This iconic New Orleans dessert features caramelized bananas in a cinnamon-spiced rum sauce, flambéed tableside and served over vanilla ice cream for a dramatic and delicious finale to any meal.
Combine the butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a flambé pan or skillet. Place the pan over low heat either on an alcohol burner or on top of the stove, and cook, stirring, until the sugar dissolves.
Stir in the banana liqueur, then place the bananas in the pan. When the banana sections soften and begin to brown, carefully add the rum.
Continue to cook the sauce until the rum is hot, then tip the pan slightly to ignite the rum. When the flames subside, lift the bananas out of the pan and place four pieces over each portion of ice cream.
Generously spoon warm sauce over the top of the ice cream and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
The key to perfect Bananas Foster is timing. The bananas should be heated just enough to soften and absorb the caramel flavors without becoming mushy. For the most impressive presentation, dim the lights before flambeing to enhance the visual drama. If serving to guests, consider bringing the pan to the table for the flambe (if you're experienced with the technique). The spectacle of the dancing blue flames is half the experience of this classic dessert.