Bananas Foster

Craving a rich, show-stopping dessert? Bananas Foster brings flavor and a fiery finish with caramelized bananas, rum, and vanilla ice cream. Whether you’re planning a dinner party or just want a show-stopping finale, this easy bananas foster recipe brings restaurant-style drama and rich, caramelized flavor right to your kitchen. Perfect for Mardi Gras, date night, or any time you want to impress family and friends with minimal effort!

What is Bananas Foster?

Bananas Foster is a classic New Orleans dessert created in the 1950s at Brennan’s Restaurant. It’s made with ripe bananas, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, dark rum, and banana liqueur, all flambéed and usually served over vanilla ice cream. I first tried it at a restaurant near the French Quarter where it originated, and it was made tableside. I was instantly hooked. The best part? It’s actually super easy to make at home, and the fiery finish always gets a “wow” from anyone and everyone watching. Everyone, home cooks and chefs alike, puts their own little spin on it, but that rich, buttery sauce and caramelized banana flavor is always the star.

Ingredients to Make Bananas Foster Recipe

Key ingredients you’ll need to gather to make Bananas Foster: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Bananas – You’ll need 5-6 medium or large bananas.
• Liquid – Dark rum and banana liquor (optional) gives banana foster its signature flavor.
• Butter – Butter adds a richness to the caramel rum sauce.
• Sugar – Light brown sugar or dark brown sugar adds sweetness and caramelizes with the butter.
• Seasonings – Ground cinnamon and salt for a hint of spice and to balance the flavor.
• Flavoring – Vanilla extract adds creamy floral notes to the taste.
• Serve – Vanilla ice cream for serving. 

 

 

How to Make the Best Bananas Foster Recipe

• Melt the Butter – Melt butter in a large skillet over a medium-high heat.
• Make the Sauce – Add brown sugar, vanilla, ground cinnamon and salt. Stir constantly, until it begins to bubble, about 2 minutes.
• Add Bananas – Peel and split in half crosswise and then lengthwise.
• Caramelize Bananas – Arrange banana slices in the pan in a single layer in the brown sugar mixture. Turn to coat on all sides.
• Add Alcohol – Remove pan from heat for safety adding rum and banana liquor, if using.
• Flambe – Return pan to the stovetop over medium heat, and carefully ignite using a long lighter or a long matchstick for safety.
• Simmer – The flame should go out fairly quickly. 
• Serve – Spoon the banana mixture over vanilla ice cream and serve immediately.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Bananas Foster Recipe

• A large 12-inch skillet.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• A sharp knife and chopping board.
• Large spoon for turning the banana slices.
• A long lighter or matchstick to flambé the rum and banana liquor.

Recipe Variations, Tip and Substitutions

• Rum – You can use dark rum or light rum. I’ve also made bananas foster using Kentucky bourbon.
• Rum Substitution –  You could use orange juice or pineapple juice in place of alcohol. When doing so, use rum extract to amp up the flavor and there’s no need to flambe.
• Nuts – Nuts aren’t always included in classic Bananas Foster, but they do lend a crunch and texture to the dish. You can add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts.
• Adjust the Amount of Bananas for Servings – his recipe can easily be adapted or cut in half if you need a smaller amount.
• Butter – You can use salted butter. When doing so, omit the salt.
• Use a Skillet with a Lid – It’s helpful to have nearby a lid to place onto the skillet if you need to extinguish the flame for any reason.
• Safety Tip – You should always measure the alcohol and add to the pan using a measuring cup and not pour directly from the bottle. This is especially important for safety if you’re cooking over an open flame.
• Serving Options – You can serve this classic bananas foster dessert over ice cream, over pancakes or waffles with whipped cream or pound cake.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store leftover Bananas Foster chilled in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave in single servings just until heated through.
• Freezer – I don’t recommend freezing banana foster as the texture of the bananas gets a bit mushy when thawed.

 

 

 

 

More Southern Dessert Recipes to Make

• Old Fashioned Banana Pudding is comfort in a bowl.
• Chess Pie is a cinch to make.
• Scratch made Strawberry Shortcake just like Grandma used to make.
• This Million Dollar Pound Cake transforms pantry staples into a delicious treat.
• Make your own Moon Pies.
• Mississippi Mud Pie is a classic that chocolate fans love.
• Enjoy these New Orleans Beignets with a cup of coffee or hot tea.
• Buttermilk Pie is a Southern classic.

 

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Helpful Kitchen Items: 

• Skillet
• Measuring Set
• Kitchen Utensils
• Knives and Chopping Board