Rick'S Flaming Bananas

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Flaming bananas with rum and banana liqueur served over ice cream create a dramatic, sweet, and boozy dessert perfect for entertaining or special occasions.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup butter
  • 1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 4 bananas
  • praline ice-cream
  • 3 tablespoons rum
  • 3 tablespoons banana liqueur

Instructions

  1. In a medium frying pan, melt butter and sugar.
  2. Slice bananas lengthwise and crosswise into chunks.
  3. Toss bananas gently in the sauce to warm.
  4. Add rum and banana liqueur to the bananas.
  5. Heat on high for one minute and ignite.
  6. Divide praline ice-cream among 4 parfait or wine glasses.
  7. Spoon the flaming bananas over the ice-cream and serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light. If you don't have banana liqueur, you can substitute with an extra tablespoon of rum or use a bit of vanilla extract for a different twist. Be cautious when igniting the rum; keep a safe distance and have a lid nearby to extinguish the flames if needed.

Serving Suggestions

This dessert pairs beautifully with praline ice-cream, but you can also try it with vanilla or caramel ice cream for a delightful contrast. Serve with a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added crunch. For a full meal experience, consider serving alongside a light salad or a refreshing fruit platter to balance the sweetness.

Storage & Reheating

Flaming bananas are best served immediately, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of rum to revive the flavors. Do not reheat in the microwave as the texture of the bananas may become mushy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Rick'S Flaming Bananas contains roughly 405 calories, with 0g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.

405 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.2g
Total Fat 1.3g 2% DV
Carbs 24.3g 9% DV
Fiber 0.5g 2% DV
Sugar 21.9g 44% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 7mg
Potassium 100.6mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 3.8mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.6mcg
Vitamin C 1.7mg 2% DV
Calcium 17.6mg 1% DV
Iron 0.2mg 1% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk

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 make this recipe without alcohol?

Yes, you can substitute the rum and banana liqueur with a mixture of apple juice and a splash of vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version. The bananas can still be sautéed in butter and brown sugar for a delicious treat.

What can I use instead of praline ice-cream?

If praline ice-cream is unavailable, any rich and creamy ice-cream will work well. Options like vanilla bean or caramel swirl will complement the flavors of the flaming bananas nicely.

How do I know when the bananas are ready to flame?

You should heat the bananas until they are warm and slightly softened, but not mushy. This typically takes about a minute after adding the rum and liqueur. Once heated, you can ignite them carefully for a dramatic presentation.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →