Description
Who doesn’t love a rich, creamy cheesecake with a delightful banana twist? Now, imagine that topped with a crackly crème brûlée layer—pure indulgence! This Luscious Crème Brûlée Banana Cheesecake brings together the best of two worlds: the smoothness of banana cheesecake and the caramelized sugar topping of a classic crème brûlée.
Whether you’re a home baker, a dessert enthusiast, or someone looking for an unforgettable sweet treat, this recipe is a must-try. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to make this restaurant-quality cheesecake right at home!
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup brown sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz (680g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Crème Brûlée Topping
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
For Garnish (Optional)
- 1 banana, sliced
- Ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar in a bowl.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
Step2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream until well combined.
- Mash the bananas and mix them into the batter.
- Add cornstarch and mix until the batter is completely smooth.
Step3: Bake the Cheesecake
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust in the springform pan.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
- Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step4: Prepare the Crème Brûlée Topping
- Sprinkle an even layer of sugar on top of the chilled cheesecake.
- Lightly moisten the sugar with water (this helps caramelization).
- Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it’s golden and crisp.
- Let it cool for a minute to form a hard sugar shell.
Step5: Assemble & Serve
- Garnish with banana slices and a dusting of ground cinnamon.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy your masterpiece!
Notes
Use Room-Temperature Ingredients
Cold cream cheese could result in a lumpy batter. All dairy ingredients should be brought to the temperature of room prior to mixing.
Water Bath for a Crack-Free Cheesecake
Set a pot of boiling water in the oven below the rack of the cheesecake. This helps prevent cracks by retaining the moisture inside the oven.
How to Caramelize Without a Torch
If you don’t have a torch in your kitchen then place the cheesecake under the broiler for a couple of minutes. Be sure to watch it carefully to avoid burning!