Caramelized Banana from Fogo de Chao features ripe bananas caramelized to golden perfection, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon and served with a drizzle of rich caramel sauce, offering a sweet and luscious dessert with a warm, glossy finish.
Equipments
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Nonstick skillet or sauté pan
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Serving plate
- Saucepan (for caramel sauce, if homemade)
- Spoon (for drizzling sauce)
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Ripe bananas are crucial for achieving the perfect caramelization, so choose ones that are yellow with a few brown spots for optimal sweetness and texture. Using unsalted butter helps control the saltiness, allowing the natural flavors of the bananas and brown sugar to shine. Ground cinnamon adds warmth and depth, but be mindful not to overpower the dish with too much. If making caramel sauce from scratch, carefully monitor the heat to avoid burning and ensure a smooth, glossy finish. Your homemade version of Caramelized Banana from Fogo de Chao will capture the same rich, luscious taste featured on their copycat menu.
Instructions
- Peel and slice the bananas in half lengthwise using a chef’s knife and cutting board.
- Heat the nonstick skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
- Add the unsalted butter to the pan and allow it to melt.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the melted butter.
- Place the banana halves cut side down in the pan.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes, until the bananas are golden and caramelized.
- Carefully flip the bananas with a spatula and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes.
- Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the bananas.
- Transfer the caramelized bananas to a serving plate.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce using a spoon.
- Serve warm.
Substitution
Caramelized Banana from Fogo de Chao copycat menu replicates the rich flavors of ripe bananas caramelized with butter and brown sugar, enhanced by cinnamon and topped with a luscious caramel drizzle. If fresh bananas are too firm, letting them ripen a day longer will yield better caramelization and natural sweetness. Butter can be substituted with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, though the flavor will be subtly different. You can use store-bought caramel sauce to save time, but homemade caramel allows control over sweetness and consistency. When caramelizing, keep the heat moderate to avoid burning the sugar and achieve a smooth, glossy finish.
Tips
Ensure your bananas are fully ripe to achieve the best sweetness and caramelization. When melting the butter and sugar, keep the heat at medium to avoid burning and to promote even caramel formation. Use a nonstick skillet and a spatula gently to flip the bananas without breaking their delicate shape. You can enhance your dessert by drizzling warm caramel sauce evenly over the bananas just before serving for a glossy, smooth finish.
Nutritions
Caramelized Bananas provide a good source of dietary potassium and natural sugars, which contribute to quick energy release. The use of unsalted butter adds a small amount of healthy fats, while brown sugar and caramel sauce contribute additional calories and sweetness. Ground cinnamon offers antioxidants and may help regulate blood sugar levels. Your dessert benefits from a balance of nutrients but should be enjoyed in moderation due to its sugar content.
Storage
Store any leftover caramelized bananas in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss. Refrigerate your container promptly, and consume within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture. Reheat gently in a nonstick skillet or microwave before serving to restore the warm, glossy finish you enjoy.
Variation or Alternatives
Your caramelized banana dessert can be enhanced by substituting brown sugar with coconut sugar for a richer, more complex flavor profile. Try adding a splash of rum or vanilla extract during the caramelization process to deepen the taste. For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil instead of unsalted butter, maintaining the silky texture while catering to dietary preferences. Experiment with serving the bananas over vanilla ice cream or alongside a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture and contrast.
Allergies
Caramelized Banana from Fogo de Chao contains common allergens such as butter, which includes dairy, and potential allergens in store-bought caramel sauce like milk or soy. If you have a dairy allergy, consider using dairy-free butter and checking the caramel sauce ingredients carefully. Your sensitivity to cinnamon should also be monitored, as it can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Why this recipe?
Caramelized Banana from Fogo de Chao restaurant captivates diners with its perfect balance of sweetness and rich caramel flavors that enhance the natural creaminess of ripe bananas. The dish features a crispy caramelized sugar crust that adds a delightful texture contrast to the tender fruit inside. You can recreate this irresistible dessert at home to enjoy an authentic taste experience while customizing the ingredient quality and sweetness level to your preference. Making a copycat version allows you to savor the gourmet indulgence of Fogo de Chao without the restaurant price.