Bananas Foster Recipe
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Bananas Foster, a quick and easy dessert that takes just 10 minutes from start to finish! This recipe ensures a perfect balance of flavors with caramelized bananas, a hint of cinnamon, and a splash of dark rum, all served over creamy vanilla ice cream. Prepared in a flamboyant style, this dish promises a memorable dining experience reminiscent of the French Quarter in New Orleans.
Recipe Overview
- Name: Bananas Foster
- Category: Dessert
- Keywords: Fruit, < 15 Mins, Stove Top
- Servings: 4
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
- Calories per Serving: 441.7
- Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Fat Content: 19.6g
- Saturated Fat Content: 12.2g
- Cholesterol Content: 62mg
- Sodium Content: 70.2mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 59.2g
- Fiber Content: 2.3g
- Sugar Content: 49.9g
- Protein Content: 3.4g
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 4 ripe bananas
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
Instructions
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Prepare Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients and have them measured and ready to use. Slice the bananas into thick pieces.
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Melt Butter: In a heavy-bottomed 12-inch skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it starts to sizzle and turn golden brown.
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Add Sugar and Aromatics: Stir in the dark brown sugar, cinnamon stick, and lemon zest, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely. This should take about 1 minute. Adjust the heat if necessary to prevent the butter and sugar from separating.
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Incorporate Bananas: Carefully add the sliced bananas to the skillet, spooning the caramel sauce over each piece. Allow the bananas to cook until they become glossy and golden on the bottom, approximately 1 1/2 minutes.
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Cook Bananas: Flip the bananas using a spatula, and continue cooking until they are soft but still hold their shape, about 1 1/2 more minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as you want them to remain intact.
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Remove from Heat: Once the bananas are cooked to perfection, remove the skillet from the heat to prevent overcooking.
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Flambe: Pour the dark rum over the bananas in the skillet. Allow the rum to warm slightly for about 5 seconds. Then, using caution, wave a lit match over the pan to ignite the rum. Shake the pan gently to distribute the flames evenly across the surface.
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Serve: After the flames subside (typically within 15 to 30 seconds), divide the bananas and sauce among individual serving bowls of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm caramelized bananas against cold ice cream is truly divine.
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Enjoy: Serve immediately and savor each spoonful of this decadent dessert. The combination of caramelized sweetness, aromatic spices, and a hint of rum will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Tips for Success
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Safety First: When flambeing, take necessary precautions by rolling up long sleeves, tying back long hair, and turning off the exhaust fan and any nearby burners to prevent accidents.
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Choose Ripe Bananas: Opt for ripe but firm bananas for the best texture and flavor. Overripe bananas may turn mushy when cooked.
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Control the Heat: Adjust the heat as needed throughout the cooking process to prevent the sauce from burning or the bananas from overcooking.
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Serve Immediately: Bananas Foster is best enjoyed right after preparation while the bananas are still warm and the sauce is gooey.
Serving Suggestions
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Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of additional dark rum for added flair.
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Pair this dessert with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of chilled white wine for a delightful after-dinner treat.
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For a special occasion, serve Bananas Foster as a flamboyant finale to a dinner party, impressing your guests with both the flavors and the theatrical presentation.
Conclusion
Bananas Foster is a classic dessert that never fails to impress with its simplicity and indulgent flavors. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a sweet treat for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, gather your ingredients, don your apron, and prepare to dazzle your taste buds with this irresistible dessert.