Caramelized Banana Sundae Recipe
This Caramelized Banana Sundae is a delightful dessert that pairs warm, buttery caramelized bananas with cold, creamy ice cream. The luscious contrast of textures and temperatures makes it a crowd-pleaser perfect for weeknight treats or special occasions. Easy to make with simple ingredients, it can be customized with a variety of toppings to suit your taste.
Equipment
- Skillet or non-stick frying pan
- Spatula or tongs
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Ice cream scoop
- Serving bowls or sundae glasses
- Optional: Baking sheet and parchment paper (for oven method)
Ingredients
- 3–4 firm, ripe bananas (yellow with slight spots)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 tbsp rum or orange juice (optional)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (to toss bananas)
- 1 quart vanilla ice cream (or your preferred flavor)
- Toppings: chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds), whipped cream, chocolate sauce, maraschino cherries, sea salt flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Bananas: Peel bananas and slice lengthwise or into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Toss gently with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Make Caramel: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar and cook until it melts and becomes syrupy (about 2 minutes). Optionally add vanilla and rum.
- Caramelize Bananas: Arrange banana slices in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, flipping gently, until bananas are golden and coated in caramel. Avoid overcrowding. (Or broil bananas on a parchment-lined baking sheet brushed with butter and brown sugar for 3–5 minutes.)
- Assemble Sundaes: Scoop ice cream into serving dishes. Top with warm caramelized bananas and spoon any extra caramel sauce over the top.
- Add Toppings: Garnish with nuts, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and a cherry if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Banana ripeness: Use firm bananas for best texture; overripe bananas become mushy when cooked.
- Caramel consistency: If caramel thickens too much, stir in a splash of milk or cream to loosen.
- Serving tip: Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm bananas and cold ice cream.
- Variations: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the caramel for extra flavor. Try coconut sugar and coconut oil for a healthier twist.
- Make-ahead: Prepare caramel sauce in advance and reheat gently before caramelizing bananas. Avoid assembling sundaes until ready to serve.