Bananas Foster with Pound Cake

Highlighted under: Homemade Sweets Recipes

Indulge in the delightful combination of warm, caramelized bananas served over a slice of moist pound cake. This classic dessert is perfect for any occasion.

Anna Johnson

Created by

Anna Johnson

Last updated on 2025-12-02T18:46:02.509Z

Bananas Foster is a delightful dessert that originated in New Orleans. This recipe combines the flavors of caramelized bananas with the richness of pound cake, making it a perfect treat for special occasions or a comforting indulgence.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich caramel flavor with a hint of rum
  • Warm bananas that perfectly complement the pound cake
  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for last-minute desserts

The Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion

Bananas Foster with pound cake is not just a dessert; it's an experience. The warm, caramelized bananas drizzled over a slice of moist pound cake create a delightful combination that tantalizes the taste buds. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more. The ease of preparation makes it a go-to option for any dessert lover.

This classic treat has its roots in New Orleans, where it was created in the 1950s. Since then, it has become a beloved favorite across the globe. The balance of flavors from the sweet caramel sauce and the buttery pound cake provides a comforting yet sophisticated taste experience. Plus, the addition of rum adds a delightful kick that takes this dessert to a whole new level.

A Match Made in Heaven

The combination of bananas and pound cake is truly magical. The dense, buttery texture of the pound cake serves as the perfect base for the warm, gooey bananas Foster. Every bite delivers a delightful contrast between the rich, creamy cake and the sweet, caramelized fruit. It's a pairing that feels both indulgent and comforting, making it an ideal choice for any dessert lover.

Moreover, bananas are not only delicious but also provide a natural sweetness that enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Their soft, tender texture when cooked adds a wonderful mouthfeel that complements the pound cake beautifully. This dessert is not just a treat; it’s a celebration of flavors that come together harmoniously.

Quick and Easy Preparation

One of the best things about this Bananas Foster with pound cake recipe is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a stunning dessert that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare. This makes it perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen.

The pound cake can be made ahead of time and stored, allowing you to prepare the bananas Foster right before serving. This efficiency ensures that you can enjoy quality time with your guests while still serving up a delicious homemade dessert. In just a short time, you can create a dish that brings warmth and joy to any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Bananas Foster

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

For the Pound Cake

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before you start the cooking process.

Instructions

Prepare the Pound Cake

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
  5. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool before slicing.

Make the Bananas Foster

  1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the brown sugar and cinnamon, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
  3. Add the sliced bananas and cook for about 2-3 minutes, gently stirring to coat them in the caramel sauce.
  4. Remove the skillet from heat, then carefully add the dark rum and vanilla extract. Return to the heat and flambé (if comfortable), or cook for another minute to let the alcohol cook off.

Serve

Slice the pound cake and place a piece on each plate. Spoon the warm bananas Foster over the top and serve immediately. Enjoy!

This dessert is best served warm and can be accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

Tips for Perfect Bananas Foster

To achieve the best flavor in your Bananas Foster, be sure to use ripe, but not overripe, bananas. They should be firm enough to hold their shape during cooking while still being sweet and flavorful. If the bananas are too ripe, they may break down too much in the pan, affecting the texture of your dish.

When flambéing, exercise caution and ensure that there are no flammable materials nearby. If you prefer not to flambé, simply allow the rum to simmer for an additional minute to cook off the alcohol while still retaining that rich flavor. This step enhances the overall depth of the sauce and adds a lovely warmth to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

For an added layer of flavor, consider serving your Bananas Foster with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The cold creaminess contrasts beautifully with the warm, caramelized bananas, creating a delightful temperature play in each bite. This added indulgence elevates the dessert even further, making it a true showstopper.

You can also garnish the dish with chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for added crunch and flavor. The nuts not only enhance the texture but also complement the sweetness of the bananas and the richness of the pound cake. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can also elevate the presentation and taste.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of cake?

Yes, you can substitute pound cake with vanilla sponge cake or even a dense muffin.

→ What if I don't have dark rum?

You can use light rum or even omit it entirely to make a non-alcoholic version.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the pound cake in advance, but it’s best to make the bananas Foster just before serving.

Bananas Foster with Pound Cake

Indulge in the delightful combination of warm, caramelized bananas served over a slice of moist pound cake. This classic dessert is perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Anna Johnson

Recipe Type: Homemade Sweets Recipes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Bananas Foster

  1. 4 ripe bananas, sliced
  2. 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  3. 1 cup brown sugar
  4. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  5. 1/4 cup dark rum
  6. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pound Cake

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 2 cups granulated sugar
  3. 4 large eggs
  4. 3 cups all-purpose flour
  5. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  6. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  7. 1 cup milk
  8. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
  5. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool before slicing.

Step 02

  1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the brown sugar and cinnamon, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
  3. Add the sliced bananas and cook for about 2-3 minutes, gently stirring to coat them in the caramel sauce.
  4. Remove the skillet from heat, then carefully add the dark rum and vanilla extract. Return to the heat and flambé (if comfortable), or cook for another minute to let the alcohol cook off.

Step 03

Slice the pound cake and place a piece on each plate. Spoon the warm bananas Foster over the top and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Total Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 61g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 42g
  • Protein: 4g