Description
At its core, the Caramelized Banana and Brown Butter Ice Cream Sundae is an elevated take on the classic banana split. However, instead of using standard vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry scoops, we focus on a single, complex flavor profile: brown butter. Brown butter, or beurre noisette, is regular butter that has been cooked until the milk solids toast and caramelize. It adds a savory, toasted quality that cuts through the sugar.
Ingredients
Brown Butter Ice Cream (no-churn option)
2 cups heavy cream (cold)
1 can (14 oz / 400 g) sweetened condensed milk
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
(If you want to shortcut: use high-quality vanilla ice cream and drizzle with brown butter instead.)
Caramelized Bananas
2 ripe (but firm) bananas, sliced lengthwise or into thick coins
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp brown sugar
½ tsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Optional: splash of vanilla or rum
Toppings (optional but 🔥)
Toasted pecans or walnuts
Chocolate shavings or hot fudge
Whipped cream
Flaky sea salt
Instructions
1. Brown the Butter
Melt butter in a light-colored pan over medium heat.
Cook, swirling, until it foams, smells nutty, and turns golden brown with little specks.
Remove from heat immediately and let cool slightly.
2. Make the Brown Butter Ice Cream (No-Churn)
Whip cold heavy cream to soft peaks.
Gently fold in condensed milk, vanilla, salt, and 3 tbsp of the browned butter.
Pour into a loaf pan, swirl in remaining butter, cover, and freeze 6 hours or overnight.
(Skip this step if using store-bought ice cream.)
3. Caramelize the Bananas
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Let it bubble.
Add bananas cut-side down. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until golden and caramelized.
Finish with vanilla or rum if using.
4. Assemble the Sundae
Scoop brown butter ice cream into bowls.
Spoon warm caramelized bananas over the top.
Add nuts, chocolate, whipped cream, and a tiny pinch of flaky salt.
Notes
This sundae is all about contrast—warm, buttery caramelized bananas melting into cold, nutty brown butter ice cream. Serve immediately while the bananas are hot, and don’t skip the pinch of flaky sea salt at the end—it sharpens the sweetness and makes every bite pop. Perfect for cozy nights, dinner parties, or when you want an easy dessert that feels a little fancy. 🍨✨
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Caramelizing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sundae bowl
- Calories: ~420 kcal
Keywords: Brown butter banana dessert, pan seared banana sundae, homemade brown butter ice cream, caramelized fruit sundae recipe, gourmet banana split.