Bananas Foster

Basic Information

  • Total Time: 5 minutes

  • Servings: 2

  • Rating: 4.0/5 (based on 991 reviews)

  • Comments: 91 comments

History & Origin

First published in 1957 by The New York Times food editor Jane Nickerson, Bananas Foster is a celebrated staple of New Orleans–style Creole cuisine, adapted from the legendary Brennan’s restaurant. A "showstopper" dish, it blends dramatic presentation with surprisingly simple preparation, embodying the spirit of New Orleans culinary tradition while remaining approachable for home cooks.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

  • 2 large bananas, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 1 tbsp dark brown sugar

  • 1 tbsp banana liqueur (e.g., Creme de Banane; optional)

  • ¼ cup dark rum

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

  • Ice cream or rice pudding for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep: Have all ingredients ready, and place banana chunks in a bowl for easy access.

  2. Sauté Caramel: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add butter and brown sugar; stir constantly until sugar dissolves and the mixture forms a light amber caramel (30–45 seconds).

  3. Cook Bananas: Immediately add banana chunks to the skillet. Sauté gently for 2–3 minutes, ensuring bananas are coated in caramel and slightly softened.

  4. Ignite & Flambé: Carefully pour dark rum (and banana liqueur, if using) over the bananas. Hold a flame (e.g., long match/lighter) to ignite the alcohol. The mixture will flame; shake the pan gently to distribute heat evenly. Let the flame burn for 30–45 seconds (alcohol will reduce, and flames will subside naturally). If flames grow too large, cover the pan with a lid to extinguish fire.

  5. Finish & Serve: After flames die out, stir in vanilla extract (if using). Transfer the bananas and caramel sauce to a serving plate. Pair with ice cream or rice pudding for a classic presentation, and serve immediately.

Tips

  • Substitution: If banana liqueur is unavailable, add 1 extra tsp of dark rum to enhance depth.

  • Safety: Ensure the cooking area is clear of flammables. Use a wide, heat-resistant pan to prevent splatters; always keep a lid nearby to smother flames.

  • Tradition: Authentic Brennan’s recipes often serve Bananas Foster with hot butter sauce or over French bread pudding, but ice cream is a widely loved modern pairing.

Originally featured in Brennan’s in New Orleans Walks the Tightrope of Tradition, this dish remains a testament to Creole culinary artistry.

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