Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat oven to 325°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the base.
- Mix crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until evenly moistened. Press firmly into the pan base and slightly up the sides.
- Bake crust for 10 minutes until lightly golden. Cool briefly.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Scrape the bowl often for a silky batter.
- Add mashed bananas, eggs one at a time, sour cream, and vanilla. Mix on low just until combined.
- Pour filling over crust. Smooth the top and tap pan gently to release bubbles.
- Bake 45 to 55 minutes until edges are set and center jiggles slightly. Turn oven off and crack the door.
- Cool cheesecake in oven 1 hour, then refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Top with whipped cream and caramel if desired. Slice with a warm knife and serve chilled.
Notes
For a softer center, remove cheesecake when the middle still wobbles slightly. For firmer slices, bake a few extra minutes. Freeze whole or sliced cheesecake tightly wrapped for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator. If bananas are watery, drain mash briefly first. Add walnuts, cinnamon, chocolate chips, or peanut butter for flavor twists. Store covered in the refrigerator up to 5 days.