Mini Bananas Foster Cheesecake: A Decadent Bite-Sized Delight

Few desserts capture the essence of indulgence quite like Bananas Foster, a rich, caramelized banana treat with deep flavors of brown sugar, butter, and rum. Now, imagine that luxurious taste infused into a velvety cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust, all in a bite-sized form—Mini Bananas Foster Cheesecakes!

These delightful treats blend the creaminess of classic cheesecake with the warm, spiced caramel of Bananas Foster. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or just an after-dinner indulgence, they’re easy to serve and even easier to devour. Whether you’re a cheesecake lover or a Bananas Foster enthusiast, this recipe brings the best of both worlds together.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
For the Crust:
Graham cracker crumbs	1 cup
Melted butter	4 tbsp
Brown sugar	2 tbsp
Ground cinnamon	½ tsp
For the Cheesecake Filling:
Cream cheese (softened)	8 oz (1 block)
Granulated sugar	⅓ cup
Egg	1 large
Sour cream	¼ cup
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
Mashed ripe banana	½ cup
For the Bananas Foster Topping:
Butter	3 tbsp
Brown sugar	⅓ cup
Heavy cream	2 tbsp
Cinnamon	½ tsp
Dark rum (optional)	1 tbsp
Sliced banana	1 large

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

• Rum Alternative – If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute rum with vanilla extract or a splash of apple juice for depth of flavor.
• Graham Cracker Substitute – Use vanilla wafer crumbs or crushed digestive biscuits for a slightly different texture.
• Lighter Version – Swap full-fat cream cheese for a lower-fat option and reduce sugar slightly.

Equipment Needed

• Muffin tin & liners – For creating perfect individual cheesecakes.
• Electric mixer – To ensure a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling.
• Mixing bowls – For combining crust, filling, and topping separately.
• Saucepan – For making the Bananas Foster caramel topping.
• Spoon or piping bag – For easy distribution of the cheesecake batter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined.
3. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into each liner, pressing firmly to create a compact crust.
4. Bake for 5 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
2. Add the egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until incorporated.
3. Stir in the mashed banana, ensuring a smooth consistency.
4. Spoon the batter over the cooled crusts, filling each cup about ¾ full.
5. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the centers are set but slightly jiggly.
6. Let the cheesecakes cool in the pan before transferring them to the fridge for at least 2 hours.

Step 3: Prepare the Bananas Foster Topping

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and stir in brown sugar and cinnamon.
2. Once melted, add heavy cream and stir for a minute until smooth.
3. Pour in the rum (if using), then carefully flambé (light the rum to burn off alcohol) or simply let it simmer for 1 minute.
4. Add sliced bananas, gently stirring to coat. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble & Serve

1. Spoon the warm Bananas Foster topping over the chilled cheesecakes.
2. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Crust Options – Try an Oreo crust for a chocolatey contrast or pecan crumbs for extra nuttiness.
• Spice it Up – Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the filling for a warmer, fall-inspired taste.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare cheesecakes up to 2 days in advance and top with Bananas Foster just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Whipped Cream – A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds airiness.
• Chopped Pecans – A crunchy topping that complements the caramelized bananas.
• Drizzle of Chocolate or Caramel Sauce – Enhances the decadent flavor.
• Fresh Banana Slices – For an extra visual and textural contrast.

Pairings

• Coffee or Espresso – The bold flavors balance the sweetness of the cheesecake.
• Dark Rum Cocktail – Enhances the deep caramel flavors.
• Vanilla Bean Ice Cream – A classic pairing that adds creamy indulgence.
• Spiced Chai Latte – Complements the warm cinnamon flavors.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigeration – Store cheesecakes in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing – Freeze plain cheesecakes for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before adding the topping.
• Reheating – The Bananas Foster topping can be gently reheated on the stove or microwave before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~220
Fat	12g
Carbohydrates	25g
Protein	3g
Sugar	18g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

Conclusion

Mini Bananas Foster Cheesecakes are a delightful fusion of creamy cheesecake and the rich, caramelized flavors of classic Bananas Foster. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of smooth, tangy cream cheese, sweet ripe bananas, and a buttery graham cracker crust. The warm, spiced caramel sauce takes these mini treats to the next level, making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special moment, or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these bite-sized cheesecakes are sure to impress.

The best part? They’re easy to make, store well, and can be customized to suit different tastes. You can make them ahead of time for a stress-free dessert option, and the topping can be prepared fresh to keep that warm, gooey goodness. Try this recipe, and don’t forget to share your experience! Tag us on social media or drop a comment with your own creative twists on this recipe—we’d love to see how you make these cheesecakes your own. Happy baking!