How to Caramelize Your Bananas

Use caramelized bananas to top many different desserts.

Caramelized bananas are a creative addition to many dessert recipes, including the classic gourmet treat bananas Foster. Warm, sweet bananas combine with creamy caramel sauce to top cakes, ice cream or puff pastry for the ultimate banana lover's dessert. Make your caramelized bananas at the last minute, just before serving the dish. The bananas will stay firm and the caramel glaze will be hot and easy to drizzle over the dish.

Things You'll Need

• Two medium firm bananas
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• 1/2 tbsp. butter
• Heavy nonstick frying pan
• 3 tbsp. light brown sugar
• Large spoon
• 1/4 cup dark rum
• Dash of cinnamon

Instructions

1. Cut two bananas into slices 1/2-inch thick. Place the butter in a heavy nonstick frying pan and place it on the stove. Turn the heat to medium high and melt the butter.

2. Swirl the pan to coat the bottom with melted butter. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the butter and place the banana slices on top.

3. Cook the brown sugar and bananas for 20 seconds without moving the pan.

4. Pour the rum into the pan and sprinkle a dash of cinnamon on top of the banana slices. Allow this to cook for 10 seconds.

5. Turn the bananas over and baste them with the sauce from the bottom of the pan. Allow the bananas and the sauce to cook and thicken for one minute.

6. Remove the pan from the stove and pour the bananas and caramel sauce over 2 dessert dishes. Serve the dishes while the bananas are still hot.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't like rum, substitute orange juice in the recipe.

• Add broken pecan bits at the last minute for a tasty variation.

References

• Eating Well; Caramelized Bananas; Winter 2004
• Brennan's: Recipes -- Bananas Foster