Banana Foster With Pecans & Caramel
Banana Foster With Pecans & Caramel combines tender bananas, buttery brown sugar sauce, crunchy pecans, and cold ice cream in a warm skillet dessert. It is a cozy dessert for date nights, family treats, or any time you want a sweet finish without baking.
Equipment
- Wide skillet
- Silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ice cream scoop
Ingredients
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons dark rum or bourbon or omit
- 4 firm bananas sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 4 scoops vanilla ice cream or butter pecan or coconut ice cream
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce homemade or store-bought
Instructions
- Slice the firm bananas into thick coins and have the ice cream scooped or ready nearby.
- Melt the butter in a wide skillet over medium heat until glossy but not browned.
- Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and gently bubbling.
- Add vanilla, dark rum, and caramel sauce, then simmer briefly until the sauce turns shiny.
- Add the banana slices in a single layer and spoon sauce over them for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Fold in the chopped pecans gently so the bananas stay mostly intact.
- Spoon the warm banana mixture over ice cream and drizzle with extra skillet sauce.
Notes
Storage: Store leftover banana sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep ice cream separate and assemble only before serving.
Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Add a small splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
Freezing: Freezing the finished dessert is not recommended because bananas can turn watery. The sauce alone can be frozen for up to 1 month.
Best Tips: Use ripe but firm bananas and medium heat. Very soft bananas can break apart before the caramel sauce is ready.
Variations: Swap pecans with walnuts, almonds, or toasted coconut. For an alcohol-free version, omit the rum and add a little extra vanilla.
Serving Ideas: Serve over vanilla ice cream, butter pecan ice cream, pound cake, waffles, or pancakes for a cozy dessert plate.