Bananas Foster

My husband asked me to make Bananas Foster for his birthday recently, and how could I say no! Neither of us is much of a sweets eater, or we like to pretend we’re not, but with Bananas Foster, you make it to order and there are no leftovers! Unlike a cake or pie… and damn it’s good.

The recipe I’ve always used for Bananas Foster, is from the cookbook, American Cooking: Creole and Acadian.


From the book: This elegant dessert of flamed bananas and ice cream, created at Brennan’s over 20 years ago (this book was published in 1971!) for a regular patron named Richard Foster, has become one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes.

Bananas Foster
printable recipe below

4 ounces unsalted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 firm ripe bananas, peeled and cut lengthwise
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup banana liqueur
1/2 cup rum or spiced rum
1 pint good vanilla ice cream

Slice the bananas horizontally so they lay flat.

Combine the butter and brown sugar in a skillet and stir until the mixture becomes a smooth syrup.

Add the bananas and baste them with the syrup for 3 or 4 minutes, then sprinkle in the cinnamon.

Carefully pour in the banana liqueur and rum, and let the liquors warm for a few seconds. They may burst into flame spontaneously. If not, ignite them with a match.


Slide the pan back and forth until the flames die, basting the bananas all the while.

Place two banana halves in each elongated dish. Add a scoop of ice cream to each serving, then spoon the sauce over the top.

Serve at once.

And don’t forget some freshly grated nutmeg.

If you don’t have elongated individual serving dishes, slice the bananas evenly before sautéing, or at least cut them in half crosswise. Then serve in a shallow bowl.

Bananas Foster can also be prepared at the table in a flambé pan, such as a crepes Suzette pan.

Note: The original recipe calls for twice the amount of both rum and banana liqueur. If you enjoy alcoholic desserts, double your liquors!

 

By Published On: April 17th, 201856 Comments on Bananas Foster

About the Author: Chef Mimi

As a self-taught home cook, with many years in the culinary profession, I am passionate about all things food-related. Especially eating!

56 Comments

  1. Teagan R. Geneviene April 17, 2018 at 7:06 AM - Reply

    Mimi, this sounds wonderful. I know it’s a classic, but I’ve never had it. Hugs.

    • chef mimi April 17, 2018 at 7:22 AM - Reply

      Then you definitely must!!!

  2. grumpytyke April 17, 2018 at 7:08 AM - Reply

    I’d never heard of this, nor banana liqueur, but it looks delicious and I’ll have to try it sometime.
    Some time ago you asked me what brand of fish sauce I used. Sorry for the long delay in answering but I had none in the cupboard and the shop was out of stock. Now I have some. It’s called ‘Blue Dragon’ and comes from Thailand. I may have used others but if so I don’t remember.

    • chef mimi April 17, 2018 at 7:22 AM - Reply

      Oh, thank you. I’ll see if I can find it. I also tried to comment on your spam stir fry and I couldn’t. Must have been because I was using my iPad. Bananas Foster is really fabulous!

  3. cookingwithauntjuju.com April 17, 2018 at 8:07 AM - Reply

    You can make this for me any time – I don’t mess with flaming desserts. I’ve had it before and it’s delicious :)

    • chef mimi April 17, 2018 at 8:16 AM - Reply

      Deal!

  4. 2pots2cook April 17, 2018 at 12:02 PM - Reply

    We had this dessert in the restaurant few months ago and I just did not manage to make it the way it should be; my son will be glad to know there is Ms. Mimi that knows….. will do and let you know how wide was his smile :-) ! Thank you !

    • chef mimi April 17, 2018 at 2:08 PM - Reply

      So glad to be of culinary assistance!!!

  5. Tasty Eats Ronit Penso April 17, 2018 at 12:11 PM - Reply

    I love this simple yet sophisticated dessert. Brings back memories of a very tasty vacation in New Orleans! :)

    • chef mimi April 17, 2018 at 2:07 PM - Reply

      Oh, I bet!!!

  6. I remember this dessert as a favorite a long time ago. It looks so good.

    • chef mimi April 17, 2018 at 2:54 PM - Reply

      Banana, caramel, vanilla, and cinnamon flavors – so good!

  7. Greg Henry (@sippitysup) April 17, 2018 at 6:32 PM - Reply

    I love Bananas Foster and I’ve probably had this exact version. My mom had that cookbook (and every other one in the large collection from Time. As soon as I saw the spiral bound book I was immediately transported. Thanks GREG

    • chef mimi April 17, 2018 at 9:42 PM - Reply

      HAHAHAHAHAHA! That was my first set of cookbooks a million years ago. So much learned from them.

  8. Debra April 17, 2018 at 7:02 PM - Reply

    Oh my goodness! I think I’ve only had this dessert once in my life and never think of it. I will now. Yum!

    • chef mimi April 17, 2018 at 9:42 PM - Reply

      Oh yes you will after you have it again!

  9. scarletclark April 18, 2018 at 5:48 AM - Reply

    Never heard it called bananas Foster before! That’s definitely the US classic version. I’m not sure what it’s supposed to be called in the UK… it’s not seen much now but was a really popular dessert here a while back, possibly 80s/90s. I remember my eldest sister making this for our family when she cooked for us all the first time (and getting slightly panicky by the flames). I think it’s just boringly called caramelised bananas with ice cream… Bananas Foster sounds much better. Gorgeous recipe and photos as ever!! xx

    • chef mimi April 19, 2018 at 8:33 AM - Reply

      Thank you so much! The flames can be a bit scary, especially the first time!

  10. kitchenriffs April 18, 2018 at 10:19 AM - Reply

    What a terrific dish! Used to see this a lot on restaurant menus, but I seldom see it these days (although I’m sure it’s pretty common in New Orelans — haven’t been there for a while, though). I’ve made this, but it’s been years. Been thinking I should do it again, so I appreciate the inspiration. Your version looks terrific! Happy Birthday to your husband!

    • chef mimi April 18, 2018 at 12:12 PM - Reply

      Thanks. It’s really good. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen it on a menu!

  11. anotherfoodieblogger April 18, 2018 at 12:07 PM - Reply

    Wow, I haven’t had this classic in years! Time for a revival, yes? 😊

    • chef mimi April 18, 2018 at 12:11 PM - Reply

      Definitely!

  12. For the Love of Cooking April 18, 2018 at 12:12 PM - Reply

    Yum! One of my favorites.

    • chef mimi April 19, 2018 at 8:31 AM - Reply

      It’s really good and pretty! And easy!

  13. Sherry Mackay April 18, 2018 at 9:02 PM - Reply

    seeing banana liqueur in the list of ingredients, reminds me that my mum used to give us sips of that when we were kids. maybe it calmed us down?:)

    • chef mimi April 19, 2018 at 8:30 AM - Reply

      Hahahahaha! That’s really funny! Did it work??!!!

  14. Ron April 19, 2018 at 3:24 AM - Reply

    Haven’t had Banana Foster since my days of living in Louisiana. You’ve done an excellent job of teaching or reteaching us how to put this famous dessert together, as well as making me very hungry for Bananas Foster. Do you remember the Golden Cadillac cocktail?

    • chef mimi April 19, 2018 at 7:07 AM - Reply

      It’s just such a great dessert – at least if you like bananas! I’m 62, so I remember a lot of stuff, including the Golden Cadillac! Remember the Grasshopper green drink?!!

  15. Angela@grapegravy​ April 19, 2018 at 4:02 AM - Reply

    Yum! I love Bananas Foster. Such a great classic dessert!

    • chef mimi April 19, 2018 at 7:04 AM - Reply

      Thanks, Angela. It’s classic but it doesn’t seem awkwardly retro to me. It still works, I guess!

  16. annie@ciaochowbambina April 19, 2018 at 6:52 AM - Reply

    Well this looks wonderful! We have some springtime birthdays in our house and this will be a hit!! Love a classic!

    • chef mimi April 19, 2018 at 7:04 AM - Reply

      Fabulous!

  17. Craving4More April 19, 2018 at 1:18 PM - Reply

    Wow, Mimi! Wow!

    • chef mimi April 19, 2018 at 4:20 PM - Reply

      Really easy. Really good! sorry about your neck.

      • Craving4More April 20, 2018 at 2:04 PM

        Ha ha. Thanks!!!! I’m healing…slowly, but surely. This is a common problem of mine, over doing – and truly believing I can do everything. I actually proved that I CAN do everything, but my body fought back! :-)

  18. Barb | Creative Culinary April 20, 2018 at 11:19 AM - Reply

    One of my favorite treats. I remember the first time I had bananas foster and it was served with the banana mixture inside a crepe with a scoop of ice cream on top. I was young and had never made crepes so I bought a ‘crepe’ maker (before I realized a good skillet would do just fine) and an entire cookbook on crepes which I still have!

    This is a bit easier and I love the use of the slices…thanks!

    • chef mimi April 20, 2018 at 11:48 AM - Reply

      Oh I bet that was really good! I actually think there are still crepe makers around! So silly indeed.

  19. Jeff the Chef April 20, 2018 at 2:52 PM - Reply

    So simple and so delicious!

    • chef mimi April 20, 2018 at 5:12 PM - Reply

      Simple if you don’t mind flames in your kitchen!

      • Jeff the Chef April 28, 2018 at 10:48 AM

        It’s so funny you mention that. I’m sure you saw this video, which was making the rounds last week: https://youtu.be/3guMsDq7mzQ

      • chef mimi April 28, 2018 at 10:49 AM

        Oh yes! Well I’m glad that I have no sprinklers on my ceiling!!!

  20. FrugalHausfrau April 21, 2018 at 1:13 AM - Reply

    Mimi, this is the most gorgeous Bananas Foster I’ve ever seen! My mouth is watering!

    • chef mimi April 21, 2018 at 6:41 AM - Reply

      Ha! Well it’s just such a good dessert.

  21. David April 21, 2018 at 10:39 AM - Reply

    One of my favorite NOLA desserts! Love that these old-fashioned desserts are making a comeback!

    • chef mimi April 21, 2018 at 10:43 AM - Reply

      You’re not the first person to say that, but I’ve never stopped making bananas Foster!

  22. Bill April 22, 2018 at 6:10 PM - Reply

    I remember my first time in New Orleans, my wife and I went to Brennan’s just for this. They seated us, put bread on the table, we ordered only dessert, and the server took the bread away! Great recipe, Mimi, thanks!

    • chef mimi April 22, 2018 at 10:40 PM - Reply

      Oh no!!!

  23. Anonymous April 23, 2018 at 7:41 PM - Reply

    Since having them at Brennan’s over 30 years ago, this has been one of our favorites. Good to be reminded to slice lengthwise instead of ‘couns’ That we typically do! Much better presentation.

    • chef mimi April 23, 2018 at 7:52 PM - Reply

      Thank you! It’s such a great dessert!

  24. Frank Fariello April 24, 2018 at 6:09 AM - Reply

    One of those dishes that seem to have been lost in the mist of time, and you wonder why. Because it’s so good. And we can see from your post, not at all hard to make, either. Thanks for reminding us of this classic dish!

    • chef mimi April 24, 2018 at 7:30 AM - Reply

      Never lost in this household! Maybe that means we’re old fashioned! (Or just old!)

  25. Loretta April 24, 2018 at 8:06 PM - Reply

    OMG my favorite dessert, yet I’ve never tried making it at home. Maybe its because I don’t have the banana liquor in my liquor cabinet? :) Wow! gonna make it now, thanks for sharing the recipe.

    • chef mimi April 24, 2018 at 8:38 PM - Reply

      Oh, you’re going to love it!!!

  26. mjskit April 25, 2018 at 9:12 PM - Reply

    What a beautiful banana fosters! Love the old cookbook that you got it from. I have about 6 or more cookbooks from Louisiana but this isn’t one of them. Now I want to find it :) Love the simplicity of this fosters. Looks perfect!

    • chef mimi April 25, 2018 at 9:28 PM - Reply

      Oh, I hope you can. This series is so old, but probably through a used book store via Amazon. They can locate anything!

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