Have you ever wanted to create a show-stopping dessert without spending hours in the kitchen? This Bananas Foster recipe is your answer, a deliciously simple treat that combines caramelized bananas with melty vanilla ice cream and a warm rum sauce that literally lights up the room! The best part? It takes just 10 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for those impromptu dinner parties or when you need to impress without the stress.
I first discovered this dessert during a trip to New Orleans, and like many visitors to that magical city, I was immediately captivated by the tableside flambe presentation. But don’t let the dramatic flair fool you. This classic dessert is surprisingly accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. It’s become my go-to recipe when I want something that tastes like I spent all day in the kitchen, even though it’s quicker to make than my popular 15-minute chocolate lava cakes!
So grab your skillet and prepare for a dessert adventure that’s equal parts simple and spectacular. Trust me, your taste buds (and dinner guests) will thank you!
What Is Bananas Foster?
Bananas Foster is a magnificent dessert that originated in New Orleans at Brennan’s Restaurant in the 1950s. Ever wondered why it’s called “Foster”? The dish was actually named after Richard Foster, a friend of restaurant owner Owen Brennan and a prominent New Orleans businessman. Isn’t it wonderful how the most delicious creations often have the most interesting backstories?
As they say, “Good food is the foundation of genuine happiness,” and this dessert certainly proves that point! With its theatrical flambé presentation and heavenly flavor combination, Bananas Foster has remained a beloved classic for decades. I encourage you to bring a taste of New Orleans into your own kitchen with this spectacular yet surprisingly simple dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Bananas Foster
A Showstopping Presentation
The flambé element of this dessert creates an impressive visual display that will have your dinner guests applauding. The dancing blue flames not only add drama but actually enhance the flavor by caramelizing the sugars and blending the rum into the sauce. Even better, this theatrical performance requires minimal effort on your part!
Budget-Friendly Elegance
While Bananas Foster might cost you $12-15 per serving at a fine dining restaurant, making it at home costs just a fraction of that price. With simple ingredients like bananas, butter, and sugar, you’ll create a restaurant-quality dessert for less than $3 per serving. Talk about a sweet deal!
Rich Flavor Complexity
The combination of caramelized bananas, warm cinnamon, and buttery rum sauce creates a depth of flavor that belies the simplicity of this recipe. The contrasting temperatures of the warm, soft bananas against the cold, creamy ice cream make every bite a sensory delight that’s impossible to resist.
If you enjoy this luxurious yet easy dessert, you might also love my Chocolate Lava Cake recipe, which offers a similar combination of impressive presentation and straightforward preparation. Ready to get cooking? Let’s break down this Bananas Foster recipe step by step!
How to Make Bananas Foster
Quick Overview
This Bananas Foster recipe is remarkably easy to prepare, requiring just 10 minutes from start to finish. The magic happens when the butter and sugar create a luscious caramel sauce that envelops slightly firm bananas, creating the perfect texture contrast against melting vanilla ice cream. The rum-flavored flambé adds both excitement and complex flavor, making this a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Key Ingredients for Bananas Foster
- 3 medium bananas: Choose slightly underripe bananas with a touch of green at the ends. Peel and slice them lengthwise, then slice crosswise to create quarters. This helps them hold their shape during cooking. Overripe bananas will become mushy when heated and are more likely to break apart when you try to flip them in the pan.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter: Cut into pieces for faster, more even melting.
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar: This provides a rich caramel flavor and creates a darker sauce with deeper flavor notes. Traditional recipes call for brown sugar, which you can substitute if preferred. Using a lighter brown sugar will result in a lighter-colored sauce similar to what’s served at Brennan’s Restaurant in New Orleans.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note that complements the bananas beautifully.
- Pinch of kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup apple juice: For the base of the non-alcoholic sauce. It gives the dish a fruity flavor and depth without alcohol.
- 1 teaspoon rum extract: This substitutes the traditional rum, giving the sauce that signature rum flavor without the alcohol.
- 2 tablespoons banana liqueur (optional): If you’d like an extra boost of banana flavor, feel free to use banana liqueur in place of the rum.
- Vanilla ice cream: The perfect creamy complement to the warm bananas and sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the bananas: Peel 3 medium bananas and slice them in half horizontally, then slice each half across to create quarters. This will give you a total of 12 pieces, with 3 pieces per serving. Slicing them into quarters rather than keeping them as full-length halves makes them much easier to flip in the pan without breaking.
- Make the sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of butter. Add 1/2 cup of coconut sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt. Whisk the mixture constantly for about one minute until it starts to bubble.
- Cook the bananas: Add the banana pieces to the pan, placing them cut-side down. Cook for 1-2 minutes until they become slightly softened and caramelized. Carefully flip each piece over using a spatula. The bananas should be golden but still holding their shape.
- Flambé (Non-Alcoholic Version): Turn off the heat (this is crucial for safety). While the sauce is still bubbling, add 1/4 cup apple juice and 1 teaspoon rum extract. The rum extract will infuse the sauce with a rum-like flavor without the alcohol. Let the sauce simmer for a minute to combine the flavors.
- Serve immediately: Place three pieces of banana in each serving bowl, making sure to drizzle plenty of the caramelized sauce over them. Top with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and, if desired, add another drizzle of sauce over the ice cream.
What to Serve Non-Alcoholic Bananas Foster With
While Bananas Foster is a complete dessert on its own, there are several ways to enhance the experience:
- A dollop of freshly whipped cream alongside the ice cream adds another layer of richness
- Serve with butter cookies or shortbread for textural contrast
- Pair with a small glass of chilled apple cider for an added touch
- For breakfast lovers, try serving a smaller portion over pancakes or waffles for a decadent brunch option
- After a Cajun or Creole main course to create a themed New Orleans dinner
- Optionally, drizzle with honey and sprinkle with walnuts for a sweet, nutty finish.
Top Tips for Perfecting Non-Alcoholic Bananas Foster
- Choose the right bananas: Slightly underripe bananas with a hint of green will hold their shape better during cooking. Fully yellow or spotted bananas will become too soft and are more likely to break apart when flipping.
- Safety first: Always turn off the heat before adding any ingredients to prevent flames. Keep a pot lid nearby to smother any flames if necessary.
- Timing is everything: Have your ice cream scooped and ready before making the bananas so you can serve immediately while the sauce is still warm and bubbling.
- Rum alternatives: For a non-alcoholic version, use apple juice and rum extract. You’ll miss the flambé effect, but the flavor will be similar.
- Enhanced flavor options: For an authentic touch, add 2 tablespoons of banana liqueur along with the rum extract if you have it on hand.
Storing and Reheating Tips
While Non-Alcoholic Bananas Foster is best enjoyed immediately after preparation, leftovers can be stored and enjoyed later:
Refrigeration: Store leftover bananas and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The bananas will soften further but will still taste delicious.
Freezing: This dessert doesn’t freeze well due to the texture changes in the bananas, so it’s best to make only what you’ll eat within a couple of days.
Reheating Method #1: Place the leftover bananas and sauce in a pan over low heat and gently stir for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
Reheating Method #2: Microwave in 10-15 second increments, stirring the sauce between intervals to prevent overheating.
Serving Reheated Portions: Always add fresh ice cream to the reheated bananas and sauce for the best temperature contrast and creamy texture.
Embrace the Health Benefits of Bananas Foster
Bananas Foster is more than just an indulgent treat. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the health benefits of bananas. With their natural sweetness, rich potassium content, and fiber that supports digestion, bananas are the perfect base for this indulgent dessert. By pairing them with a warm, buttery rum sauce and creamy vanilla ice cream, you’re creating a showstopping dessert that’s as good for your taste buds as it is for your health.
So the next time you’re looking to make an impressive yet easy dessert, whip up this Bananas Foster and savor both the indulgence and the nutritious benefits of bananas!
Try More Delicious Banana Recipes!
If you loved making Bananas Foster, why not try some other banana-inspired recipes that are just as irresistible? Check out these favorites:
- Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie: A creamy, protein-packed smoothie that’s perfect for breakfast or a quick snack.
- Healthy Banana Bread with Oat Flour: Enjoy a healthier take on the classic banana bread, made with oat flour for a tasty twist.
- Banana Cupcakes: Soft, moist cupcakes bursting with banana flavor, topped with your favorite frosting.
These recipes are sure to satisfy your banana cravings in every form!
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Bananas Foster
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Description
A classic New Orleans dessert featuring caramelized bananas in a buttery, rum-flavored sauce, flambéed for dramatic effect and served with vanilla ice cream. Ready in just 10 minutes!
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 3 medium bananas, peeled and sliced lengthwise, then crosswise
- ¼ cup apple juice (non-alcoholic substitute for rum)
- 1 teaspoon rum extract
- 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Make the sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the coconut sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk constantly for about a minute, until the mixture starts to bubble.
- Soften the bananas: Add the bananas cut side down, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until softened and slightly caramelized. Then use a spatula to flip the bananas over.
- Simmer the sauce: Turn off the heat and add the apple juice and rum extract. Let the sauce simmer for a minute to combine the flavors.
- Serve with ice cream: Divide the bananas and sauce between four serving bowls, and top each with a scoop of ice cream. Enjoy warm with melting ice cream!
Notes
Storing Leftovers: Keep any remaining bananas and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The bananas may soften slightly but will still taste great.
Reheating Option 1: Warm the bananas and sauce in a pan over low heat, stirring gently for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
Reheating Option 2: Microwave in short bursts of 10–15 seconds, stirring between intervals to prevent overheating.
Banana Liqueur Alternative: The classic version includes banana liqueur, but since it’s not a common pantry staple, it’s optional. If you have it, swap 2 tablespoons of the liquid for banana liqueur to enhance the banana flavor.
Scaling Up for a Crowd: Need to serve more people? Add two extra bananas and slice them into rounds instead of halving them for easier serving.
Extra Flavor Boost: A pinch of nutmeg can add even more warmth and depth to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Calories: 401kcal
- Sugar: 31g
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
