Brown Sugar Banana Parfaits With Maple-Glazed Pecans

A decadent layered dessert featuring caramelized bananas in a whiskey-brown sugar sauce, topped with maple-glazed pecans and vanilla ice cream. These elegant parfaits combine warm spiced flavors with cool, creamy textures.

6 servings
34 min

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 pinch kosher salt
  • ¾ cup rye whiskey
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 whole bananas
  • 1 pint vanilla ice cream

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Toss pecans, maple syrup, and salt on a parchment paper-lined rimmed baking sheet; spread out in a single layer. Bake until maple syrup is caramelized and pecans are toasted, 10-15 minutes. Let cool completely on baking sheet. Coarsely chop nuts; set aside.

    15 min

  2. 2.

    Meanwhile, bring whiskey, both sugars, and butter to a boil in a large skillet (do not move pan or mixture may ignite). Turn off heat; stir mixture to dissolve sugar completely.

    5 min

  3. 3.

    Return to medium heat and simmer until sauce is thickened and glossy, about 2 minutes. Add bananas and cook, swirling skillet occasionally, until bananas are just softened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let mixture cool completely in skillet.

    4 min

  4. 4.

    Layer bananas and sauce, pecans, and ice cream in small mason jars or glasses. DO AHEAD: Parfaits can be made 8 hours ahead. Cover and freeze. Let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly before serving.

    10 min

Recommended to use Recipe Notes to manage your recipes