Decadent Caramelized Bananas Foster
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of Decadent Caramelized Bananas Foster, a delightful dessert that elevates the classic recipe by culinary maestro Alton Brown. With perfectly ripe bananas bathed in a rich, spiced caramel sauce of dark brown sugar and butter, this delicious treat is ignited with a splash of dark rum, offering a flamboyant presentation that will impress any guest. Serve it warm over silky ice cream, fluffy waffles, or delicate crepes for a truly sumptuous experience.
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
dark brown sugar
1/4 cup (packed)
ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
freshly ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (freshly grated)
banana liqueur
1 tablespoon (none)
under ripe bananas
2 (sliced in half lengthwise)
dark rum
1/4 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a 10-inch heavy skillet, melt the unsalted butter over low heat until fully melted.
2
Add the dark brown sugar, ground allspice, and freshly grated nutmeg to the pan. Stir continuously until the sugar has completely dissolved into the butter.
3
Pour in the banana liqueur and increase the heat to bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
4
Carefully place the sliced bananas into the skillet, cut side up, and allow them to cook for about 1 minute on each side, using a spoon to baste the sauce over the bananas as they cook.
5
Once cooked, delicately remove the bananas from the skillet and transfer them to a warmed serving dish.
6
Return the sauce to a simmer and carefully add the dark rum. If the sauce is sufficiently hot, the rum will ignite on its own; otherwise, use a long lighter to ignite it carefully, allowing the flames to engulf the sauce for about 1 to 2 minutes until the flame extinguishes naturally.
7
If the sauce appears thin, let it simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes until it thickens to a syrupy consistency.
8
Immediately drizzle the luscious sauce over the caramelized bananas and serve hot for an unforgettable dessert experience.
9
For an enhanced presentation, serve alongside waffles, crepes, or a generous scoop of ice cream.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Caramelized Bananas Foster?
It is a luxurious dessert featuring ripe bananas in a spiced caramel sauce made of dark brown sugar, butter, and spices, flambéed with dark rum.
Who is the culinary inspiration for this Bananas Foster recipe?
This recipe is an elevated version of the classic dessert popularized by culinary maestro Alton Brown.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 2 people.
What type of sugar is best for the caramel sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of packed dark brown sugar to achieve a rich, deep flavor.
What kind of bananas should I use?
Under-ripe bananas are recommended because they hold their shape better during the cooking and caramelization process.
What spices are used in the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with ground allspice and freshly grated nutmeg.
What type of butter is used?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Is there alcohol in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses both banana liqueur and dark rum.
How should the bananas be prepared?
The bananas should be sliced in half lengthwise before being added to the skillet.
What is the purpose of the dark rum?
Dark rum is used to create a flambé effect and add a rich depth of flavor to the caramel sauce.
How do I ignite the rum safely?
If the sauce is hot enough, the rum may ignite on its own; otherwise, use a long lighter to carefully ignite the vapors.
How long does the flambé flame usually last?
The flames typically engulf the sauce for about 1 to 2 minutes until the alcohol burns off and the flame extinguishes naturally.
What should I do if the sauce is too thin after the flames go out?
If the sauce is thin, let it simmer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until it thickens to a syrupy consistency.
How long should the bananas cook in the sauce?
The bananas should cook for about 1 minute on each side while being basted with the sauce.
What size skillet is recommended for this recipe?
A 10-inch heavy skillet is recommended for even heating and proper space.
What can I serve with Decadent Caramelized Bananas Foster?
It is traditionally served over ice cream, but also pairs excellently with waffles or crepes.
At what point do I add the banana liqueur?
Add the banana liqueur after the sugar and spices have dissolved into the melted butter.
Why are the bananas removed before adding the rum?
Removing the bananas to a warmed dish prevents them from overcooking or becoming too mushy during the flambé process.
Can I use pre-ground nutmeg?
While freshly grated nutmeg provides the best aroma, pre-ground nutmeg can be used as a substitute.
What heat setting should be used to melt the butter?
The butter should be melted over low heat to prevent it from browning or burning.
Should the bananas be placed cut side up or down?
The instructions suggest placing them in the skillet cut side up initially.
What does basting the bananas mean?
Basting means using a spoon to continuously pour the hot caramel sauce over the bananas while they cook.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, despite the flamboyant presentation, it is categorized as an easy recipe.
What happens to the sauce after the rum is added?
The sauce is ignited and then simmered until it reaches a luscious, syrupy consistency.
Can I substitute the dark rum with light rum?
Dark rum is preferred for flavor, but light rum can be used for the flambé if dark rum is unavailable.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This dessert is best served immediately while the sauce and bananas are hot.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 7 main ingredients required for this recipe.
What is the recipe category?
This recipe is categorized as a Dessert.
Can I use a regular lighter for the flambé?
A long lighter is recommended for safety to keep your hands away from the flames.
Does the sauce require constant stirring?
Yes, stir continuously while dissolving the sugar into the butter to ensure a smooth sauce.