Serve immediately.