Banana Split

Delicious recipe for caramelized bananas with ice cream and cognac

Total time: 30 minutes
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 2

I present to you a simple and quick recipe, but with an astonishing impact on your taste buds: caramelized bananas with ice cream and a splash of cognac. This elegant and savory dessert is perfect for a special evening or to treat yourself on an ordinary day. Let’s discover together the steps to achieve a perfect result.

Ingredients

- 2 ripe bananas
- 4 scoops of ice cream (choose your favorite flavor: vanilla, chocolate, or caramel)
- 4 chocolate sticks (for an extra crunch)
- 100 g sugar
- 50 g butter
- 50 ml cognac
- 1 orange (for decoration and flavor)

Ingredient details

Bananas: Choose ripe bananas, but not overly soft. They will provide a pleasant contrast between the soft texture of the ice cream and the crunchy caramel.

Sugar: I prefer white sugar for caramelization, but you can also experiment with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.

Cognac: This is optional, but it adds a complex and sophisticated flavor profile. It can be replaced with rum or, for a non-alcoholic version, with orange juice.

Ice cream: Choose a high-quality ice cream for a delicious final result. Vanilla or caramel flavors are the most suitable.

A brief history of the recipe

Caramelized bananas are a classic dessert that has gained popularity in many culinary cultures. Its origins can be found in cooking traditions that value fruits cooked with sugar and butter, creating a delicious combination of textures and flavors. With a splash of alcohol, this dessert becomes not only a culinary pleasure but also a sensory experience.

Steps for preparation

1. Preparing the bananas: Peel the two bananas and cut them lengthwise in half. Place them on a plate, being careful not to break them.

2. Caramelizing the sugar: In a non-stick pan, add the sugar and let it melt over medium heat. Do not stir too much, just swirl the pan to distribute the heat evenly. Let the sugar turn golden and take on a caramelized hue.

3. Adding the butter: Once the sugar has caramelized, add the butter cube and quickly stir to incorporate it. This will enrich the caramel and add a creamy note.

4. Cooking the bananas: Place the bananas in the pan, cut side down. Let them caramelize for 2-3 minutes, then carefully turn them over and caramelize the other side as well.

5. Flambéing: Reduce the heat to low and add the cognac. With a wooden spoon, direct the flame towards the pan to flambé. This step will intensify the flavors, but make sure to do this with caution.

6. Assembling the dessert: Remove the caramelized bananas and arrange them on a plate. Add a scoop of ice cream next to each half of the banana.

7. Decorating: Drizzle with the remaining caramel from the pan and add the chocolate sticks for a crunchy effect. You can also add a few slices of orange for a fresh touch.

Serving

For an elegant serving, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts or coconut flakes on top. This dessert pairs perfectly with a fragrant coffee or a sweet wine, thus complementing the intense flavors of the caramelized bananas.

Useful tips

- Ice cream: If you prefer a cooler dessert, you can use fruit ice cream.
- Variations: Instead of chocolate sticks, you can use crushed cookies or nuts for added texture.
- If you don’t have cognac: Replace it with vanilla infusion or rum essence for a similar, non-alcoholic version.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other fruits? Absolutely! Caramelized apples or peaches are excellent options.

2. How can I make the recipe vegan? Use margarine instead of butter and plant-based ice cream.

3. How many calories does this dessert have? A serving of caramelized bananas with ice cream can contain between 300-500 calories, depending on the chosen ingredients. It is an indulgent dessert, but worth enjoying from time to time.

4. What other recipes can I combine with this dessert? A chocolate tart or a cheesecake can perfectly complement a meal that includes caramelized bananas. Additionally, a fruit cocktail could be an excellent choice.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! This recipe for caramelized bananas with ice cream and cognac will surely become a favorite among your friends and family. Enjoy!