Bananas Foster is a classic New Orleans dessert that brings drama, warmth, and indulgence to the table. It features ripe bananas cooked in a rich, buttery caramel sauce infused with brown sugar, cinnamon, and rum — then flambéed for a dazzling finish. Traditionally served over vanilla ice cream, this dish combines silky caramel, soft bananas, and a hint of rum for a dessert that feels both elegant and comforting. Originally created in the 1950s at Brennan’s Restaurant, it remains a timeless favorite for holidays, dinner parties, or any time you want to impress with a touch of Southern flair.
2. Ingredients
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4 ripe but firm bananas, peeled and sliced lengthwise or into thick rounds
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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½ cup light brown sugar, packed
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
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¼ cup dark rum (or banana liqueur for extra sweetness)
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
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4 scoops vanilla ice cream, for serving
3. Instructions
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Prepare your serving setup:
Have your serving dishes and ice cream ready before starting — the bananas cook quickly, and you’ll want to serve them immediately once done. -
Melt the butter and sugar:
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes a smooth, bubbling caramel sauce — about 3–4 minutes. -
Add the bananas:
Place the banana slices into the caramel sauce, spooning the mixture over them gently. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the bananas soften slightly but still hold their shape. -
Flambé with rum:
Carefully pour in the rum (off the heat if you’re using a gas stove). Light it with a long match or lighter to flambé. Let the flames burn for 10–15 seconds, then gently swirl the pan until they die out. This step burns off the alcohol while leaving a rich, deep flavor. -
Add vanilla and finish:
Stir in the vanilla extract and let the sauce simmer for another 30 seconds to thicken. -
Serve immediately:
Spoon the hot bananas and caramel sauce over scoops of vanilla ice cream. Serve right away while the contrast of hot and cold is at its best.
4. Preparation Time
Total: 15 minutes
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
5. Serving
Serves 4 people
6. Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 395 kcal
Protein: 3 g
Fat: 17 g
Carbohydrates: 59 g
Sugar: 51 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sodium: 120 mg
7. Tips
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Safety first: Always flambé with caution — remove the pan from direct heat before adding rum and keep a lid nearby to smother flames if needed.
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No alcohol version: Skip the rum and use 2 tablespoons of apple juice or orange juice for a kid-friendly version.
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Banana choice: Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent them from turning mushy.
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Flavor twist: Add a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of chocolate sauce before serving for extra indulgence.
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Serving ideas: Try it over pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a luxurious breakfast.
8. Final Thought
Bananas Foster is the perfect dessert when you want something spectacular yet easy to make. The rich caramelized sauce, buttery bananas, and touch of rum create an experience that’s both comforting and theatrical. Whether served at a festive dinner or a quiet evening at home, this iconic dessert always brings a warm, golden glow to the table.
