A classic American dessert, Bananas Foster features caramelized bananas in a rum-infused sauce, served over creamy vanilla ice cream. It’s a decadent treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth with rich flavors and a touch of flair. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy evening at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Rich and Decadent: The combination of caramelized brown sugar and butter creates a rich, velvety sauce that beautifully complements the sweet bananas.
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Simple and Quick: Ready in just 20 minutes, this dessert is perfect for when you’re short on time but still want to enjoy something indulgent.
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Serve Over Ice Cream: The warm caramel sauce pairs perfectly with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
Ingredients
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4 medium bananas
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1/4 cup butter
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2/3 cup dark brown sugar, packed
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1/4 cup chopped pecans, optional
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4 scoops vanilla ice cream, for serving
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Bananas
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Peel the bananas and slice them into long, thick strips or cut them in half lengthwise. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
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In a large, deep skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the dark brown sugar and cinnamon, whisking until fully dissolved and the sugar begins to melt into the butter, forming a smooth sauce.
Step 3: Caramelize the Bananas
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Carefully place the bananas in the skillet in a single layer. Gently stir to ensure the bananas are coated with the caramel sauce. Let them cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the bananas soften and the caramel thickens.
Step 4: Add Vanilla and Pecans
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Once the bananas are soft and the sauce is thickened to a honey-like consistency, add the vanilla extract and chopped pecans (if using). Stir to combine, then remove the pan from heat.
Step 5: Serve
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Serve the caramelized bananas and sauce in bowls, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Spoon any extra sauce over the top and enjoy!
Notes
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Customize with nuts: Feel free to add other nuts like walnuts or almonds in place of pecans, or omit them altogether.
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Serving suggestions: While vanilla ice cream is classic, you can also serve it with other flavors like cinnamon or caramel for a unique twist.
Storage and Reheating
Bananas Foster is best served fresh, as the bananas soften and the sauce thickens. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, but the texture of the bananas may change. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 20 minutes
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Servings: 4 servings
Variations
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Vegan Version: Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative and use non-dairy ice cream for a vegan-friendly treat.
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Spiced Version: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for an extra layer of flavor.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use other fruits instead of bananas?
A: While bananas are the classic choice for Bananas Foster, you could try using other fruits like peaches or pineapple. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the fruit.
Q2: How can I make this dish more indulgent?
A: For an even richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of heavy cream to the sauce or serve the Bananas Foster with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.
Conclusion
Bananas Foster is a show-stopping dessert that’s both easy to make and impressively delicious. The sweet, caramelized bananas combined with vanilla ice cream create a comforting and indulgent treat perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the warm!
Print
Bananas Foster
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Savor the rich flavors of Bananas Foster, a classic dessert featuring caramelized bananas in a rum-infused sauce, served over creamy vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
4 medium bananas
1/4 cup butter
2/3 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup chopped pecans, optional
4 scoops vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Bananas:
Peel the bananas and slice them into long, thick strips. Alternatively, cut them in half lengthwise. Set aside.
Make the Sauce:
Melt the butter in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and cinnamon. Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Cook the Bananas:
Carefully place the banana slices in the skillet in a single layer. Gently stir until the bananas begin to soften and caramelize, cooking for about 1-2 minutes.
Finish the Sauce:
Add the vanilla extract and chopped pecans (if using). Stir everything together and then remove the pan from the heat once the caramel has thickened and the bananas are soft.
Serve:
Serve the bananas in bowls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Spoon the extra caramel sauce over the top and enjoy!
Notes
If you don’t have pecans, feel free to swap with another type of nut or skip them entirely.
Serve this dessert immediately for the best experience!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
