Take a trip to New Orleans with me. To a city and its people so welcoming you’ll never forget them. I’ve visited countless times over the years, taking away a bit more each time. This classic Bananas Foster is such an iconic dish from the region. Simple, rich and indulgent, you’ll find yourself in a perfect warm embrace. With or without the rum!
What is Bananas Foster?
Bananas Foster is a traditional Southern dessert originating from New Orleans. Featuring a rich flavor profile that encompasses the bananas alongside a buttery caramel sauce, usually prepared with rum.
Bananas Foster has 3 main parts; the bananas, the sauce and the ice cream. Some folks serve it with French toast or crepes, but a classic bananas foster is served with a simple scoop or two of vanilla ice cream.
I found the name a bit funny as a child; what is the ‘foster’? Is it the booze? Is it the amazing caramel sauce? Well, it turns out, its actually named after a man, Richard Foster who was friends with the dish’s creator, chef Paul Blange.
In 1951, Chef Paul created Bananas Foster. The scrumptious dessert was named for Richard Foster, who, as chairman, served with Owen on the New Orleans Crime Commission, a civic effort to clean up the French Quarter.
– via NewOrleansRestaurants.com
What you Need to Make Classic Bananas Foster:
Simplicity wins here. There’s a reason this dessert has been loved for decades! Just a deliciously honest flavor that kisses the soul.
Bananas Foster Ingredients
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup dark rum
- Vanilla ice cream
- Cinnamon sticks and/or ground cinnamon for garnish (optional)
Why You’ll Love this Classic Bananas Foster
- Its simple. Its quick. Its decadent!
- Who doesn’t love a great flambe? This showy dessert is top choice for dinner parties; especially outdoor gatherings.
- Easy to substitute with different liquors, or even make it without alcohol.
- A dessert that’s both comforting and elegant. Suitable for casual dinners and special occasions alike.
- Classic Bananas Foster offers a taste of the vibrant culture of New Orleans.
Cooking Tips and Variations
Cooking Tips for Bananas Foster
- Ripe Bananas: Use ripe but firm bananas for the best results and texture. Deep yellow with only a tiny bit of brown is best!
- Safe Flambe: Be very careful not to move your pan once the rum ignites. Keep it steady, slow rolling motion. No need to toss it around (people get hurt that way!)
Variations
- Boozy: How much Rum flavor you like is your choice; dial it up or right down. I prefer just a bit of Rum in mine (half of what this traditional recipe uses). You really don’t need very much to get the flavor.
- Try Other Spirits: Adding Banana Liqueur, Whiskey or Bourbon are great options. Play around. Use what you’ve got in that liquor cabinet.
Classic Bananas Foster
Ingredients
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup dark rum
- Vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- In a skillet or flambe pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add in the brown sugar and cinnamon to the melted butter. Stir with a wooden spoon until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Carefully add the banana slices to the pan and sauté for 2 minutes; until the bananas begin to soften and caramelize.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and pour in the dark rum. Caution: Be ready for flames to ignite when you add the rum.
- Gas Burner: tilt the pan slightly over the burner to ignite.Electric Stove: use a lighter to ignite the mixture.
- Return to low heat and simmer for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the sauce to thicken slightly. Remove from heat.
- Carefully scoop out 2 banana slices as well as some sauce into a service bowl. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!
