Bananas Foster Recipe
Bananas Foster is a dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the warmth of a rum sauce, served over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Originating in New Orleans, it is known for its dramatic presentation, often prepared tableside with a flamb. But don't let the fancy reputation fool you this dessert is surprisingly simple to make at home.
Ingredients
- cup butter
- cup dark brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons dark rum
- 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
- teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 bananas, peeled and sliced both lengthwise and crosswise
- cup coarsely chopped walnuts
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dessert:
- Start by melting the butter in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely, creating a smooth base for the sauce.
- Once the butter is melted, stir in the dark brown sugar, rum, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Let the mixture come to a low boil, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the flavors to blend together.
- Add the sliced bananas and coarsely chopped walnuts to the skillet. Cook everything together for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the bananas have softened and become caramelized with the sauce.
- Immediately serve the warm mixture over scoops of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of the hot, rum-spiced sauce with the cold, creamy ice cream is what makes this dessert so special. Enjoy!
Can You Make Bananas Foster Ahead of Time?
While it's best to prepare Bananas Foster just before serving, you can make the rum sauce a day in advance. Store it in an airtight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove before combining with the bananas and serving over ice cream.
Tips and Variations
- For a twist, try substituting brandy for the rum as one reader does in their version of this dessert.
- Other nuts like pecans can be used in place of walnuts, or even omitted entirely if preferred.
- If you're out of vanilla extract, you can skip it or experiment with a splash of almond extract for a different flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Each serving of Bananas Foster contains:
| Nutrition | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 534 |
| Total Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
| Sodium | 146mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 73g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Total Sugars | 61g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Vitamin C | 8mg |
| Calcium | 133mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
| Potassium | 537mg |
Enjoy this delightful dessert, perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to special celebrations!

Comments
GRANNYLOOHOO
10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM
I've made this twice now, first time used rum flavoring and 2nd time used Meyer's Dark Rum. I thought it was a little too liquid using 3-1/2 T of rum, but my family loved it just as it was. It served our family of 3 generously. The flavor is rich and addictive.
Alyson Jones
04/01/2003 02:16:53 PM
Incredible! I made this for friends and they raved about it! One friend said this was the best dessert she has had in her life! I used rum extract in place of rum. I looked up the substitution on the web and found out 1 Tbsp. Rum = 1 tsp. rum extract plus 2 tsp. water. I used these measurements and it tasted perfect!
Janie
07/29/2002 03:37:35 PM
Awesome!!!....and so simple. Be sure to only "warm" the bananas in the sauce, otherwise bananas wil be too mushy.
WALLACE404
04/06/2003 10:34:41 AM
Wow, this could not be easier to make! It is also delicious. I eliminate the walnuts for serveral reasons. First, I do not believe that Banana Foster typically includes walnuts, and secondly we just prefer a smooth texture. I have also made this with brandy as well and then flambe the desert, dramatic! Use dark rum, it adds a little more flavor.
Murray
05/25/2011 07:04:05 AM
Wowwed our Bed and Breakfast guests.!!! I toasted the walnuts separately, then served the bananas and sauce over cream cheese stuffed french toast and garnished it with whipped cream. It was sooo good!
LittleBetty
09/19/2005 04:26:12 PM
Absolutely amazing! I too cut down the amount of sugar quite drastically to about 1/3 to 1/2 of what was called. I made the sauce without rum, so I added water instead and just cooked it a little longer to thicken it up. I also cut up my bananas so they were bite size... WOW! Ice cream never tasted so good. I will certainly be making this again!
ToastyDate6477
02/17/2024 08:33:33 PM
I used this recipe to top a banana cake with butterscotch whipped cream frosting. I quadrupled the recipe, and poured the sauce over the sliced bananas on a sheet pan. I put them in the oven at 350 for 6-7 minutes until they were soft and bubbly. Once they cooled I strained the sauce into a saucepan and set it back on the heat, reducing and darkening it. I added the bananas onto the top of the cake evenly, and then drizzled the dark rum sauce on top of it. Everyone loved it, and I'll definitely be making it again.
mrange03
07/23/2018 03:53:21 AM
Edits that I made, but you don't have to: I doubled the vanilla, I used light brown sugar, I used 4 ounces of very expensive wheated Kentucky bourbon whiskey, I allowed the mixture to bubble for 6 to 7 minutes instead of just a few (stirring frequently), and I allowed the bananas to remain in the skillet (turning a few times to coat) for 4 to 5 minutes. This was an amazing dish. I highly recommend it!
Chelsea Marie Bennett
12/21/2011 04:29:35 PM
I loved this recipe. I doubled the caramel sauce though and added a touch of cream to it to make it velvetly and delicious. Also you cant go wrong with a dash of salt to contrast the sweetness
CoralPan3027
11/28/2022 12:18:39 AM
I had no rum so I used Cointreau. Awesome flavor! I also flambéed it for fx.
JazzyDough5320
06/01/2025 10:03:48 AM
Outstanding! I added the rum last and ignited it. Much better that way.
Brian Landi
07/06/2025 05:06:53 AM
Have made this dessert numerous times, and the family loves it!
TimidRoe8480
04/07/2025 02:54:48 PM
I was influenced by the recipe & dessert so I put it on my restaurant menu
Ashley Banko
02/16/2025 12:05:31 AM
My family and I loved this recipe. We like ours a little more boozy so we added extra rum.
SnazzyParm8983
12/14/2024 03:09:56 PM
I made this , over banana bread french toast !! It was the Bomb !!!!!
Anthony Martinez
09/02/2024 04:18:10 AM
This turned out better than I expected.
Melissa Anderson
08/05/2024 03:19:06 PM
I’m officially adding this to my favorites.
keith202
03/22/2024 12:31:37 PM
great instead of ice cream put over pancakes. Also made without rum . and served over Gingerbread pancakes.
HotTamale
01/08/2024 07:43:11 PM
Incredibly delicious.
VGirl
01/08/2024 12:17:32 AM
So delicious! Only had light brown sugar & skipped the alcohol added pecans its what I had so simple & yummy