Description
Classic New Orleans Bananas Foster is a decadent dessert featuring ripe bananas sautéed in a buttery brown sugar and cinnamon syrup, flambéed with dark rum, and served warm over creamy vanilla ice cream. This quick and flavorful treat combines rich caramelized flavors with a touch of flambé drama, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special sweet moment at home.
Ingredients
Bananas Foster
- 2 ripe bananas
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup dark rum
Serving
- Vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Bananas: Peel the ripe bananas and slice them diagonally into thick pieces, which will help them hold their shape during cooking and ensure even caramelization.
- Melt Butter: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter, allowing it to become bubbly but avoiding any browning to maintain a smooth flavor base.
- Create Syrup: Stir in the brown sugar and ground cinnamon with the melted butter until they dissolve and form a rich, fragrant syrup that will coat the bananas.
- Sauté Bananas: Add the sliced bananas to the skillet and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, gently stirring, until the bananas become tender and start to caramelize in the syrup.
- Flambé with Rum: Carefully pour in the dark rum and ignite it to flambé, allowing the flames to burn off the alcohol and infuse the dish with deep, smoky flavors; let the flames subside naturally.
- Serve: Immediately spoon the warm bananas and sauce over scoops of vanilla ice cream, letting the hot syrup melt the ice cream slightly for a rich and creamy finish.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent them from becoming too mushy during cooking.
- Exercise caution when flambéing; keep a fire extinguisher nearby and do this step in a well-ventilated area.
- Dark rum works best for authentic flavor, but you can substitute with another dark spirit if necessary.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the rum and add a splash of vanilla extract after cooking.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm bananas and cold ice cream.