This Dairy-Free Bananas Foster is a tasty treat that brings together sweet bananas and warm spices. It’s super easy to whip up and perfect for impressing friends or enjoying a sweet night in!
The best part? You can enjoy this dessert without any dairy! I love serving it over some tasty dairy-free ice cream—it’s like a party for your taste buds! 🍌✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are key for sweetness and flavor. If you’re out of fresh bananas, you can use frozen ones, but make sure to thaw them before cooking.
Coconut Oil: This is my go-to for a buttery flavor without dairy. If you don’t have it, any neutral oil like vegetable or canola works well. You can also opt for dairy-free butter if you want that extra creaminess.
Brown Sugar: This brings deep sweetness to the dish. If you need a lower-sugar option, try coconut sugar as a substitute. It will still give you that nice caramel flavor.
Dark Rum: This adds a great kick to the dish. You can skip it if you prefer a non-alcoholic version, but consider adding a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor making up for the missing depth.
How Do You Get the Perfect Caramel Sauce?
The caramel sauce can be tricky, so here are some tips to get it just right. Start by melting your coconut oil and mixing it with sugar and spices over medium heat.
- Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and it becomes syrupy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Be careful not to let it burn! If it starts to darken too much, lower the heat.
- When adding bananas, stir them gently to avoid breaking them apart.
Enjoy the process, and soon you’ll have a delicious, warm treat to savor!

Dairy-Free Bananas Foster
Ingredients You Will Need:
- 4 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (or other dairy-free butter substitute)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup dark rum (optional, for flambé or flavor)
- Pinch of salt
- Dairy-free vanilla ice cream, for serving
- Toasted shredded coconut, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Dairy-Free Bananas Foster takes about 10 minutes to prepare and cook, making it a quick and easy dessert option. Just a few minutes to heat everything up and you’re ready to serve this warm treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Melt the Coconut Oil:
Start by placing a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coconut oil and let it melt fully. Make sure it’s heated but not sizzling, as you want to create a nice caramel without burning it.
2. Create the Caramel Sauce:
Once the coconut oil is melted, add the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together and cook this mixture for about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the sugar is fully dissolved and the sauce becomes syrupy.
3. Add the Bananas:
Gently add the sliced bananas into the skillet, taking care to coat each piece in that delicious caramel sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bananas soften but still hold their shape.
4. Add the Rum:
Remove the skillet from the heat and carefully pour in the dark rum, if you’re using it. If you wish to flambé, return the skillet to low heat and ignite the rum with a long match or lighter. Allow it to flame for a short while to burn off the alcohol. If not flambéing, simply stir it in and let the sauce simmer for an extra minute.
5. Final Touch:
Take the skillet off the heat once more, then add the vanilla extract and stir gently to combine all the flavors.
6. Serve and Garnish:
To serve, scoop warm bananas and sauce over a nice serving of dairy-free vanilla ice cream. For a special touch, sprinkle some toasted shredded coconut on top. Enjoy this fabulous dairy-free dessert!
This warm, luscious twist on classic Bananas Foster is sure to impress! Enjoy every bite! 🍌✨
Can I Use Other Types of Oil Instead of Coconut Oil?
Yes! If you don’t have coconut oil, you can use any neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil. Dairy-free butter is also a great substitute for a creamier taste.
What’s a Good Substitute for Dark Rum?
If you prefer to avoid alcohol, simply omit the rum and add a splash more vanilla extract for flavor. You can also use a tablespoon of apple juice or coconut milk for a different twist!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat the bananas in a skillet over low heat and serve with more dairy-free ice cream!
Can I Make This Recipe with Green Bananas?
Using green bananas isn’t recommended as they’re much firmer and less sweet. Ripe bananas are best since they caramelize beautifully and offer the right amount of sweetness!
