Description
This indulgent Caramelized Banana Cheesecake with Rum Glaze combines a creamy, smooth cheesecake baked in a graham cracker crust with a luscious topping of caramelized bananas simmered in rum. Perfect for dessert lovers looking for a rich and flavorful treat, it features a balance of sweet banana caramel and the subtle warmth of rum, enhancing the classic cheesecake experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Base
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Graham cracker crust (store-bought or homemade)
Caramelized Banana Rum Glaze
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup rum
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) to prepare for baking the cheesecake evenly and gently.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add Vanilla and Eggs: Incorporate the vanilla extract and add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a uniform batter.
- Combine Dairy Ingredients: Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream until fully combined, creating a rich and smooth cheesecake batter.
- Pour and Smooth Batter: Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared graham cracker crust and smooth the top to ensure even baking.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Bake for 55-60 minutes or until the center is set but still has a slight jiggle, indicating perfect doneness without overbaking.
- Prepare Caramelized Banana Glaze: While the cheesecake cools, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced bananas and brown sugar, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the bananas are caramelized and golden.
- Add Rum and Simmer: Carefully add rum to the skillet with the bananas and let it simmer for about one minute to create a rich glaze with a subtle rum flavor.
- Serve: Pour the warm caramelized bananas and rum glaze over the cooled cheesecake just before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before adding the caramelized banana topping to prevent melting or sogginess.
- You can use a store-bought graham cracker crust for convenience or make your own for a more homemade flavor.
- Adjust the amount of rum to suit your preference or substitute with rum extract for a non-alcoholic version.
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the batter for a smooth cheesecake texture.
- Let the cheesecake chill for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best texture.
