Preparing to cook
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Generously butter a shallow gratin dish.
Step 1: Preparing to cook
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Step 2: Preparing and baking the bananas
- 3 bananas, split in half lengthwise
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Place the bananas in a single layer in the dish and sprinkle with the sugar, lemon zest and lemon juice. Bake until the bananas are soft and the sugar has melted, about 20 minutes.
Step 3: Flambéing the bananas (optional)
- 3 tablespoons dark rum (optional)
Remove from the oven, drizzle the rum over them and, using a long-handled lighter or match, carefully light the alcohol to flambé the dish. This can be done at the table.
Step 4: Serving
- Whipped cream or ice cream
Spoon the bananas into dishes and serve alone or with whipped cream or ice cream.