Description
A deliciously smooth and elegant Banana Cream Cheese Cheesecake featuring a unique, rich flavor from roasted bananas and a velvety cream cheese filling. Baked in a water bath for a perfect texture.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas
- ½ cup brown sugar (for coating bananas)
- Granulated sugar (for caramelizing on top, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: to 400°F (200°C).
- Roast the bananas: Peel the bananas and coat them evenly with ½ cup brown sugar. Place on a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes. Remove and let cool.
- Make the filling: In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted bananas, cream cheese, eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Prepare the pan: Line a 6-inch springform pan with parchment paper on the bottom and sides. Pour the banana cheesecake mixture into the pan.
- Set up a water bath: Place a baking dish with 1 inch of water on the bottom rack of the oven.
- Bake: Place the cheesecake on the middle rack and bake at 400°F for about 40 minutes. The center should be set but slightly jiggly.
- Cool: Let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Optional topping: Before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar on top and caramelize it with a kitchen torch. Chill for at least 1 more hour before slicing.
Notes
- Room Temp Cheese: Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This is essential for a smooth filling free of lumps.
- Water Bath: Using a water bath (bain-marie) is crucial for even heat distribution and prevents the cheesecake from cracking.
- Cooling: Cool the cheesecake slowly at room temperature first, then refrigerate. Rapid temperature change causes cracking.
- Slicing: For a clean slice, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between each cut.
- Caramelization: For the best results, use a kitchen torch to brûlée the sugar top just before serving. Granulated sugar works well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking, Blending, Water Bath
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 150 g or 1/12 of total recipe)
- Calories: ~ 3,600 kcal
- Sugar: ~ 280 g
- Sodium: ~ 1,400 mg
- Fat: ~ 290 g
- Saturated Fat: ~ 180 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~ 90 g
- Trans Fat: ~ 3 g
- Carbohydrates: ~ 300 g
- Fiber: ~ 30 g
- Protein: ~ 70 g
- Cholesterol: ~ 750 mg
Keywords: Banana Cheesecake, Roasted Banana, Cream Cheese Dessert, Water Bath, No-Crust Cheesecake, Easy Dessert, Gourmet Dessert, Baked Cheesecake, Caramelized Sugar