National Bananas Foster Day

National Bananas Foster Day is a delightful celebration dedicated to the iconic New Orleans dessert, Bananas Foster. This flambéed treat, made with bananas, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, rum, and banana liqueur, is served over vanilla ice cream, creating a delicious and visually stunning dessert.

Quick Facts

When is it?: April 6th
Tagged as: Food holiday, Dessert day
What’s the hashtag?: #NationalBananasFosterDay
When was it founded?: 2024
Who founded it?: Brennan’s Restaurant

History of National Bananas Foster Day

National Bananas Foster Day was created to honor the beloved dessert that originated in New Orleans in 1951. Owen Brennan, owner of Brennan’s Restaurant, challenged his chef Paul Blangé to create a dessert featuring bananas. The result was Bananas Foster, named after Richard Foster, a friend of Owen Brennan and chairman of the New Orleans Crime Commission.

Timeline

1951: Bananas Foster is created at Brennan’s Restaurant in New Orleans
Early 1950s: New Orleans becomes a major port for banana imports
2024: National Bananas Foster Day is established by Brennan’s Restaurant

Dates by Next Year

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	April 6	Sunday
2026	April 6	Monday
2027	April 6	Tuesday
2028	April 6	Thursday
2029	April 6	Friday
2030	April 6	Saturday

Observed

National Bananas Foster Day is observed by restaurants worldwide featuring Bananas Foster and its variations on their menus. Guests and fans share photos and videos of their dining experiences online. Brennan’s New Orleans creates a day-long celebration, including teaching guests how to make the famous dessert.

Fun Facts About Bananas Foster

Brennan’s Restaurant flames approximately 35,000 pounds of bananas annually for Bananas Foster.
The dessert was created to promote bananas imported through the Port of New Orleans.
Bananas Foster is often prepared tableside as a dramatic flambé presentation.
The original recipe was inspired by Ella Brennan’s memories of her mother brûléeing bananas for breakfast.

Quiz

In which year was Bananas Foster created?
Who challenged the chef to create a banana dessert?
After whom was Bananas Foster named?
What liquors are typically used in Bananas Foster?

(Answers: 1. 1951, 2. Owen Brennan, 3. Richard Foster, 4. Rum and banana liqueur)

FAQs

Is it safe to prepare Bananas Foster at home?
Yes, but caution should be exercised when flambéing. Always follow safety guidelines.
Can Bananas Foster be made without alcohol?
Yes, non-alcoholic versions can be made using banana extract or juice instead of liquor.
What type of bananas work best for Bananas Foster?
Firm, ripe bananas are ideal for this dessert.