Bananas Foster Crêpes
Bananas Foster was created in 1951 by Paul Blangé at Brennan’s Restaurant in New Orleans, Louisiana. It was named for Richard Foster, a friend of Owen Brennan’s who was then the city’s Crime Commission chairman. If you have been fortunate enough to visit New Orleans and eat at Brennan’s, then you know what an incredible dessert Bananas Foster is. Sautéed in a buttery, cinnamony caramel sauce and flambéed with dark rum and banana liqueur, bananas are then poured over creamy, rich vanilla ice cream. On the brunch menu at Bar Americain, I take all those yummy components, replacing the ice cream with a slightly tangy crème fraîche whipped cream, and pair them with delicate crêpes. These crêpes are served as an entrée and not a dessert. I can’t think of a better way to start off my weekend.
Recipe information
Yield
Serves 4
Ingredients
Crêpes
Fillings and Toppings
Caramel Sauce (makes about 1 cup)
Preparation
Step 1
To make the crêpes, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk together the milk, 2 tablespoons water, the eggs, and the butter in a small bowl. Add to the flour mixture and whisk to combine. Cover and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate for up to 1 day.
Step 2
Line a large plate with parchment or wax paper. Heat a crêpe pan or an 8-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat and brush the bottom and sides with melted butter. Add 3 tablespoons crêpe batter to the skillet and immediately tilt and swirl the skillet to spread the batter evenly over the bottom. Cook until the center of the crêpe is cooked through and the edges are lightly browned, about 1 minute. Gently flip and cook the other side for 20 seconds. Invert the crêpe onto the prepared plate. Repeat with the remaining batter, placing parchment paper between crêpes. The crêpes can be made 1 day in advance, covered, and refrigerated.
Step 3
To make the topping, whip the heavy cream with a handheld electric mixer or a balloon whisk until soft peaks form, add the crème fraîche and cinnamon, and whisk until combined.
Step 4
Place the crêpes, pale side up, on a flat surface, arrange 5 slices of banana down the center of each crêpe, and roll tightly. Place 2 crêpes on each of 4 large plates and add a few slices of banana. Top with a large dollop of the whipped cream and chopped walnuts and spoon some of the caramel sauce over the crêpes. Dust with some of the cinnamon confectioners’ sugar and garnish with mint sprigs if desired.
CARAMEL SAUCE
Step 5
Combine the sugar and 1/2 cup water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat, swirling the pot occasionally (do not stir) to even out the color. Cook until deep amber in color, about 8 minutes.
Step 6
While the caramel is cooking, pour the heavy cream into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over low heat. Remove from the heat and keep warm.
Step 7
When the caramel has reached a deep amber color, slowly whisk in the heavy cream. Be careful; the hot mixture will bubble. Whisk until smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in the cinnamon, orange liqueur, and rum. The sauce can be cooled, covered, and refrigerated for up to 1 week. Reheat over low heat or in the microwave. Serve warm.
