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Banana Cheesecake

Creamy banana cheesecake with a graham cracker crust swirled with natural banana puree for a rich, silky dessert.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

Crust
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Filling
  • 32 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 cup ripe banana puree about 3 medium bananas
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon banana extract optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon sea salt

Equipment

  • 9-inch springform pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Food processor (optional)
  • Rubber spatula
  • Oven
  • Cooling rack
  • Blender or fork

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and wrap a 9-inch springform pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil on the outside.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, melted butter, and sea salt; stir until mixture resembles wet sand, then press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. Peel and mash or blend bananas until smooth, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve if excess liquid is present; set aside ripe banana puree.
  4. Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides halfway through.
  5. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add granulated sugar and light brown sugar until combined; then pour in the banana puree and mix until just incorporated.
  6. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed and scraping the bowl after each addition; then mix in sour cream, cornstarch, vanilla extract, banana extract, nutmeg, and salt until no streaks remain.
  7. Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top with a rubber spatula; tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
  8. Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan and add hot water to the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the cheesecake; bake for 50 to 60 minutes until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly.
  9. Turn off the oven and crack the door open 4 inches; let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 15 minutes, then remove from the water bath and cool completely on a rack for 1 hour; refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight before serving.

Notes

Can be made 1–2 days ahead; freezes up to 3 months when wrapped well; allow slices to reach room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.