Bananas Fosters recipe is a classic dessert with a decadent butter, rum and brown sugar sauce. Traditionally, it is served with ice cream but it’s also amazing with pancakes and more. 

Banana Foster in a bowl topped with vanilla ice cream
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I don’t know why but bananas foster recipe has always sounded fancy to me. However, you only need a few ingredients, and this dish comes together in literally minutes.  

The bananas taste rich and decadent with the brown sugar sauce. It is one of our favorite desserts and so simple for a late-night craving but special enough for company.

You will love this Easy Banana Dessert. If you have any bananas left over, make Chocolate Banana Popsicles, Banana Bundt Cake or Fried Bananas Recipe for more banana flavor. The kids also love Crazy Banana Cake, Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars and Banana Pudding Poke Cake.

What is Bananas Foster?

It is a delicious dish with bananas in a brown sugar and butter sauce.  The dessert originated in New Orleans and was named after Richard Foster.

Traditionally it is prepared in front of dinner guests at the restaurant. This is more for show so they can see the chef ignite the rum before they extinguish the flame. 

Ingredients

ingredients needed - butter, brown sugar, heavy whipping cream, cinnamon, vanilla, bananas, dark rum, ice cream

The complete ingredient list is at the bottom of the page.

How to make bananas foster

Sugar mixture in a saucepan.

Step 1. First, combine and melt butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a large saucepan or skillet.

Rum and cream poured into mixture.

Step 2. Next, carefully pour the rum and heavy cream.

Mixture combined and bubbling.

Step 3. Continue to stir until the sugar and rum mixture start to bubble slightly.

Bananas peeled and cut into slices.

Step 4. Peel and slice the bananas.

Bananas sliced and placed into mixture in pan.

Step 5. Then add the sliced bananas into the juice and cook until they are soft.

Bananas cooking in saucepan.

Step 6. This does not take long on the stove, and you can shake the pan if needed. 

How to Serve Bananas Foster

Pro Tips

  • Use Ripe Bananas – You’ll want to use ripe but firm bananas so that they do not fall apart when cooking! This is super important as using too ripe bananas will result in a mushy mess. 
  • Firm Bananas – You definitely need the bananas firm enough to hold up to cooking. 
  • Add Liqueur – Another idea to try is banana liqueur in the butter brown sugar mixture or bourbon.
  • No Flame Needed – There is no need to use a flame, it cooks perfectly and its delicious by heating in the saucepan.
  • Rum – Any type of rum can be used in this recipe. We used a dark rum, but you can easily use what you have. If you prefer, you can use rum extract.
  • Brown Sugar – You can use dark brown sugar or light brown sugar.
  • Butter – You can use unsalted butter or salted butter. If you use unsalted butter add in a pinch of salt.
  • Double the Recipe – As the recipe is stated it is made for 4 servings. Since my family is large, I always double it. Plus if we have a little leftover, I reheat the next day to serve over my pancakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Bananas Foster be Made ahead?

You can make Bananas Foster ahead of time, but we recommend making and serving immediately. If you do decide to make ahead, store in the refrigerator and reheat when you are ready.

It will stay good in the refrigerator up to two days.

How to Store?

If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge. Serve the next day over your pancakes or waffles for an amazing breakfast. I like to add a scoop of whipped cream for a decadent breakfast.

How Long will Bananas Foster Last?

Bananas Foster will stay good for about 2 days. Make sure to keep in the refrigerator until you are ready to reheat.

 More Banana Desserts

Once you try this New Orleans Classic, you will see just how easy it is. Don’t forget to come back and leave a comment.

Bananas Fosters

4.56 from 9 votes
Bananas Fosters recipe is a classic dessert with a decadent butter, rum and brown sugar sauce. Traditionally, it is served with ice cream but it's also amazing with pancakes and more. 
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 12 minutes
Servings 4
Cuisine American
Course Dessert
Calories 628

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Butter
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 3 Bananas peeled and halved lengthwise
  • 3 1/2 Tablespoon Dark Rum
  • Ice Cream for serving
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Instructions

  • Combine the butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract and cinnamon over medium heat in a large saucepan. Then stir in the rum and heavy whipping cream
  • Cook for 3-4 minutes stirring occasionally until the mixture starts to bubble slightly.
  • Then add in the bananas and cook until the bananas are softened (approximately 2-3 minutes).
  • Serve the banana over ice cream and spoon the extra sauce over the top.  Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

You’ll want to use ripe but firm bananas so that they do not fall apart when cooking!

Nutrition Facts

Calories 628kcal, Carbohydrates 75g, Protein 2g, Fat 34g, Saturated Fat 22g, Trans Fat 1g, Cholesterol 102mg, Sodium 230mg, Potassium 422mg, Fiber 2g, Sugar 64g, Vitamin A 1204IU, Vitamin C 8mg, Calcium 79mg, Iron 1mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Desserts on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you create delicious desserts on a budget and do not require a ton of time. Together, we are going to make something sweet that the entire family will love!

4.56 from 9 votes (9 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. SHIRLEY BROOKS says:

    White sugar is not given in the recipe. Help!

    1. Carrie says:

      Shirley – I’m so sorry for the confusion. I only use brown sugar in this recipe. The white sugar is a typo in this recipe. I have updated the post. Thank you!