Bananas Foster

Bananas Foster is a warm, buttery, caramel-coated dessert that I love making whenever I want something quick, comforting, and impressive. The bananas cook gently in a rich brown sugar sauce and taste amazing spooned over cold vanilla ice cream. It’s simple, dramatic, and incredibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it comes together in minutes and delivers big flavor with very little effort. The buttery caramel sauce coats the bananas perfectly, and when I pour it over ice cream, I get that irresistible hot-and-cold contrast. It’s a one-pan dessert that feels elegant enough for guests but easy enough for any night of the week.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ripe but firm bananas, sliced lengthwise or into thick rounds

• Unsalted butter

• Brown sugar

• Ground cinnamon

• Banana extract or vanilla extract (optional)

• Heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)

• Vanilla ice cream (for serving)

• Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Directions

1. I melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, then stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon until it forms a smooth, bubbling sauce.

2. I add the sliced bananas to the skillet and cook for about 1–2 minutes on each side, just until they soften slightly and get coated in caramel.

3. I stir in a splash of heavy cream or a drop of extract if I want more depth of flavor.

4. I let the sauce simmer for another minute until it thickens beautifully.

5. I remove the skillet from the heat.

6. I scoop vanilla ice cream into bowls and spoon the warm caramelized bananas and sauce over the top.

7. I sprinkle chopped nuts on top if I want a little crunch.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 generous servings or 4 smaller ones. It takes about 5 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook, so I usually have it ready in 15 minutes or less.

Variations

• I sometimes add a splash of cream for a richer, silkier sauce.

• For a nut-free version, I top it with toasted coconut flakes.

• I’ve made this with plant-based butter and dairy-free ice cream for a vegan option.

• When I want something extra special, I serve the bananas over waffles, French toast, or pound cake.

• I occasionally add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a warm spice twist.

storage/reheating

This dessert is best served fresh, but if I have leftovers, I store the banana mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in a skillet over low heat until the sauce is melted and smooth again. I add fresh ice cream before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

I prefer making it fresh, but I often prep the ingredients ahead. I slice the bananas just before cooking so they keep their shape and color.

What’s the best banana ripeness for this recipe?

I choose bananas that are ripe but still firm so they don’t fall apart while cooking.

Can I serve this without ice cream?

Absolutely. I’ve served it over yogurt, pancakes, crepes, oatmeal, and even toast.

How do I keep the bananas from getting mushy?

I cook them only briefly—just long enough to warm and coat them in the sauce.

Can I add other fruits?

Yes, I’ve added sliced apples, pineapple chunks, or berries for a fun twist.

Conclusion

Bananas Foster is one of my favorite fast and comforting desserts. With buttery caramel sauce and soft, sweet bananas, it creates an irresistible topping for ice cream or practically anything else I want to pair it with. Whether I’m treating guests or just enjoying a cozy moment at home, this dessert always delivers warm, caramelized goodness in every bite.

Bananas Foster

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Bananas Foster is a quick, warm dessert made of ripe bananas sautéed in a rich caramel sauce of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then served over cold vanilla ice cream for a decadent hot-and-cold treat.

• Author: Lizaa
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2–4 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 ripe but firm bananas, sliced lengthwise or into thick rounds
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract or banana extract (optional)
• 2 tbsp heavy cream (optional, for added richness)
• Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
• 2 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon; cook until smooth and bubbling.
3. Add sliced bananas and cook 1–2 minutes per side until softened and coated in sauce.
4. Optional: Stir in vanilla extract or heavy cream for added flavor and richness.
5. Simmer for 1 more minute until the sauce thickens.
6. Remove from heat. Scoop ice cream into bowls and spoon warm bananas and sauce over top.
7. Sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

• Add cream for a silkier sauce.
• Use toasted coconut instead of nuts for crunch.
• Serve over waffles, pancakes, or pound cake for variation.
• Make it vegan with plant-based butter and non-dairy ice cream.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra spice.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (without ice cream)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 35mg