Bananas Foster Recipe

Bananas Foster is a classic New Orleans dessert that’s as dramatic as it is delicious. Ripe bananas are gently cooked in a bubbling brown sugar, butter, and spice caramel, then flambéed with rum and served hot over scoops of cold, creamy ice cream. It’s a quick, restaurant-worthy treat that’s easy enough to make at home, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking to elevate a weeknight dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy — ready in just 10 minutes

• Uses simple ingredients you likely already have

• Delivers a show-stopping presentation with the flambé technique

• Warm caramelized bananas contrast beautifully with cold ice cream

• Flexible serving sizes for small or indulgent portions

• A great way to use ripe bananas before they go over

• Naturally gluten-free

• Adds flair to dinner parties without stress

• Customizable with different ice creams or liqueurs

• A nostalgic dessert with timeless flavor

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch ground nutmeg
Generous pinch kosher salt
3 medium ripe but firm bananas, split in half crosswise and then lengthwise
1/4 cup white or aged rum
Ice cream of your choice, for serving

Directions

1. In a large 12-inch stainless-steel skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir and swirl until the mixture forms a grainy liquid and starts to bubble, about 2 minutes.

2. Add the bananas, cut side down, and continue to cook for about 2 minutes, gently swirling the pan as the caramel becomes smoother and more glossy.

3. Carefully add the rum (do not pour directly from the bottle if working over a flame). Tilt the pan to ignite the alcohol using a gas burner or light it carefully with a match. Let the flames burn off, cooking for 1–2 minutes until the caramel reaches a honey-like consistency.
   Note: You can skip flambéing and simply simmer the rum until mostly reduced if preferred.

4. Flip the bananas cut side up and transfer to serving plates. Serve immediately with scoops of ice cream and spoon the warm caramel over the top.

Servings and timing

Servings: 3 to 4
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Liqueur Options: Substitute rum with dark rum, spiced rum, or banana liqueur for added depth.

• No-Flame Version: Simmer the rum instead of igniting it for a safer, kid-friendly option.

• Ice Cream Flavors: Try vanilla bean, cinnamon, butter pecan, or coconut ice cream.

• Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the finished dish.

• Boozy Boost: Add a splash of banana or coffee liqueur for a twist.

• Fruit Swap: Use firm peaches or plantains in place of bananas for a seasonal variation.

• Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and non-dairy ice cream.

• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a touch of dark chocolate sauce for extra richness.

Storage/Reheating

Bananas Foster is best prepared and served immediately. It does not store or reheat well, as the bananas soften quickly and the caramel can seize. If needed:

• Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Reheat gently over low heat, but expect softer texture.

• Make-Ahead Tips: You can pre-measure and prepare all the ingredients in advance so the dessert comes together quickly at showtime.

FAQs

What type of bananas are best for Bananas Foster?

Use ripe but firm bananas. Overripe bananas can fall apart during cooking.

Do I have to flambé the rum?

No, flambéing is optional. You can simply simmer the rum until the alcohol cooks off.

Can I make this without alcohol?

Yes. Substitute the rum with a splash of orange juice, apple juice, or rum extract mixed with water.

What’s the safest way to flambé at home?

Always add the rum off the heat, and never pour directly from the bottle. Use a long lighter or tilt the pan toward the flame with care.

What skillet should I use?

A 12-inch stainless steel skillet works best. Avoid nonstick pans for flambéing.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but use a larger skillet or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

What ice cream pairs best with Bananas Foster?

Classic vanilla is traditional, but cinnamon, butter pecan, or even rum raisin work beautifully.

Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Absolutely. Toasted pecans or walnuts add great crunch and flavor.

Why is my caramel grainy?

This can happen if the sugar isn’t fully melted or the heat is too high. Stir gently and be patient during melting.

Is this dessert kid-friendly?

Without the flambé and using juice instead of rum, it can be made alcohol-free and safe for kids.

Conclusion

Bananas Foster is a quick, elegant dessert that combines rich caramel, soft bananas, and cold ice cream in one delicious dish. Whether you flambé it for drama or keep it simple, it’s sure to impress anyone at the table. Easy to prepare but packed with flavor and flair, this timeless treat is a go-to for any sweet occasion.

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