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My Southern Bananas Foster

May 14, 2024
Shanika | Orchids + Sweet Tea

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Get ready to treat yourself to our Bananas Foster—a decadent dessert featuring caramelized bananas in a buttery rum sauce, served over creamy vanilla ice cream. It's pure bliss in a bowl!

My Southern Bananas Foster

Taste the South with my mouthwatering Southern Bananas Foster! This classic dessert is a true delight, with ripe bananas caramelized to perfection in a rich, buttery sauce infused with hints of cinnamon + rum. Served warm over a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it's the ultimate treat for any occasion.

Up close shot of bananas foster in a white plate with a spoon and fork.

When you need a quick + delicious dessert fix my Southern Bananas Foster recipe has got your back. Ripe bananas caramelized just right, then they're spooned over vanilla ice cream—it's pure bliss! This recipe is truly a Southern staple!

Got 10 minutes and a bunch of ripe bananas? Then you're in for a treat! This dessert is my go-to when I need something quick + satisfying after dinner. Plus, if you're a fan of Southern desserts like me, you're gonna love it. Perfect for all occasions but also ridiculously easy to whip up.

Don't forget to try out my other Southern favorites like Grandma's Baked Southern Banana Pudding, Southern Salted Caramel Cake and Easy Southern Peach Cobbler for even more deliciousness!

Jump to:
Ingredients on a blue wood table.

What Is Bananas Foster?

Bananas Foster is a classic New Orleans dessert ---- it's like a delicious Southern dance between ripe bananas, brown sugar, butter, and a splash of rum. It's all cooked up to create this sweet, gooey sauce that you pour over vanilla ice cream. Picture warm, caramelized bananas, melting into creamy ice cream—it's dessert magic!

Sliced banana on a cutting board with a knife.

How To Make My Southern Bananas Foster

In a skillet on low heat, mix together butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and allspice until it's all smooth—about 3-4 minutes. Toss in sliced bananas and a splash of rum extract, gently stirring until they're tender—about 2-3 minutes more. Serve it up over vanilla ice cream, sprinkle on some crushed Nilla wafer cookies, and enjoy!

NOTE: If using actual rum, you'll need to remove the skillet from the fire before adding it and light it on the fire with a wand lighter. After a few minutes, the flame should subside.

Ingredients

BANANAS FOSTER:

  • Bananas. Make sure they are nice and ripe. Sliced lengthwise.
  • Butter. Adds a rich buttery flavor that caramelizes the sugar. Use unsalted butter to control the flavor. For a dairy-free version, substitute with vegan butter.
  • Brown sugar. You can use light or dark.
  • Spices. Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice + sea salt.
  • Rum extract. I use and love the brand Watkins. You can also substitute with 2-3 Tbsps dark rum, if desired.
  • Vanilla ice cream. Store brought or if you want to take it to another level try my no churn vanilla ice cream recipe!
  • Nilla wafer cookies. Roughly crushed (Optional)
Caramelized bananas in a black skillet with a wooden spoon.

SHOP MY FAVORITE BAKEWARE ITEMS AND ACCESSORIES FOR THIS DESSERT!

Here, I’ve curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this Southern Bananas Foster recipe. Everything from my fave dutch pot/oven, wooden spoons, immersion hand-blender, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Two plates of bananas foster with a spoon, fork, and side of cookies.

Why You Will LOVE My Southern Bananas Foster

  • Quick + easy dessert fix in just 10 minutes.
  • Rich, caramelized bananas bursting with flavor.
  • Perfect pairing with creamy vanilla ice cream.
  • Uses up those ripe bananas sitting in your fruit bowl.
  • The BEST aroma fills your kitchen as it cooks.
  • Kid-friendly treat that adults will equally adore.
Bananas foster in two plates with a fork and spoon.

Tips For The Best Southern Bananas Foster

  • Use ripe bananas!!! --- The sweetness and flavor of ripe bananas are essential for the best Bananas Foster.
  • Cook the sauce over low heat to prevent burning and ensure a smooth caramelization.
  • Be gentle when folding the bananas into the sauce to avoid mushy bananas.
  • Opt for high-quality butter + brown sugar for richer taste and texture.
  • Serve immediately --- Bananas Foster is best enjoyed fresh and warm, so serve it immediately over ice cream.

MY FAVORITE ICE CREAM TO EAT WITH BANANAS FOSTER

Traditionally, banana fosters pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, and I absolutely adore sticking to that classic combo. But if you're feeling adventurous, here are a few of my other homemade favorites:

Bananas foster in a white plates with a fork and spoon and cookies on a blue wood table.

How To Serve Southern Bananas Foster

Traditionally, it's spooned over vanilla ice cream, creating a perfect balance of warm caramelized bananas + creamy cold ice cream. If you're not too keen on ice cream... I really can’t relate. Haha. But you can also get creative by serving it in crepes, on pancakes or waffles, or even as a topping for French toast. For a lighter option, swirl it into yogurt or oatmeal.

Southern Bananas Foster Q + A's

How to store?

Store leftovers in the fridge for 2 to 3 days in an air-tightly sealed container. To reheat, you can do so over the stovetop until sauce becomes smooth again. 

Can i use another type of cookie for topping?

When it comes to substituting the Nilla wafer cookies, you can always use other traditional cookies like Chessmen cookies, Gingersnap, Graham crackers, and even switch things up with Biscoff cookies.

Is Southern Bananas Foster gluten-free?

Yes, Southern Bananas Foster is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free ingredients. Just be sure to check the labels on any packaged ingredients like extracts or ice cream to ensure they're gluten-free.

Will Southern Bananas Foster create a flame?

Yes, traditional Southern Bananas Foster recipes often involve igniting the rum in the sauce to create a dramatic flame. However, this step is optional and should be done carefully. If you're uncomfortable with igniting the sauce, you can skip this step and simply cook the bananas until tender. Always exercise caution when working with open flames in the kitchen.

More Southern Recipes That'll Have You Drooling

If you liked My Southern Bananas Foster, then you’ll definitely want to try these delicious Southern-inspired recipes with your family next:

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried My Southern Bananas Foster recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram  and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!

Bananas foster in a white plates with a fork and spoon and cookies on a blue wood table.

My Southern Bananas Foster

May 14, 2024
5 from 1 vote
Taste the South with my mouthwatering Southern Bananas Foster! This classic dessert is a true delight, with ripe bananas caramelized to perfection in a rich, buttery sauce infused with hints of cinnamon + rum. Served warm over a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it's the ultimate treat for any occasion.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4 servings

Ingredients

BANANAS FOSTER:

  • 4 ripe bananas, sliced lengthwise
  • 4 Tbsps unsalted butter
  • 1 cup organic brown sugar (You can use light or dark)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnmaon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • Pinch of ground allspice
  • 2 tsps rum extract, premium (You can also substitute with 2-3 Tbsps dark rum, if desired)
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Nilla wafer cookies, roughly crushed (Optional)

Instructions

TO MAKE THE BANANAS FOSTER:

  • In a large skillet over low heat, add the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and allspice, whisking together as the butter melts and the sauce becomes smooth----about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the sliced bananas and rum extract and gently fold them into the sauce until they cook and become tender, about 2-3 minutes.
  • NOTE: If using actual rum, you'll need to remove the skillet from fire before adding and light it on the fire with a wand lighter. After a few minutes, the flame should subside.
  • To serve, add the warm bananas foster to a bowl with vanilla ice cream and garnish with crushed Nilla wafer cookies.
  • Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

  • STORAGE: Store leftovers in the fridge for 2 to 3 days in an air-tightly sealed container. To reheat, you can do so over the stovetop until sauce becomes smooth again. 
  • ICE CREAM: To make your own ice cream, you can follow my No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream recipe!
  • COOKIES: When it comes to substituting the Nilla wafer cookies, you can always use other traditional cookies like Chessmen cookies, Gingersnap, Graham crackers, and even switch things up with Biscoff cookies.

Nutrition

Calories: 311kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 162mg | Potassium: 77mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 53g | Vitamin A: 350IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 0.4mg

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Xx, Shanika in script writing

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    • Hi Jess! I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed this recipe! Thanks so much for giving it a try! 🙂