Steeped in history and brimming with rich flavors, Brennan’s Bananas Foster is a dessert that captures the spirit of New Orleans in every bite. Created in 1951 by Chef Paul Blangé at Brennan’s Restaurant, this iconic treat has since become beloved nationwide.
Each year, Brennan’s uses over 35,000 pounds of bananas to make this signature dish, a testament to its enduring popularity and unmatched taste.
neworleans.com
Now, you can bring this classic straight to your kitchen and wow your guests with both its simplicity and its flamboyant finish.
Why is Brennan’s Bananas Foster Special?
Bananas Foster is not just a dessert – it’s a performance. The dramatic flair of igniting the rum can turn any dinner into a special occasion. More than just a sweet treat, this dish embodies the essence of New Orleans’ vibrant culture, combining rich history with bold, sweet flavors.
What’s Bananas Foster?
Bananas Foster is a dessert made from bananas and vanilla ice cream, with a sauce made from butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, dark rum, and banana liqueur.
WIKIPEDIA.ORG
Brennan’s Bananas Foster Health Benefits
While indulging in Bananas Foster is a decadent experience, it also has some surprising health benefits. Bananas are a great source of essential nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber. They aid in digestion, boost heart health, and provide a natural energy lift. Cinnamon, another key ingredient, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to regulate blood sugar levels. So, while it’s a treat for your taste buds, it’s also packed with some nutritional perks.
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Chef’s Notes – Brennan’s Bananas Foster
- High-Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, ripe bananas for optimal sweetness and flavor. The quality of the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon will also affect the richness of your sauce.
- Controlled Heat: Cook the sauce over low heat to prevent the sugar from burning. Patience is key to achieving a smooth, caramelized texture.
- Safety First: When igniting the rum, always use a long match or lighter to avoid burns. If you’re nervous about the flambé, you can skip this step, though it adds a wonderful depth of flavor and a touch of drama.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the bananas foster fresh and hot over the ice cream, ensuring a perfect contrast between the warm sauce and the cold, creamy ice cream.
Classic Bananas Foster
Dive into the rich, caramelized flavors of Classic Bananas Foster, a New Orleans staple that has captivated dessert lovers since 1951. This quick and easy recipe brings the iconic dish from Brennan’s right to your kitchen. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a decadent dessert, this flambéed banana dish is served over creamy vanilla ice cream and topped with a warm, buttery sauce. Get ready to ignite your taste buds!
4
servings5
minutes10
minutes450
kcal15
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Butter Mixture
1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Liquor and Bananas
1/4 cup banana-flavored liqueur
4 ripe bananas sliced lengthwise and then halved
1/4 cup dark rum
- Serving
4 scoops of premium vanilla ice cream
- Alternative Ingredients
Butter: Margarine or coconut oil for dairy-free
Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar or white sugar with a touch of molasses
Banana Liqueur: Banana extract mixed with water non-alcoholic
Dark Rum: Apple juice or water with a splash of vanilla extract non-alcoholic
Directions
- Prepare the Sauce – In a nonstick pan over low heat, melt the butter and mix in the brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir continuously until the sugar fully dissolves into the butter mixture (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add Liquor and Bananas – Pour in the banana liqueur and gently place the banana slices into the pan. Cook until the bananas start to soften and turn golden brown (approximately 2-3 minutes).
- Flambé with Rum – Carefully add the dark rum to the pan and let it heat up for about 1 minute. To flambé, tilt the pan slightly to ignite the rum or use a long match to light it. Allow the flames to subside naturally.
- Serve Immediately – Once the flames are gone, remove the bananas from the pan and place them over scoops of vanilla ice cream in serving bowls. Generously spoon the warm sauce over the top and serve right away.
Equipment
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Nonstick Pan
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Potassium: 450mg
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 50g
- Protein: 3g
- Vitamin A: 15IU
- Vitamin C: 10mg
- Calcium: 10mg
- Iron: 4mg
FAQ – Brennan’s Bananas Foster
What is the story behind Bananas Foster?
Bananas Foster was created in 1951 by Chef Paul Blangé at Brennan’s Restaurant in New Orleans, Louisiana. The dessert was developed as a way to promote the import of bananas from Central and South America and quickly became a hit due to its dramatic preparation involving a flambé technique.
What restaurant in New Orleans created Bananas Foster?
Brennan’s Restaurant in New Orleans is credited with creating Bananas Foster. This iconic establishment has become synonymous with this legendary dessert, serving it to countless patrons each year.
What is the best rum for Bananas Foster?
Dark rum is typically used for Bananas Foster due to its rich, robust flavor. Brands like Myers’s, Goslings, or even Bacardí Black work wonderfully. Always opt for a good-quality dark rum for the best results.
Is Bananas Foster alcoholic?
Yes, Bananas Foster does contain alcohol. The sauce includes banana liqueur and dark rum, which are both integral to the dish’s flavor and the flambé process. While much of the alcohol burns off during cooking, some may remain.
Can Bananas Foster be made without alcohol?
Absolutely! If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the banana liqueur with banana extract and the dark rum with a mixture of apple juice and a splash of rum extract to mimic the flavor.
How do you flambé Bananas Foster safely?
When flambéing, always use a long match or lighter to ignite the rum. Tilt the pan slightly away from you to prevent burns. Ensure there are no flammable items nearby and have a lid handy to smother the flames if needed.
What type of pan is best for making Bananas Foster?
A flambé pan or any heavy-bottomed skillet is ideal for making Bananas Foster. These allow for even heat distribution, which is crucial for caramelizing the sugar and cooking the bananas evenly.
Can I use any type of banana for Bananas Foster?
It’s recommended to use fresh, ripe bananas that are firm but not overly ripe. Bananas that are too soft may become mushy during cooking, whereas underripe bananas may not provide the desired sweetness.
Why do you ignite the rum in Bananas Foster?
Igniting the rum, or flambéing, burns off the alcohol while concentrating the flavors and adding a caramel-like taste to the sauce. It also adds a visual flair that makes the dessert exciting to prepare and serve.
What dishes pair well with Bananas Foster?
Bananas Foster is traditionally served over vanilla ice cream or Classic Concord Grape Ice Cream (see below), but it can also be paired with pancakes, waffles, crepes, or even as a topping for French toast for a decadent breakfast or brunch option.
What else goes well with Brennan’s Bananas Foster
Classic Concord Grape Ice Cream
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