Flambéed Bananas

Slicing bananas in half lengthwise, baking them in a gratin dish and finishing them at the table with some rum makes for a dessert served with a flourish. You’ll practice preparing a simple fruit dessert and learn the technique of flambéing safely at the table.

Serves 1 | Active Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Preparing to cook

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Generously butter a shallow gratin dish.

Step 1: Preparing to cook

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Step 2: Preparing and baking the bananas

3 bananas, split in half lengthwise
¼ cup light brown sugar
1 ½ teaspoons fresh lemon zest
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Place the bananas in a single layer in the dish and sprinkle with the sugar, lemon zest and lemon juice. Bake until the bananas are soft and the sugar has melted, about 20 minutes.

Step 3: Flambéing the bananas (optional)

3 tablespoons dark rum (optional)

Remove from the oven, drizzle the rum over them and, using a long-handled lighter or match, carefully light the alcohol to flambé the dish. This can be done at the table.

Step 4: Serving

Whipped cream or ice cream

Spoon the bananas into dishes and serve alone or with whipped cream or ice cream.

Share