Description
Bananas Foster is a classic New Orleans dessert featuring caramelized bananas in a buttery cinnamon and nutmeg sauce, flambéed with rum, and served over creamy ice cream. This indulgent, quick-to-make treat combines rich flavors and dramatic presentation for a perfect finish to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Bananas Foster Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
- Pinch of grated fresh nutmeg
- 2 tbsp. packed dark brown sugar
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp. banana liqueur (optional)
- 2 tbsp. heavy cream
- 1 large banana
- 3 tbsp. dark rum
- Ice cream, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the banana: Peel the banana and cut it in half crosswise. Then cut each half lengthwise to yield 4 long banana planks, setting them aside for cooking.
- Make the caramel sauce: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Stir in cinnamon and freshly grated nutmeg, cooking and stirring for 10 to 20 seconds until fragrant. Add the kosher salt and dark brown sugar, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves and bubbles into a caramel, about 3 minutes.
- Add flavorings and cream: Slowly stir in the vanilla extract, optional banana liqueur, and heavy cream, mixing well to create a smooth and rich caramel sauce.
- Cook the bananas: Place the banana planks into the skillet, carefully swirling and shaking the pan to coat the bananas evenly with the caramel sauce. Use a wooden spoon to gently help coat if needed.
- Flambé with rum: Add the dark rum to the pan. Slightly tilt the pan to ignite the alcohol, or use a long match or lighter to carefully flambé. Cook while gently shaking the pan to keep the sauce smooth until the flames subside, about 20 seconds.
- Serve: Spoon the warm bananas and caramel sauce over scoops of ice cream for a decadent dessert ready to enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Always exercise caution when flambéing. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and do not lean over the pan.
- If you prefer, substitute bourbon for rum to vary flavor.
- Use ripe but firm bananas for best texture.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the rum and banana liqueur and add a little extra vanilla.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 96 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 47 mg
