Caramelized Banana Skillet with Vanilla Ice Cream
Sweet bananas caramelized in butter and brown sugar, finished with a splash of rum and served hot alongside creamy vanilla ice cream. This caribbean-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers unsalted butter, packed dark brown sugar, ground cinnamon into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces ripe bananas
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup, packed dark brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp dark rum
- 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and foaming. Add 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture bubbles, about 2 minutes.
- Step 2: Add 3 sliced ripe bananas to the skillet and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, gently stirring occasionally until the bananas are golden and caramelized, soft but holding shape.
- Step 3: Carefully pour 2 tbsp dark rum over the bananas and ignite with a long lighter or match to flambé. Allow the flames to subside naturally, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Step 4: Serve the warm caramelized bananas immediately in bowls, topped with 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream each (total 4 scoops), letting the ice cream melt slightly into the caramel sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caramelized Banana Skillet with Vanilla Ice Cream take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Caramelized Banana Skillet with Vanilla Ice Cream?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Caramelized Banana Skillet with Vanilla Ice Cream?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Caramelized Banana Skillet with Vanilla Ice Cream for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Caramelized Banana Skillet with Vanilla Ice Cream?
Caribbean desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
