Clear your kitchen countertop and gather all your ingredients for Bananas Foster. Ensure that you have a large skillet ready, remove any flammable items from the vicinity, and make sure children are at a safe distance.

In your large skillet, place 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Gently swirl the pan to help it melt evenly. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning; this should take around 1-2 minutes until melted.

Add ½ cup of packed light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to the melted butter. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes until dissolved and syrupy.

Carefully add your sliced bananas to the skillet, cooking for about 2-3 minutes, gently turning them occasionally to ensure they are coated and caramelized evenly.

Drizzle in ¼ cup of heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Allow to simmer for an additional minute to thicken the sauce.

Carefully pour in ¼ cup of dark rum over the banana mixture. Ignite the rum to flambé the bananas for about 1 minute.

Once the flames subside, stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and swirl in cold butter for a luxurious finish.

Scoop portions over bowls of vanilla ice cream, letting the sauce cascade. Garnish with mint leaves, toasted pecans, or whipped cream as desired.