Indulge in the rich, caramelized flavors of Bananas Foster Ice Cream, a decadent yet surprisingly approachable dessert.
Made with ripe bananas, butter, brown sugar, and a touch of rum, this ice cream delivers satisfying sweetness with natural fruit fiber and wholesome fats from cream.
Perfect for everyday treats, it’s easy to prepare, delightfully creamy, and a crowd-pleasing frozen dessert.
Bananas Foster Ice Cream
Equipment
- 1 Ice Cream Maker – for churning
- 1 Large skillet
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Loaf pan or shallow container
- Plastic wrap or wax paper
Ingredients
For the Bananas Foster:
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons dark rum
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 ripe bananas sliced
For the Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Ice Cream Bowl: Before starting, ensure your ice cream maker’s bowl is completely frozen. Place it in the freezer for at least 24 hours. Shake the bowl gently; you should not hear any water sloshing inside. This step is essential because a fully frozen bowl ensures your ice cream base churns evenly and achieves the perfect creamy texture.
- Make the Bananas Foster Sauce: Take a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add ¼ cup of butter and allow it to melt completely, stirring occasionally to avoid browning. Once melted, add ½ cup of brown sugar, 3 tablespoons of dark rum, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and starts to bubble slightly. This forms the rich, caramelized base for your Bananas Foster ice cream.
- Cook the Bananas: Slice 3 ripe bananas into thin rounds. Add them carefully to the skillet, tossing gently to coat each slice in the buttery, caramel sauce. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, just until the bananas soften but still hold their shape.Overcooking will make them mushy, so keep an eye on them. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely. Refrigerate until you are ready to fold it into the ice cream base.
- Combine the Ice Cream Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, pour 2 cups of heavy cream and 1 cup of whole milk. Add ¾ cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Using a whisk, combine all the ingredients thoroughly for 2-3 minutes. Rub a small amount of the mixture between your fingers to ensure the sugar has fully dissolved. A smooth, grit-free mixture is key for creamy ice cream.
- Churn the Ice Cream Base: Set up your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pour the prepared ice cream mixture into the frozen ice cream bowl. Turn the machine on and churn for approximately 25 minutes, or until the mixture reaches the consistency of soft-serve ice cream. The texture should be thick but still scoopable.
- Fold in the Chilled Bananas Foster: Take the refrigerated Bananas Foster sauce and add it to the ice cream during the last 2 minutes of churning. This allows the caramelized bananas to be evenly distributed without melting the ice cream. For a marbled effect, you can also gently swirl the sauce into the churned ice cream after transferring it to the storage container.
- Freeze Until Firm: Spoon the ice cream into a shallow container or a loaf pan. Smooth the surface and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or wax paper to prevent ice crystals from forming. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until the ice cream is fully solid. This step ensures the ice cream has the perfect scoopable consistency while retaining the luscious flavor of the Bananas Foster.
- Serve and Enjoy: Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 minutes. This softens it slightly, making it easier to scoop. Serve in bowls or cones and optionally drizzle with extra caramel sauce or sprinkle with cinnamon for added flair. Enjoy a rich, creamy dessert that’s both indulgent and homemade!
Notes
- Use ripe but firm bananas for the best texture; overly ripe bananas can turn mushy during cooking.
- Make the Bananas Foster sauce ahead of time and chill completely; adding it warm can melt the ice cream base.
- For a marbled effect, gently swirl the sauce into the ice cream after transferring to the container instead of mixing fully.
- Churn the ice cream until it reaches a soft-serve consistency; it will firm up during freezing.
- Optional: garnish with toasted nuts, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added texture and flavor.
Chef’s Secrets For Perfect Flavor
To elevate your Bananas Foster Ice Cream, focus on balancing sweetness, texture, and temperature.
Browning the butter slightly before adding sugar creates a richer caramel depth, while using dark rum enhances the classic flavor without overwhelming the dessert.
Whisk the ice cream base thoroughly to dissolve all sugar and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
Patience is key: letting the banana mixture chill completely ensures the ice cream maintains its structure and texture.
Finally, consider slicing bananas evenly to prevent some pieces from becoming too soft while others remain firm.
Serving Suggestions For Maximum Enjoyment
This ice cream shines on its own, but you can elevate the presentation and taste with a few creative touches.
Serve in individual bowls with a drizzle of extra caramel or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Pair it with warm chocolate or vanilla cake for a delightful contrast between hot and cold.
For brunch or dinner parties, top with lightly toasted pecans or coconut flakes to add crunch.
A scoop over pancakes or waffles transforms everyday breakfasts into an indulgent treat.
Storage Tips To Maintain Freshness
Store Bananas Foster Ice Cream in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming.
For best texture, press plastic wrap or wax paper directly onto the surface before sealing with a lid.
Keep it in the coldest part of the freezer, away from the door, to avoid temperature fluctuations.
Homemade ice cream is best enjoyed within 2-3 weeks, though it can last up to a month if stored properly.
When serving after extended storage, allow it to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes for easier scooping.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this ice cream without alcohol?
Yes! You can omit the dark rum or replace it with a splash of vanilla extract or rum-flavored extract. The alcohol adds depth but is not essential for the overall flavor.
2. Can I use a different type of sugar?
Brown sugar is preferred for its caramel flavor, but coconut sugar or raw sugar can be used as substitutes. Keep in mind that alternative sugars may slightly change the color and sweetness profile.
3. How can I prevent ice crystals from forming?
Make sure your ice cream base is smooth and fully churned, and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before freezing. Storing in the coldest part of the freezer also helps maintain a creamy texture.
4. Can I prepare this ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! The Bananas Foster sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. The ice cream can also be churned and frozen a day before serving, making it a stress-free dessert option.
5. Can I use frozen bananas instead of fresh?
It’s possible, but thaw frozen bananas completely and drain excess liquid before cooking. Using frozen bananas may slightly alter the texture of the caramelized mixture and the final ice cream consistency.
