How to Make Caramelized Bananas For Banana Split
Take a classic dessert to the next level with this Caramelized Banana Split recipe. With simple directions to caramelize bananas in the oven, this treat is easy enough for a weeknight.
Caramelized Bananas Recipe
When you think of caramelized bananas, you might think of bananas foster being prepared tableside at a restaurant, with a big flame going up in the air when some rum is added.
But just like I prefer to cook my bacon in the oven, I prefer to caramelize bananas in the oven, too. For many of the same reasons: It’s easier. It’s less mess on the stovetop. And it turns out consistently great each and every time.
This Caramelized Bananas tutorial will show you exactly how to make the most ooey gooey, decadent, sticky-sweet warm bananas, no rum or fire needed. Eat them on their own, with a dollop of whipped cream, or turn them into an ice cream sundae.
A Caramelized Banana is a twist on the classic banana split
This caramelized banana split recipe is definitely a unique riff on the classic banana split. If you’re a food history nerd like me, NPR has a really interesting article about the history of the banana split.
What exactly constitutes a classic banana split recipe? A banana, of course. And one scoop each vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream. And pineapple, chocolate AND strawberry sundae sauces. And whipped cream, cherries, and optional nuts.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t normally keep three separate flavors of ice cream in my freezer at the same time (because my freezer is tiny and usually full of Greek lasagna!).
And while I do have ice cream toppings recipes, I don’t generally make all three at once.
So, for this at-home version of a banana split, I’m choosing just one extra special ice cream from Hudsonville. I’m caramelizing bananas in the oven to make them extra ooey gooey, then adding even more caramel sauce. I’m adding fresh blueberries. And the whipped cream and cherry are there, of course!
Caramelized Banana Recipe ingredients
- bananas – you’ll want just-ripe (not mushy) bananas that have been peeled and then cut in half lengthwise (more on this below under “How to Caramelize Bananas.“)
- light brown sugar – this is what melts to create the caramelization.
- ground cinnamon – to add a little extra flavor.
How to Caramelize Bananas
So, first of all, there’s a little bit of a learning curve to cutting the bananas in half. It sounds easy, but it was tricky figuring it out!
If you place the banana so that it’s laying flat on your cutting board, it will be easy to cut in half lengthwise, from the top, but the resulting halves WON’T lay flat on your baking sheet.
So, you need to take the banana, and hold it against a cutting board so that the ends that curve up are pointing up toward the ceiling. Then, take a knife, and going in from the top, cut the banana in half lengthwise.
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If you do it that way, the halves will lay flat on a baking sheet, and give you a nice flat surface to sprinkle cinnamon sugar over, which will give you evenly caramelized bananas.
Place the bananas under a high broiler for 3 to 4 minutes until the sugar starts to brown and bubble. Just like with my microwave caramel sauce, watch them VERY CAREFULLY, because they go from perfectly caramelized to burnt in a few seconds.
Psst – did you know that you can also ripen bananas in oven? Bookmark that post for next time you want to make banana bread but only have unripe bananas on hand.
Home Chef Tips for How to Make Caramelized Bananas
- Use ripe but firm bananas for best results. Overly ripe bananas will become too mushy when cooked.
- Experiment with different spices, like nutmeg and ground ginger.
What ice cream to serve with Caramelized Bananas
As I mentioned above, a classic banana split is one scoop each vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream. You could do that, or you could top this caramelized banana split recipe with just one flavor of any variety you’d like!
Toppings for Caramelized Bananas
Caramelized bananas are delicious on their own, with ice cream, or enhanced with a variety of toppings.
Some of my favorite toppings including whipped cream, fresh fruit like blueberries or strawberries, caramel or chocolate sauce, maraschino cherries, and chopped nuts.
How to store a Caramelized Banana
While caramelized bananas are best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Banana Split with Caramelized Banana Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tablespoons light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 just ripe bananas peeled and cut in half lengthwise
- 1 cup ice cream flavor of your choice
- ¾ cup whipped cream
- ¼ cup fresh blueberries
- 2 tablespoons prepared caramel sauce
- 2 maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Preheat broiler to high heat, with an oven rack positioned about six inches below it.
- In small bowl, stir brown sugar and cinnamon until well combined.
- Place banana halves on small rimmed baking pan and sprinkle evenly with brown sugar mixture.
- Place bananas under broiler and cook 3 to 4 minutes or until caramelized. Watch carefully to make sure they don't burn.
- Divide banana halves between two serving plates or bowls. Top with ice cream, whipped cream, blueberries, caramel and cherries.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm bananas for best results. Overly ripe bananas will become too mushy when cooked.
- Experiment with different spices, like nutmeg and ground ginger.
