The Best Homemade Bananas Foster Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Homemade Bananas Foster recipe brings a taste of restaurant-quality dessert right to your kitchen, with minimal effort and maximum flavor. You’ll love how it combines warm, caramelized bananas with a rich, buttery sauce for a treat that feels both fancy and comforting. Plus, it’s quick to make, perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth in under 15 minutes. The addition of rum adds a grown-up twist, but it’s just as delicious without it. Finally, it’s versatile—serve it over ice cream, pancakes, or even on its own for a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Recipe
Bananas Foster is a classic New Orleans dessert featuring caramelized bananas in a rich buttery rum sauce, typically served over vanilla ice cream. This indulgent treat is quick to make and perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special homemade dessert.
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons banana liqueur (optional)
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes bubbly.
- Add the banana slices and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until they soften and caramelize.
- Remove the skillet from heat and carefully add the banana liqueur (if using) and rum.
- Return the skillet to low heat and tilt it slightly to ignite the alcohol (or use a long lighter). Let the flames subside.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Serve immediately over vanilla ice cream.
Notes:
- Be cautious when igniting the alcohol—keep a lid nearby to smother flames if needed.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the rum and banana liqueur and add a splash of vanilla extract instead.
Equipment:
- Large skillet
- Long lighter or matches (optional)
Time:
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Cuisine:
American (New Orleans)
Serving:
2–4 servings
Nutrition
This delicious dessert is rich in flavor and energy. Here are the nutritional details per serving:
Calories: 320
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 50mg
Total Carbohydrates: 55g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 45g
Protein: 2g
What To Serve With It
When I make Bananas Foster, I love pairing it with creamy vanilla ice cream—it melts into the warm sauce perfectly. Sometimes, I’ll drizzle it over a stack of fluffy pancakes for a decadent breakfast treat. It’s such a versatile dish that you can really get creative with how you serve it!
Ice Cream Pairings
For a truly indulgent experience, I love pairing my bananas foster with a generous scoop of ice cream—it’s the perfect way to balance the warm, caramelized flavors with something cool and creamy. Vanilla is my go-to because its sweetness complements the caramel and banana without overpowering them. For a twist, I’ll sometimes try salted caramel or dulce de leche ice cream to enhance the richness. On days I’m feeling adventurous, a scoop of coconut or rum raisin adds a fun, tropical vibe. Whatever you choose, the mix of hot and cold makes each bite feel like a little celebration.
Pancake Toppings
If you’re looking to take your pancakes from good to amazing, toppings are the way to go—trust me, I’ve learned this through many weekend breakfast experiments. Bananas Foster is one of my favorites because it’s warm, gooey, and feels like dessert for breakfast. I love drizzling it over a stack of fluffy pancakes, letting the caramel sauce soak in. A dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts adds extra texture and flavor. Sometimes, I’ll pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet contrast. It’s a combo that never fails to impress, whether it’s just for me or for guests.
