Description
This easy Bananas Foster recipe combines caramelized bananas with a rich buttery sauce infused with cinnamon, vanilla, lemon juice, and dark rum. Ready in about 10 minutes, it is a quick, decadent dessert perfect for serving over ice cream, pancakes, or enjoying on its own. The optional flambé step adds a spectacular show-stopping flair for entertaining guests or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Bananas Foster Ingredients
- 3 ripe but firm bananas
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients. Peel the bananas and slice them diagonally to maximize caramelization and improve presentation. Measure out butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and lemon juice before starting.
- Make the Caramel Sauce: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter, then swirl in the brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly, forming a glossy caramel sauce.
- Add the Bananas: Carefully place the banana slices into the caramel sauce. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, gently turning to coat evenly without breaking the bananas. They should soften and develop a golden color.
- Add Vanilla and Lemon Juice: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors and enhance the sauce.
- Incorporate the Rum (Optional Flambé): Return the pan to low heat and pour in the dark rum. Carefully ignite the rum with a long lighter or match to flambé, allowing the flames to burn off the alcohol but retain rich flavor. Alternatively, simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly if you choose not to flambé.
- Serve Immediately: Spoon the warm Bananas Foster and sauce over vanilla ice cream, pancakes, French toast, or enjoy as a standalone warm dessert.
Notes
- Use firm bananas to prevent mushiness and ensure perfect caramelization.
- Cook over medium heat to avoid burning the sugar and butter.
- Flambé safely by using a long lighter and maintaining a safe distance.
- Serve immediately to preserve the texture and warmth of the dessert.
- Prep ingredients ahead to ensure quick assembly and prevent sauce over-thickening.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 recipe (approx. 1 banana with sauce)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Bananas Foster, caramelized bananas, flambé dessert, rum dessert, quick dessert, easy Bananas Foster, classic dessert, banana dessert