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Classic Restaurant-Style Bananas Foster with Rum Flambé

Close-up of caramelized bananas foster slices topped with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.
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Make the famous New Orleans dessert, Bananas Foster, at home. This recipe features bananas caramelized in a rich, buttery rum sauce, served warm over vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup dark rum (e.g., 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 extra flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Instructions

  1. Place the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Let it melt completely.
  2. Add the brown sugar and cinnamon to the melted butter. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble and thicken slightly, about 2 minutes. This creates the caramel base.
  3. Add the sliced bananas to the skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, gently turning them once to coat them in the sauce. Do not overcook; the bananas should remain somewhat firm.
  4. Remove the skillet from the heat source. Carefully pour the dark rum into the skillet.
  5. Return the skillet to the heat. Immediately tilt the pan slightly toward the flame (if using a gas stove) or use a long match to ignite the rum vapors. Stand back while the alcohol burns off (flambé).
  6. Once the flames subside, stir in the banana liqueur (if using), vanilla extract, and salt. Cook for 30 seconds more, spooning the sauce over the bananas.
  7. Serve immediately over scoops of cold vanilla ice cream.

Notes

  • Use firm, slightly underripe bananas so they hold their shape during cooking.
  • If you prefer not to flambé, simply heat the rum in the sauce for 1 minute until it reduces slightly, then serve immediately.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the rum with 1/4 cup of strong brewed coffee or extra banana juice/extract.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://hearthbite.com/bananas-foster-recipe-classic-new-orleans-dessert/