News Summary
Brennan’s Restaurant in New Orleans is celebrating its 75th anniversary with the introduction of the Bananas Foster King Cake, merging traditional flavors with a unique twist. This delectable cake is made from brioche dough and filled with a creamy banana filling, showcasing a delightful blend of banana liqueur and vanilla. Topped with butter rum icing and garnished with golden sugar pebbles, this dessert not only honors the iconic Bananas Foster but also offers a festive treat for the Carnival season. Guests can even participate in making their own Bananas Foster at their tables.
New Orleans
Brennan’s Restaurant is unveiling a special dessert, the Bananas Foster King Cake, in time for Carnival 2022. This delicious creation coincides with the restaurant’s 75th anniversary celebration, marking a significant milestone in its rich history.
The Bananas Foster King Cake is a decadent treat that features brioche dough rolled with cinnamon, brown sugar, and honey. The cake is infused with banana liqueur and vanilla extract, making it an exquisite blend of flavors. Inside, the cake is filled with a creamy banana-flavored filling, which adds a delightful richness to each bite.
Further elevating the indulgence, the king cake is topped with a butter rum and brown sugar icing, drizzled with milk chocolate icing, and garnished with crispy golden sugar pebbles. This unique take on the traditional king cake is sure to be a hit among both locals and visitors. Guests can also enjoy the authentic experience of making their own Bananas Foster at their tables, guided by the knowledgeable staff.
The Origin of Bananas Foster
Brennan’s Restaurant is renowned for its iconic dessert, Bananas Foster, which has been a favorite since its creation in the 1950s. The dish was originally developed by Owen Brennan, the uncle of the current proprietor Ralph Brennan, to honor his friend Richard Foster. With its rich ties to the history of New Orleans, Bananas Foster was inspired by the city’s status as a major port for receiving bananas during the mid-20th century.
The preparation process of Bananas Foster is a theatrical affair, as the ingredients—brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, banana liqueur, and rum—are flambéed tableside and served over vanilla ice cream. Each year, Brennan’s serves approximately 35,000 pounds of bananas in this dazzling dessert, making it the most ordered item on their menu.
In recent years, Brennan’s has taken the initiative to create its own ice cream to accompany the Bananas Foster, a change from the previously used store-bought option, enhancing the overall dining experience for guests.
Availability
The new Bananas Foster King Cake is available for online order for nationwide shipping or local pickup at both Ralph’s on the Park and Brennan’s Restaurant. This offers a convenient way for fans of this beloved dessert to indulge in its unique flavors during the Carnival season.
The release of the Bananas Foster King Cake not only celebrates the creativity and culinary legacy of Brennan’s but also pays homage to the rich tradition of king cakes in New Orleans. Brennan’s continues to be a leading restaurant in the city, merging its iconic past with new gastronomic trends for a delightful Carnival celebration.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Best French Quarter Restaurants New Orleans for Authentic Creole Food
Additional Resources
- Delish: Bananas Foster Recipe
- Rouses: Ella Brennan & Bananas Foster
- Fox 8 Live: Bananas Foster King Cake
- New York Times: Not Your Ordinary Bananas Foster
- Wikipedia: Bananas Foster

Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.