Bananas Foster Cheesecake

Cheesecake is one of my most favorite desserts. Even after a big meal, I can usually find room for this velvety, sumptuous slice of Heaven. Cheesecake itself can be a blank canvas. Usually it's topped with a berry coulis. I find by mixing in unique flavors, you can remix traditional cheesecake into something truly incredible.

In this recipe, I've paired my favorite dessert with the very close second favorite: Bananas Foster. This New Orleans classic is super simple, yet fancy. Bananas, sliced, tossed in butter and brown sugar. Pour in a little rum, and ignite! Flames shoot from the pan as the butter and brown sugar turn into a lovely caramel, blanketing every banana slice. This mixture is then spooned over vanilla ice cream.

Now for the 1, 2 punch:

• BANANAS FOSTER CHEESECAKE

Crust:
Graham Crackers (crushed) - 1 ½ Cup
Sugar - ¼ Cup
Butter (melted) - 5 tablespoons

Method:
1. Mix the graham crackers and sugar

2. Add butter and mix until completely moistened.

3. Press mixture into the bottom of a springform pan.

4. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

Filling:
Cream Cheese (room temperature) - 36 Oz.
Light Brown Sugar - 1 Cup
Cornstarch - 2 Tablespoon
Cinnamon (ground) 1 teaspoon
Eggs - 4 whole + 2 yolks
Bananas (pureed) - 1 ½ Cup
Bacardi (or whatever kind you like better) Rum - 4 Tablespoon
Vanilla Extract - 3 teaspoon

Method:
1. In large bowl, combine cream cheese, brown sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon until smooth.

2. Add eggs and egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition.

3. Beat in all remaining ingredients.

4. Pour into crust-lined pan.

5. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes or until center is firm to the touch.

6. Allow it to cool before serving.

7. Store in refrigerator.

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I like to drizzle it with a little creme anglaise (or just melt some vanilla ice cream) to make it a little more traditional, yet new.

Copyright 2010, Brian Griess, All rights reserved