Spiced Rum-Infused Bananas Foster

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

Caramelized bananas flambéed with spiced rum and brown sugar, served warm over vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. This caribbean-inspired desserts ready in about 18 minutes layers unsalted butter, light 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter. Add 1/2 cup light brown sugar and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is bubbling but not burnt, about 2 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 large peeled bananas sliced lengthwise to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes on each side until golden and caramelized.
  3. Step 3: Carefully pour 1/4 cup spiced rum over the bananas and ignite with a long lighter or match to flambé. Allow the flames to subside naturally, which will take about 30 seconds, cooking off the alcohol but leaving a rich flavor.
  4. Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the bananas.
  5. Step 5: Serve warm bananas and sauce immediately over 4 scoops of vanilla ice cream for a luscious contrast of hot and cold.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Rum-Infused Bananas Foster take to make?

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 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 Spiced Rum-Infused Bananas Foster?

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 Spiced Rum-Infused Bananas Foster?

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 Spiced Rum-Infused Bananas Foster 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 Spiced Rum-Infused Bananas Foster?

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.