This Dairy-Free Bananas Foster is a sweet treat that’s both fun and easy to make! With ripe bananas, a hint of cinnamon, and a drizzle of dairy-free butter, you’re in for a yummy dessert.
You just sauté the bananas in the buttery mix and serve it warm over your favorite ice cream or pancakes. It’s like a warm hug on your taste buds! 🍌✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: Choose bananas that are perfectly ripe, as they’ll be sweeter and softer when cooked. If you’re in a pinch, you can use bananas that are slightly overripe, but avoid those that are too mushy or bruised.
Dairy-Free Butter: I recommend using vegan butter or coconut oil. If you’re avoiding refined oils, try using a nut-based butter (like almond) but be aware it may change the flavor a bit. You can also make your own dairy-free butter at home with cashews!
Brown Sugar: For a deeper flavor, use dark brown sugar. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, coconut sugar can work, but the texture and taste of the sauce may differ slightly.
Dark Rum: This ingredient is optional, but it adds a nice depth. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can omit it entirely or add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor!
How Do You Get the Bananas Perfectly Caramelized?
Caramelizing the bananas is the key to creating that rich, sweet sauce. Start by heating your skillet on medium to medium-high heat and gently melt the dairy-free butter before adding the sugar. Here’s how:
- Keep the heat moderate so the butter doesn’t burn. Patience is key!
- Once the butter is melted, add the brown sugar and stir until bubbly and combined. This creates your sauce.
- Gently add the banana slices. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you want them to cook evenly.
- Cook until golden on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Be gentle when flipping to prevent them from breaking!
Remember, the sauce can always thicken more as it cooks, so feel free to take it off the heat when the bananas are just right. Enjoy your delicious dessert!
Dairy-Free Bananas Foster
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons dairy-free butter (such as coconut oil or vegan butter)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons dark rum (optional, for flambé)
- Pinch of salt
- Dairy-free vanilla ice cream (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Dairy-Free Bananas Foster takes about 10 minutes of prep and cooking time. It’s a quick dessert that’s perfect for a weeknight or a special occasion. Just gather your ingredients, and you’ll be served a warm, sweet treat in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Melt the Butter:
In a large skillet, melt your dairy-free butter over medium heat. Be sure to watch it closely so that it doesn’t burn! You want it to just melt and start to bubble gently.
2. Make the Sauce:
Add the brown sugar and cinnamon to the melted butter. Stir it all together with a wooden spoon until the sugar dissolves, creating a syrupy sauce. This should take about 2 minutes. The mixture will become smooth and glossy.
3. Cook the Bananas:
Now, gently add the banana slices to your skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You want them to get warm and slightly caramelized but still hold their shape. Be careful when turning them to avoid breaking!
4. Add Flavor:
Once the bananas are warmed through, stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Give it a gentle mix to combine everything.
5. Optional Flambé:
If you’d like to add a little flair, carefully add the dark rum. To flambé, tilt the pan slightly to ignite the rum (if comfortable). Allow the flames to subside. If you prefer to skip this step, that’s perfectly fine, too!
6. Serve It Up:
Remove the skillet from heat and spoon the warm bananas and their delicious sauce into serving bowls. This dessert pairs perfectly with a generous scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream on top. Drizzle some extra sauce over the ice cream for that added yum factor!
Enjoy your warm, sweet, and dairy-free Bananas Foster! It’s sure to impress and satisfy your sweet tooth! 🍌✨
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh bananas for optimal texture and flavor. If you only have frozen bananas, make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before cooking. Keep in mind that frozen bananas may become mushy when cooked.
What If I Don’t Have Dark Rum?
No problem! You can either simply omit the rum or replace it with a splash of non-alcoholic vanilla extract for flavor. Alternatively, apple juice or a bit of additional vanilla can also work well to enhance the sauce.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, gently reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
For the best texture and taste, it’s ideal to make this recipe fresh just before serving. However, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and then cook the bananas just before serving for a delicious treat!
