Caramelized Banana Delight
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Caramelized Banana Delight, a gourmet treat inspired by Alton Brown's culinary creativity. This dessert transforms simple bananas into an elegant dish with a rich golden caramel crust, perfect for serving alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or simply enjoyed on its own. Ideal for gatherings or a sweet finish to a meal, this recipe is quick to prepare and provides a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.
16
Servings
N/A
Calories
2
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bananas
4 (fresh, peeled and quartered lengthwise)
Sugar
to taste (for coating)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your bananas: peel and then quarter them lengthwise.
2
In a shallow dish, generously coat the banana quarters with sugar, ensuring an even layer on all sides.
3
Carefully remove the peels to leave the coated bananas intact.
4
Place the coated banana quarters on a cooling rack set over multiple layers of foil to catch any dripping sugar.
5
Put on your safety goggles and ignite your kitchen torch. Keep the flame's tip just barely touching the sugar coating on the bananas.
6
Gently move the flame back and forth to heat the sugar evenly, watching as it melts and transforms into a bubbly caramel.
7
Once the sugar has turned a rich golden brown and formed a smooth, glasslike surface, remove the torch and allow the bananas to cool for a moment before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caramelized Banana Delight?
It is a gourmet dessert inspired by Alton Brown that features fresh bananas coated in sugar and caramelized to create a rich, golden, glasslike crust.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe is very simple and only requires two main ingredients: fresh bananas and sugar.
Who is the inspiration behind this Caramelized Banana Delight recipe?
The recipe is inspired by the culinary creativity of Alton Brown.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
This is a quick dessert that can be prepared in less than 15 minutes.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 16 servings, assuming 4 quarters per banana from the 4 bananas used.
What equipment do I need to caramelize the sugar?
You will need a kitchen torch to melt the sugar and create the caramelized crust.
Do I need any safety gear?
Yes, it is recommended to wear safety goggles when using a kitchen torch for this recipe.
How should the bananas be cut?
The bananas should be peeled and then quartered lengthwise.
What is the best way to coat the bananas in sugar?
Place sugar in a shallow dish and generously roll the banana quarters in it until they have an even layer on all sides.
Why should I use a cooling rack for the bananas?
Using a cooling rack allows the heat to circulate and prevents the bananas from sitting in excess melted sugar.
What should I place under the cooling rack?
Place multiple layers of foil under the rack to catch any sugar drippings and make cleanup easier.
How do I know when the caramelization is finished?
The sugar should turn a rich golden brown and form a smooth, glasslike surface.
Can I eat the bananas immediately after torching?
It is best to allow the bananas to cool for a moment so the sugar can harden and the temperature becomes safe to eat.
What can I serve with Caramelized Banana Delight?
It is perfect when served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own.
What kind of sugar should I use?
While the recipe specifies sugar 'to taste', standard granulated white sugar works best for creating a glasslike caramel crust.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, it is considered an elegant gourmet treat ideal for gatherings or as a sweet finish to a meal.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, as long as the sugar used is processed in a vegan-friendly manner, the ingredients (bananas and sugar) are plant-based.
How many bananas do I need?
You will need 4 fresh bananas for this specific recipe.
What technique is used with the kitchen torch?
Gently move the flame back and forth with the tip of the flame just barely touching the sugar to heat it evenly.
What is the texture of the finished dessert?
The dessert features a soft banana interior with a crisp, brittle, and bubbly caramel exterior.
Can I use overripe bananas?
It is best to use firm, fresh bananas so they hold their shape during the quartering and torching process.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, bananas and sugar are naturally gluten-free ingredients.
How much sugar is required per banana?
The recipe suggests using sugar 'to taste' for coating, ensuring an even layer on all sides of each piece.
Can I use a broiler if I don't have a torch?
The recipe specifically calls for a kitchen torch for precision, but a very hot broiler can sometimes work, though results may vary.
What happens if I hold the torch in one spot too long?
The sugar may burn and become bitter, so it is important to keep the flame moving.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best served immediately after cooling for a moment, as the caramel crust can soften over time due to the moisture in the bananas.
Are there any tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include banana dessert, quick dessert, caramelized fruit, gourmet treat, easy recipe, and alton brown inspired.
Is this a low-fat dessert?
Yes, bananas and sugar are fat-free, making this a fat-free dessert option.
What is the difficulty level of this recipe?
It is considered an easy recipe, though care must be taken when using the kitchen torch.
What should I do with the banana peels?
The instructions recommend removing the peels entirely before placing the sugar-coated quarters on the cooling rack.