Caramelized Banana Pecan Sundae

A warm, golden drizzle of homemade caramel coats tender banana slices and toasted pecans, topped with a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream. This luxurious dessert is both comforting and indulgent, perfect for a quick sweet fix or elegant dinner finale.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Caramelized Banana Pecan Sundae is a decadent dessert that’s incredibly easy to make yet feels fancy enough for entertaining. The contrast of hot caramelized fruit and nuts with cold, creamy ice cream is irresistibly good. It’s a wonderful way to elevate everyday ingredients like bananas and pecans into something truly special. This dessert is also highly customizable and comes together in less than 15 minutes, making it a go-to for spontaneous cravings or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced lengthwise
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup raw pecans
• 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
• Pinch of sea salt (optional)

Directions

1. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, melt the butter and stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon. Let it bubble gently for 1–2 minutes to form a caramel sauce.
3. Add the banana slices and cook for 1–2 minutes on each side until lightly caramelized but still holding their shape.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and remove the skillet from heat.
5. To serve, place the caramelized banana slices in a shallow dessert bowl or plate. Drizzle with any remaining caramel sauce from the pan.
6. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
7. Sprinkle with toasted pecans and a pinch of sea salt if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2 people and takes about 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for a quick and indulgent dessert.

Variations

• Nut-Free Option: Replace pecans with sunflower seeds or skip the nuts entirely.
• Boozy Twist: Add a splash of rum or bourbon to the caramel sauce just before adding the bananas.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Garnish with melted chocolate or chocolate syrup for added richness.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or chili powder for a surprising flavor note.
• Dairy-Free/Vegan: Use plant-based butter and non-dairy ice cream to make this dessert vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

This dessert is best served fresh, as the caramelized bananas can become mushy upon storage. However, any leftover caramelized bananas and pecans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving. Ice cream should always be added fresh at the time of serving.

FAQs

Can I use underripe bananas?

No, ripe bananas work best for caramelizing as they are softer and naturally sweeter.

Can I make the caramel in advance?

You can prepare the caramel a few hours ahead and reheat it gently before using.

What kind of ice cream works best?

Vanilla is classic, but you can use butter pecan, caramel swirl, or even coconut ice cream for variation.

Can I use other nuts?

Yes, walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts are great alternatives to pecans.

How do I prevent the bananas from getting mushy?

Avoid overcooking them. Just a quick 1–2 minutes per side is enough to caramelize without softening too much.

Is there a non-dairy option for the caramel?

Yes, use plant-based butter and coconut cream for a dairy-free caramel.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can substitute with white sugar and a touch of molasses, or use raw sugar as a backup.

How can I make this healthier?

Use less sugar, skip the ice cream or replace it with Greek yogurt, and use raw, unsalted nuts.

Can this be served cold?

It’s designed to be a warm dessert, but you could chill the caramelized bananas and pair with cold toppings if preferred.

Is it safe for kids?

Yes, just skip any alcohol if making a boozy variation, and make sure the temperature is suitable before serving.

Conclusion

The Caramelized Banana Pecan Sundae is a splendid blend of textures and flavors—crispy, creamy, sweet, and nutty—all in a single dessert. Its ease of preparation makes it an ideal last-minute treat, while its decadent taste makes it suitable for any occasion from casual dinners to special celebrations. Whether you’re seeking comfort or trying to impress, this sundae delivers indulgence with elegance.

Caramelized Banana Pecan Sundae

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• Author: Emma Delaney
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Total Time: 12 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Un dessert gourmand composé de tranches de banane caramélisées et de noix de pécan grillées, le tout nappé de glace vanille et d’une sauce caramel au sucre roux. Idéal pour une gourmandise rapide ou pour terminer un dîner en beauté.

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Ingredients

• 2 bananes mûres, pelées et coupées en tranches dans le sens de la longueur
• 1 cuillère à soupe de beurre
• 2 cuillères à soupe de sucre brun
• 1/2 cuillère à café de cannelle
• 1/4 cuillère à café d’extrait de vanille
• 1/3 tasse de pacanes crues
• 2 boules de glace à la vanille
• Une pincée de sel de mer (facultatif)

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Instructions

1. Dans une poêle sèche à feu moyen, faire griller les noix de pécan 2 à 3 minutes, jusqu’à ce qu’elles soient parfumées. Retirer et réserver.
2. Dans la même poêle, faire fondre le beurre et incorporer la cassonade et la cannelle. Laisser mijoter doucement 1 à 2 minutes.
3. Ajoutez les tranches de banane et faites cuire 1 à 2 minutes de chaque côté jusqu’à ce qu’elles soient légèrement caramélisées mais pas molles.
4. Incorporer l’extrait de vanille et retirer du feu.
5. Pour servir, disposez les tranches de banane dans un bol peu profond, arrosez du reste de caramel de la poêle et garnissez d’une boule de glace à la vanille.
6. Parsemer de noix de pécan grillées et d’une pincée de sel de mer si désiré. Servir immédiatement.

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Notes

• Utilisez des bananes mûres mais fermes pour éviter qu’elles ne s’effondrent.
• Les noix de pécan grillées ajoutent une riche saveur de noisette — ne sautez pas l’étape du grillage.
• Ajoutez une touche de rhum brun pour une touche adulte.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sundae
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 35mg