Bananas Foster with Pound Cake

Name: Bananas Foster with Pound Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 ripe bananas, sliced; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup dark rum; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 pound store-bought pound cake, sliced; Vanilla ice cream (for serving)

Highlighted under: Home-Style Dessert Bakes

Enjoy a delightful twist on a classic dessert with our Bananas Foster served over moist pound cake. This dish combines the rich flavors of caramelized bananas in rum with the comforting texture of cake, creating an unforgettable treat.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-02T19:34:02.568Z

Bananas Foster is a New Orleans classic that brings together the flavors of bananas, brown sugar, and rum, creating a luscious sauce that is perfect for pouring over slice of pound cake. It’s a dessert that not only tastes divine but also adds an element of flair when flambéed at the table!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich caramelized bananas with a hint of rum
Moist and buttery pound cake that complements the sauce
Impressive dessert to wow your guests

      

A Classic Reimagined

Bananas Foster is a classic dessert that originated in New Orleans and has captured the hearts of dessert lovers everywhere. Traditionally served over vanilla ice cream, this recipe takes a delightful twist by pairing the caramelized banana and rum sauce with moist pound cake. The result is a decadent dessert that balances the warm, sweet flavors of the bananas with the buttery richness of the cake.

This version of Bananas Foster maintains all the beloved elements of the original recipe while introducing a new texture and flavor profile. The pound cake acts as a sturdy base, soaking up the delicious sauce and enhancing every bite. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, this dessert is sure to impress.

Perfect for Any Occasion

One of the best aspects of Bananas Foster with Pound Cake is its versatility. This dessert can be served at a range of gatherings, from casual family dinners to elegant dinner parties. The impressive presentation and delightful flavors make it a go-to choice for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays.

Moreover, the simplicity of the preparation allows you to focus on your guests rather than spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a stunning dessert that will leave your guests raving about it long after the last bite.

Tips for Success

To achieve the best results, choose ripe bananas that are firm yet slightly soft. Overripe bananas can become mushy when cooked, so aim for bananas that are just ripe enough to caramelize beautifully without losing their shape. Additionally, using high-quality dark rum will enhance the flavor of the sauce, making it more aromatic and rich.

When flambéing the rum, ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated and take necessary precautions to avoid any accidents. If you're not comfortable igniting the rum, you can simply let it simmer for a few extra minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate without the flames. This step is optional but adds a touch of drama to the presentation.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this sumptuous dessert.

For the Bananas Foster

4 ripe bananas, sliced
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup dark rum
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pound Cake

1 pound store-bought pound cake, sliced
Vanilla ice cream (for serving)

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Bananas Foster with Pound Cake.

Prepare the Bananas Foster

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon, cooking until the mixture is bubbling and smooth.

Add the Bananas

Add the sliced bananas to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes, gently stirring until the bananas are coated and softened.

Flambé the Rum

Carefully add the dark rum to the skillet. If you are comfortable, use a long lighter to ignite the rum. Allow the flames to subside as the alcohol burns off.

Serve

Place slices of pound cake on serving plates and spoon the warm banana mixture over the top. Serve immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy your delicious dessert!

Serving Suggestions

For a delightful serving experience, consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The cold ice cream perfectly complements the warm caramelized bananas and pound cake, creating a harmonious contrast in temperature and flavor. You can also drizzle some extra caramel sauce over the top for an added touch of sweetness.

If you want to elevate your dessert further, consider garnishing with chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for a crunchy texture. Fresh mint leaves can also add a pop of color and a refreshing hint of flavor, making your dessert even more visually appealing.

Storage and Reheating

If you happen to have leftovers, store the banana mixture and the pound cake separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The banana sauce can last for about 2-3 days, while the pound cake will stay fresh for up to a week. When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat the banana sauce in a skillet until warmed through, and serve it over freshly sliced pound cake.

It's important to note that reheating the bananas too long can make them overly soft, so keep an eye on them to maintain the right texture. This way, you can savor this delightful dessert even after the main event!

Variations to Try

While this recipe is delicious as is, feel free to experiment with different flavor profiles. For a tropical twist, you could add a splash of coconut cream to the banana sauce or serve it with coconut-flavored ice cream. Alternatively, incorporating spices like nutmeg or cardamom can introduce an intriguing depth of flavor to the sauce.

For those looking for a healthier option, consider substituting the butter with coconut oil and using a sugar substitute in the banana sauce. This way, you can enjoy the rich flavors of Bananas Foster while accommodating dietary preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the bananas foster mixture and reheat it when ready to serve.

→ What if I don't want to flambé?

You can skip the flambéing step and simply stir in the rum, allowing the mixture to cook for a bit longer to reduce the alcohol content.

→ Can I use a different type of cake?

Absolutely! While pound cake is traditional, you can use sponge cake or even a chocolate cake for a different flavor profile.

→ Is this recipe suitable for kids?

It can be, but without the flambé step. Just make sure to keep the rum content lower.