Caramelized Bananas with Vanilla Ice Cream – A Cozy Autumn Dessert
As the warm autumn days slowly fade, here’s a comforting and elegant dessert to savor—the rich sweetness of caramelized bananas paired perfectly with creamy vanilla ice cream. Inspired by a classic recipe, this dish brings together buttery caramel, a hint of warm spices, and a splash of rum for a grown-up twist.
🕒 Prep & Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 3
- Difficulty: Easy
📝 Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 50 g butter
- 2 tbsp pumpkin seed oil (or walnut oil)
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 4–5 tbsp rum (or sweet Oloroso sherry)
- Vanilla ice cream (store-bought or homemade)
- Ground cinnamon (for garnish)
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the caramel sauce:
Melt butter with 1 tablespoon of pumpkin seed oil in a skillet over low heat. Add the brown sugar and stir gently until it begins to melt and the mixture starts to bubble. - Add the rum:
Slowly pour in the rum while stirring continuously to dissolve all sugar crystals and develop a glossy caramel sauce. - Finish the sauce:
Stir in the remaining tablespoon of pumpkin seed oil for richness. Remove the skillet from heat. - Caramelize the bananas:
Slice bananas lengthwise in halves. Place them in the caramel sauce, turning gently to coat well. Let them soak for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors and soften slightly. - Plate and serve:
Arrange 2 banana slices per plate. Place 2–3 scoops of vanilla ice cream between the banana slices. Drizzle generously with the warm caramel sauce. Sprinkle with a pinch of ground cinnamon for a warm, aromatic finish.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Use ripe but firm bananas to hold shape during cooking.
- Substitute pumpkin seed oil with melted coconut oil or butter if unavailable.
- For an alcohol-free version, replace rum with orange juice or apple cider.
- Add toasted nuts or granola on top for an added crunch.
- Serve with a drizzle of dark chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
🧾 Final Thoughts
This caramelized banana and vanilla ice cream dessert is a simple yet indulgent treat that celebrates the best of autumn flavors. With buttery caramel, warming spices, and cool creamy ice cream, it’s a perfect finale for any cozy evening or casual gathering.