Bananas Foster

Bananas Foster is a timeless dessert that delivers warmth, richness, and a hint of theatrical flair. Originating in New Orleans, this indulgent dish features ripe bananas sautéed in a buttery brown sugar and cinnamon sauce, spiked with dark rum and finished with toasted pecans. Served over creamy vanilla ice cream, it offers a delightful contrast of hot and cold, soft and crunchy, making it an unforgettable finale to any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bananas Foster is quick, elegant, and deeply satisfying. It transforms simple pantry staples into a luxurious dessert with bold flavor and dramatic presentation. The rum-spiked caramel sauce infuses the bananas with richness, while toasted pecans add texture and a nutty depth. It’s perfect for dinner parties, romantic evenings, or simply treating yourself on a cozy night in—ready in minutes and guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 ripe bananas, halved lengthwise
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup dark rum
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup toasted pecans
• Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Directions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon until fully combined. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly.
2. Add the banana halves to the pan, cut-side down, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side. Spoon the caramel sauce over the bananas as they cook.
3. Carefully add the rum and vanilla extract. If desired and safe to do so, flambé the sauce by igniting the alcohol with a long lighter. Let the flame burn out naturally.
4. Stir in the toasted pecans and cook for 1 more minute.
5. Serve immediately over scoops of vanilla ice cream, spooning warm sauce and pecans generously over the top.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 420 kcal

Variations

• No Alcohol: Omit the rum and substitute with orange juice or apple cider for a family-friendly version.
• Nut-Free: Skip the pecans or replace them with toasted coconut or granola for crunch.
• Spiced Variation: Add a pinch of nutmeg or clove for added depth.
• Tropical Twist: Serve over coconut ice cream or add a splash of pineapple juice to the sauce.
• Flambé Alternative: If you prefer not to flambé, simply let the rum simmer and cook off naturally.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store leftover bananas and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating:
Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in 15-second intervals until heated through. Serve over fresh ice cream.

FAQs

What kind of bananas work best?

Ripe but firm bananas are ideal—they should be sweet and flavorful but hold their shape during cooking.

Is flambéing necessary?

No, it adds flair but is not essential. The alcohol can be simmered off without igniting.

Can I prepare this in advance?

It’s best made fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead and reheat with bananas just before serving.

What’s the safest way to flambé?

Use a long lighter, turn off the stovetop burner, and stand back. Always keep a lid nearby in case you need to extinguish the flame.

Can I use spiced rum?

Yes, spiced rum adds an extra layer of flavor and complements the cinnamon well.

What type of pan should I use?

A large, shallow skillet works best for even caramelization and space to flambé safely.

Can I use other nuts?

Yes, walnuts or almonds also work well, especially when toasted.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check specific product labels to confirm.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a larger skillet and cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.

What ice cream pairs best?

Classic vanilla is traditional, but caramel swirl, cinnamon, or even butter pecan would also complement the flavors beautifully.

Conclusion

Bananas Foster is a quick yet show-stopping dessert that combines rich, buttery sweetness with warm spices and cool ice cream. With its origins rooted in Southern hospitality, this classic New Orleans treat is both elegant and approachable. Whether flambéed for flair or simply simmered to perfection, it’s a dessert that transforms the everyday into something extraordinary.

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This indulgent Bananas Foster is a show-stopping New Orleans classic—featuring golden caramelized bananas, toasted pecans, and a rich brown sugar-rum sauce flambéed to perfection and served over creamy vanilla ice cream. It’s warm, buttery, boozy, and incredibly easy to make in just 15 minutes!

• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Flambé
• Cuisine: : New Orleans / : New Orleans / Southern Diet: VegetarianSouthern :
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas, halved lengthwise

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 cup dark rum

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/3 cup toasted pecans

• Vanilla ice cream, for serving

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Instructions

1. Make the Sauce:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon. Cook while stirring constantly for 2–3 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened.

2. Add Bananas:
   Gently place banana halves into the pan. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, spooning sauce over them as they cook.

3. Flambé (Optional):
   Carefully add dark rum and vanilla extract. If desired and safe, ignite the rum with a long lighter to flambé. Allow flames to subside naturally.

4. Add Pecans:
   Stir in toasted pecans and cook for 1 more minute.

5. Serve:
   Scoop vanilla ice cream into bowls and top with warm bananas and spoonfuls of the brown sugar rum sauce. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Always flambé safely—turn off burner and use a long match/lighter if doing so.

• Try swapping pecans for walnuts or hazelnuts for variation.

• Best served immediately for optimal contrast of hot and cold.