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Classic Restaurant-Style Bananas Foster Recipe with Flambé Option

A serving of caramelized bananas foster next to a scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled with sauce.
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Master the iconic New Orleans dessert at home. This easy Bananas Foster recipe delivers perfectly caramelized bananas in a rich butter-rum sauce, served warm over vanilla ice cream. Include steps for the optional, dramatic flambé.

Ingredients

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  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup dark rum (like Myers’s or Gosling’s)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 4 firm, ripe bananas, peeled and sliced lengthwise
  • 1/4 cup banana liqueur (optional, for richer flavor)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a thicker sauce)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Instructions

  1. Combine the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, creating a smooth caramel sauce. This takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
  2. Add the sliced bananas to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 1 minute per side until they are lightly softened and coated in the sauce. Do not overcook them.
  3. Remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully pour the dark rum into the skillet. Return the skillet to the heat.
  4. If you choose to flambé: Immediately tilt the skillet slightly toward the flame (if using a gas stove) or use a long match to ignite the rum vapors. Stand back. Allow the flames to burn out naturally, which usually takes about 30 seconds. This burns off the alcohol.
  5. If you skip the flambé: Let the rum bubble for 1 minute to cook off the raw alcohol taste.
  6. Stir in the banana liqueur and heavy cream, if using. Cook for 30 seconds until the sauce thickens slightly. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
  7. Serve immediately. Spoon the warm Bananas Foster sauce and bananas over generous scoops of cold vanilla ice cream.

Notes

  • Use firm, slightly under-ripe bananas; very soft bananas will turn mushy when cooked.
  • If you are nervous about flambéing, simply skip that step; the dessert is still delicious without it.
  • For a thicker sauce, let the sauce simmer for an extra minute after adding the cream.
  • This recipe is excellent for making a dessert for two; simply halve the ingredients.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/bananas-foster-classic-restaurant-style-recipe/