Caramelized Banana Cheesecake Delight (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Crust

01 - 180 grams graham cracker crumbs
02 - 50 grams granulated sugar
03 - 115 grams unsalted butter, melted

→ Cheesecake Filling

04 - 680 grams cream cheese, softened
05 - 200 grams granulated sugar
06 - 3 large eggs
07 - 240 grams sour cream
08 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

→ Caramelized Bananas

09 - 3 ripe bananas, thickly sliced
10 - 100 grams brown sugar
11 - 45 grams butter

→ Glaze

12 - 65 grams brown sugar
13 - 30 grams butter
14 - 1 teaspoon cornstarch, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 175°C. Combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Mix until evenly moistened. Press mixture firmly into the base of a springform pan to form an even layer. Bake for 8 minutes, then let cool completely.
02 - Reduce oven temperature to 163°C. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add granulated sugar and mix well. Incorporate eggs one at a time, blending after each addition. Gently fold in sour cream and vanilla extract just until combined.
03 - Pour cream cheese filling over cooled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula. Place in oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly. Turn off oven, crack the door, and leave cheesecake inside for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
04 - Remove cheesecake from oven and allow to cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to set fully.
05 - Melt butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar until dissolved and bubbling. Add banana slices and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden and sticky. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
06 - In a small saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth. If a thicker glaze is desired, stir in a slurry made from cornstarch and one tablespoon of water and cook for an additional minute until thickened. Remove from heat.
07 - Arrange caramelized banana slices over the chilled cheesecake. Drizzle with warm glaze. Slice into portions and serve with any remaining glaze on the side if desired.

# Notes:

01 - For the smoothest texture, ensure cream cheese is completely softened before mixing.
02 - Allow adequate chilling time for optimal slicing and flavor.