Banana Flambe
Banana Flambe is a dazzling dessert featuring caramelized bananas flambéed with Grand Marnier, offering a rich, sweet, and slightly boozy flavor perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the bananas in half lengthwise.
- Roll the banana halves carefully in confectioners sugar, then in flour.
- Beat the egg in a wide soup dish.
- Dip the banana strips into the beaten egg, then into the sugar and flour mixture.
- Melt butter in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Cook the prepared bananas in the butter, turning carefully so they don't fall apart.
- Once cooked, place the bananas gently into a large serving dish.
- Sprinkle with confectioners sugar and pour generously with Grand Marnier over the bananas.
- Take the dish to the table and light it with a match to flambé.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier texture, ensure the bananas are firm and not overly ripe. You can substitute Grand Marnier with another orange liqueur like Cointreau or use orange juice for a non-alcoholic version. If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the sugar mixture before coating the bananas. For an extra touch, serve with vanilla ice cream.
Serving Suggestions
Serve banana flambe as a dramatic dessert at the end of a meal, perhaps after a rich dish. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to balance the flavors. Consider serving it alongside a slice of Homemade German Butterhours for a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover banana flambe is best consumed immediately due to the delicate nature of the bananas. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat, avoiding high temperatures that can turn the bananas mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Banana Flambe contains roughly 569 calories, with 7g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is a good source of calcium (18% of the Daily Value), protein (14% of the Daily Value), and potassium (12% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the bananas in advance?
While the bananas can be prepped by cutting and coating them in sugar and flour, it’s best to cook them just before serving. Prepared bananas left too long may lose their texture and flavor. If you must prepare ahead, store them uncoated in an airtight container and coat just before cooking.
What kind of bananas are best for this recipe?
For banana flambe, choose medium-sized, firm bananas that are slightly underripe. Overripe bananas will become too mushy when cooked and may not hold their shape during frying. Look for bananas with a slight green hue at the ends for the best results.
Is it safe to flambé at home?
Yes, flambéing can be done safely at home with proper precautions. Ensure you have a fire extinguisher nearby and avoid using overly high flames. Use a long lighter or match to ignite the alcohol from a safe distance, and keep flammable materials away from the cooking area.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).