Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bananas Foster is a dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. The bananas are caramelized in a rich brown sugar sauce with cinnamon and cream, creating a smooth, indulgent coating. The addition of dark rum adds depth and complexity, while the dramatic flaming step creates an unforgettable experience. Topped with vanilla ice cream, this dessert is the perfect balance of warm and cold, sweet and spicy. It’s the kind of dish that feels both luxurious and comforting, making it perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

6 tbsp salted butter
3/4 cup (168g) packed light or dark brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp heavy cream
3 bananas, halved lengthwise, then halved crosswise
3 tbsp dark rum
Vanilla ice cream, for serving

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

Directions

Prepare the Bananas: Slice the bananas lengthwise, then cut each half crosswise so you have 8 pieces per banana. Set aside.
Make the Sauce: In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the mixture cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is bubbling and smooth.
Cook the Bananas: Add the banana pieces to the skillet, carefully turning them to coat them in the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the bananas are softened and caramelized.
Flambé the Rum: Turn off the heat and add the dark rum to the skillet. Carefully ignite the rum with a long lighter or match (be sure to do this in a safe area with no flammable materials nearby).
Serve: Once the flames have died down, carefully stir the sauce to incorporate the rum. Spoon the bananas and sauce over a scoop of vanilla ice cream in individual bowls.
Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, indulgent flavors of Bananas Foster!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

Bananas Foster with a Twist: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the sauce for extra texture and flavor.
Bourbon or Dark Rum: If you prefer a different kind of rum, you can substitute dark rum with bourbon for a more robust flavor.
Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter and heavy cream with coconut oil and coconut milk for a tropical twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Bananas Foster is best served immediately after cooking. Due to the nature of the sauce, it does not store well once it has been flambéed and served over ice cream.
Reheating: If you have leftovers, store the banana sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can reheat it in a pan and serve it with fresh bananas, but it won’t have the same dramatic effect.

FAQs

Can I use regular rum instead of dark rum?

Dark rum is preferred for its rich flavor, but you can use light rum if that’s all you have on hand. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I know when the bananas are done?

The bananas are done when they have softened slightly and are nicely coated in the caramelized sauce. They should not be mushy, just tender.

Can I make this dessert in advance?

While Bananas Foster is best served immediately, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, just heat it up, add the bananas, and flambé the rum.

What other fruits can I use for this recipe?

You can substitute the bananas with other fruits like plantains, pears, or apples for a variation. However, bananas are the traditional and most popular choice for this dessert.

Can I make this in a non-stick pan?

Yes, you can use a non-stick pan. Just make sure it is large enough to accommodate the bananas and the sauce, and ensure the pan is safe for flambéing.

How do I prevent the sauce from being too runny?

Ensure the sauce has cooked for a few minutes to allow the sugar to fully dissolve and thicken before adding the bananas. The sauce will thicken further once it cools slightly.

Can I add ice cream to the pan?

It’s best to serve the Bananas Foster over a scoop of ice cream, rather than adding the ice cream to the pan, as it may melt too quickly and alter the texture.

Conclusion

Bananas Foster is a luxurious and unforgettable dessert that combines the rich, buttery sweetness of bananas with a spiced cinnamon rum sauce and a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream. It’s the perfect dessert for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this dramatic and indulgent dessert at home, and it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time!

Bananas Foster

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Bananas Foster is a decadent, showstopping dessert that combines caramelized bananas, a rich cinnamon rum sauce, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The dramatic flaming rum pour adds a touch of flair, while the sweet and buttery sauce with a hint of spice makes this dessert the perfect indulgence. Easy to prepare and absolutely delicious, Bananas Foster is a treat you’ll love serving on special occasions or as a fun dessert for family and friends!

Ingredients

6 tbsp salted butter
3/4 cup (168g) packed light or dark brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp heavy cream
3 bananas, halved lengthwise, then halved crosswise
3 tbsp dark rum
Vanilla ice cream, for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the Bananas: Slice the bananas lengthwise, then cut each half crosswise to create 8 pieces per banana. Set aside.
Make the Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and smooth.
Cook the Bananas: Add the banana pieces to the skillet, turning them to coat in the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bananas are softened and caramelized.
Flambé the Rum: Turn off the heat and carefully add dark rum to the skillet. Ignite the rum using a long lighter or match (ensure there are no flammable materials nearby). Allow the flames to subside, which will add a deep, smoky flavor.
Serve: Once the flames subside, stir the sauce to incorporate the rum. Spoon the bananas and sauce over a scoop of vanilla ice cream in bowls.
Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the indulgent, warm flavors of Bananas Foster!

Notes

Variations: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the sauce for extra texture and flavor.
Storage: Best served immediately, but you can store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat with fresh bananas.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: American