Tropical Bliss Banana Foster
Experience a delightful twist on the classic New Orleans dessert with our Tropical Bliss Banana Foster. Combining the rich flavors of dark brown sugar and rum with the freshness of ripe bananas and juicy pineapple, this dessert brings a taste of the Caribbean to your table. Topped with creamy vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of toasted sweetened coconut, it's a decadent treat that will transport your senses to a sunny paradise. Perfect for impressing guests or indulging yourself, this easy yet elegant dessert is sure to become a favorite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Unsalted Butter
1/2 cup (cut into cubes)
Dark Brown Sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
Fresh Lime Juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Dark Rum
2 tablespoons (optional for non-alcoholic version)
Ground Allspice
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Kosher Salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Ripe Bananas
2 (sliced into 1-inch chunks)
Fresh Pineapple
1 1/2 cups (diced)
Vanilla Ice Cream
to garnish (scoops)
Toasted Sweetened Coconut
to garnish (toasted)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
2
Stir in the dark brown sugar, fresh lime juice, dark rum, ground allspice, and kosher salt, mixing until well combined and the mixture begins to bubble gently.
3
Add the sliced bananas and diced pineapple to the skillet, gently sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until the fruits are warmed through and tender yet retain their shape.
4
Remove the skillet from heat, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken before serving.
5
Scoop generous portions of vanilla ice cream into dessert bowls, then drizzle the warm banana and pineapple sauce over the top.
6
Finish with a sprinkle of toasted sweetened coconut for added flavor and crunch.
7
**To toast coconut, toast in a nonstick skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Bliss Banana Foster?
Tropical Bliss Banana Foster is a Caribbean-inspired twist on the classic New Orleans dessert, combining bananas, pineapple, dark rum, and toasted coconut.
Can I make this recipe non-alcoholic?
Yes, you can easily make a non-alcoholic version by omitting the dark rum from the sauce.
How do I toast the coconut for the garnish?
Toast the sweetened coconut in a nonstick skillet over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it reaches a golden brown color.
What kind of bananas are best for this dessert?
Use ripe bananas that are still firm enough to hold their shape; avoid overly mushy bananas as they may fall apart during sautéing.
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
While fresh pineapple is recommended for the best texture and flavor, canned pineapple chunks can be used if drained well.
What does the lime juice add to the recipe?
Fresh lime juice adds a bright acidity that balances the richness of the butter and dark brown sugar.
How long should I sauté the fruit?
The bananas and pineapple should be sautéed for about 2-3 minutes until they are warmed through and tender but still retain their shape.
What is the purpose of ground allspice in this dish?
Ground allspice provides a warm, complex spice note that complements the tropical flavors and the dark rum.
What type of sugar is recommended?
Dark brown sugar is recommended because its high molasses content creates a deep, rich caramel sauce.
Can I substitute the dark rum?
If you don't have dark rum, you can use spiced rum, or for a different flavor profile, a splash of orange juice.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The fruit sauce itself is naturally gluten-free; ensure your vanilla ice cream and coconut garnish are also certified gluten-free.
How should I serve the Banana Foster?
Serve the warm fruit and sauce drizzled over generous scoops of vanilla ice cream in dessert bowls.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but if using salted butter, you may want to reduce or omit the additional kosher salt called for in the recipe.
How do I prevent the sauce from being too thin?
Allow the skillet to sit off the heat for a minute before serving; the sauce will naturally thicken as it cools slightly.
What size should I cut the fruit?
Bananas should be sliced into 1-inch chunks and the pineapple should be diced into bite-sized pieces.
Can I make this dessert vegan?
Yes, substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and serve with a dairy-free vanilla frozen dessert.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the ingredients, this recipe typically serves 2 to 4 people depending on the portion size.
Can I prepare this in advance?
This dessert is best prepared and served immediately while the fruit is warm and the sauce is fresh.
What kind of skillet is best to use?
A large skillet, preferably nonstick or stainless steel, is best for even heat distribution.
Can I add other fruits?
Yes, mango chunks or even sliced peaches would pair well with the tropical flavors of this dish.
Why do I need to add kosher salt?
A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness of the sugar and fruit, making the overall flavor more balanced.
Is this recipe difficult for beginners?
No, this is considered an easy yet elegant dessert that can be prepared in under 15 minutes.
Can I use light brown sugar?
Yes, though the sauce will have a milder flavor and lighter color than if you used dark brown sugar.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any remaining fruit sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently on the stove.
What other ice cream flavors work well?
Coconut, rum raisin, or even a simple dulce de leche ice cream would be delicious alternatives to vanilla.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, toasted macadamia nuts or pecans would add a wonderful crunch to the topping.
Should the pineapple be fresh or frozen?
Fresh pineapple is preferred for the best texture, but thawed frozen pineapple can be used if patted dry first.
What heat setting should I use?
Use medium-low heat to melt the butter and dissolve the sugar to prevent burning.
Is this a good summer dessert?
Absolutely, the tropical flavors of lime, pineapple, and coconut make it perfect for summer entertaining.
Does the alcohol in the rum cook off?
Most of the alcohol cooks off during the bubbling process, but some trace amounts may remain.