Bananas Foster

Bananas Foster is a classic New Orleans dessert featuring ripe bananas sautéed in a rich, buttery brown sugar sauce, flambéed with rum, and served warm over creamy vanilla ice cream. It’s an impressive yet surprisingly easy treat that turns simple ingredients into a show-stopping finale.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy — ready in under 15 minutes.
• Uses simple pantry ingredients.
• Dramatic presentation with the flambé technique.
• Warm caramelized bananas paired with cold ice cream — an irresistible combo.
• Perfect for dinner parties or a special date night at home.

ingredients

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

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup dark rum
• 2 ripe but firm bananas, sliced lengthwise and halved
• ¼ cup banana liqueur (optional)
• Vanilla ice cream, for serving

directions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add brown sugar and cinnamon; stir until sugar dissolves and mixture starts to bubble.
2. Add banana liqueur (if using) and stir to combine.
3. Gently place the banana slices in the sauce. Cook for about 2–3 minutes, spooning sauce over bananas until they’re softened and coated.
4. Carefully pour in the rum. Using a long lighter or match, ignite the rum to flambé. Let the flame burn off naturally (stand back and be cautious!).
5. Once the flame goes out, remove the skillet from heat.
6. Serve bananas and sauce immediately over scoops of vanilla ice cream.

Servings and timing

Servings: Serves 2–4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Substitute spiced rum for extra depth of flavor.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Try it with caramel or butter pecan ice cream instead of vanilla.
• For a kid-friendly version, skip the rum and flambé; just simmer the sauce a bit longer.

storage/reheating

Bananas Foster is best served fresh, but you can store leftover sauce and bananas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat — do not microwave, as the sauce may separate.

FAQs

What is Bananas Foster?

It’s a famous dessert from New Orleans made with bananas, butter, brown sugar, rum, and ice cream.

Who invented Bananas Foster?

It was created in 1951 at Brennan’s Restaurant in New Orleans by chef Paul Blangé.

Why do you flambé Bananas Foster?

Flambéing burns off the alcohol and adds a dramatic touch while intensifying the flavor.

Can I make Bananas Foster without alcohol?

Yes! Simply skip the rum and flambé step — the sauce will still be delicious.

What’s the best rum to use?

A dark or spiced rum works best for rich flavor and caramel notes.

Can I use bananas that are very ripe?

Use ripe but firm bananas. Overripe bananas will become mushy.

What ice cream works best?

Classic vanilla is traditional, but caramel or cinnamon ice cream is delicious too.

Is Bananas Foster hard to make?

Not at all — it’s quick and easy. Just be careful when flambéing.

Can I flambé without a lighter?

You’ll need a long lighter or match; always flambé safely away from flammable items.

What can I serve with Bananas Foster?

Serve it with pound cake or crepes for an extra indulgent treat.

Conclusion

Bananas Foster is a timeless dessert that’s equal parts delicious and dramatic. With its buttery rum sauce, caramelized bananas, and cold vanilla ice cream, this easy recipe is guaranteed to impress every time. Bring a taste of New Orleans to your kitchen — you’ll want to make it again and again!

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