Solera-Aged Mexican Rum Flambéed Plantains

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sweet plantains flambéed in a rich solera-aged Mexican rum sauce with cinnamon and brown sugar, creating a caramelized tropical dessert. This mexican-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers large ripe plantains, solera-aged Mexican rum, unsalted butter 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 220 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and slice 2 large ripe plantains into 1/2-inch thick diagonal slices.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and foamy.
  3. Step 3: Add the plantain slices to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 3 tbsp brown sugar and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon evenly over the plantains and cook for 1 minute until sugar melts and bubbles.
  5. Step 5: Carefully add 1/4 cup solera-aged Mexican rum and ignite with a long match or lighter to flambé. Let the flames subside naturally, about 20 seconds.
  6. Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat, drizzle 1 tbsp fresh lime juice over the plantains, and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt to balance sweetness.
  7. Step 7: Serve warm as a decadent dessert or side dish.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Solera-Aged Mexican Rum Flambéed Plantains take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 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 Solera-Aged Mexican Rum Flambéed Plantains?

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 Solera-Aged Mexican Rum Flambéed Plantains?

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 Solera-Aged Mexican Rum Flambéed Plantains 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 Solera-Aged Mexican Rum Flambéed Plantains?

Mexican 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.