This fun twist on the classic Bananas Foster skips the dairy, making it tasty and suitable for everyone! Sweet bananas are sautéed in a mix of brown sugar and spices, then flamed with rum for a special touch.
Who doesn’t love a dessert with a show? 🍌🔥 Watching them caramelize is pure magic. I often serve this over dairy-free ice cream, and it’s a real crowd-pleaser, no matter the occasion!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Choose ripe bananas for the best sweetness and flavor. Overripe bananas work wonders too! If you don’t have bananas, pears can be a delicious alternative in this recipe.
Coconut Oil: This is great for a light coconut flavor. However, if you’re not a fan, any neutral oil, like canola or sunflower oil, can be used instead. Dairy-free margarine is another option you might consider.
Brown Sugar: The deeper flavor of brown sugar adds richness. If you need a substitute, coconut sugar or maple sugar can do the trick. Just remember to adjust the quantity as needed.
Rum: Dark rum adds a lovely depth, but you can skip the alcohol or replace it with pineapple juice or apple cider if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. These will give a nice fruity note without the kick.
Dairy-Free Ice Cream: There are many tasty dairy-free options available on the market, like coconut, almond, or cashew-based ice creams. I personally love coconut-based ice cream—it adds a nice creaminess that pairs well with the bananas.
How Do I Make Sure My Bananas Are Perfectly Caramelized?
Caramelizing bananas is a key step that brings out their natural sweetness. Here’s how to get the perfect caramelization:
- Start with medium heat. If the heat is too high, the sugar might burn.
- Cook the bananas cut side down for a good 2-3 minutes until you see a nice golden color. Flip them gently to avoid breaking.
- Be patient when it comes to adding the rum. If flambéing, ensure you’re cautious and ready to cover the pan to extinguish any flames safely.
- Swirl the pan gently after adding the rum to ensure an even coating of the sauce.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have beautifully caramelized bananas that make this dessert an eye-catcher and a crowd-pleaser!
Dairy-Free Bananas Foster
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe bananas, peeled and halved lengthwise
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or dairy-free margarine
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- Dairy-free vanilla ice cream (e.g., coconut milk or almond milk based)
- Dairy-free whipped topping (optional, for serving)
- Maple syrup or dairy-free caramel sauce (for drizzling)
Time Needed:
This delightful dessert takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and cook, plus a few extra minutes to serve and enjoy. So, you can whip up this indulgent treat in no time!
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Skillet:
In a large skillet, heat the coconut oil or dairy-free margarine over medium heat until it’s melted and starts to shimmer. This step is essential to create the right base for your sauce.
2. Create the Caramel Sauce:
Add the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and optional nutmeg to the skillet. Stir continuously for about 2-3 minutes until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is bubbly and looks like caramel. It will start to give off a sweet aroma!
3. Sauté the Bananas:
Place the banana halves cut side down in the skillet. Let them cook for 2-3 minutes until they’re gently caramelized and golden. Carefully flip the bananas to cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
4. Add Vanilla:
Once the bananas are nicely caramelized, remove the skillet from the heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
5. Flambé the Rum:
Put the skillet back on low heat and slowly pour the dark rum over the bananas. If you want to flambé for a dramatic touch, carefully ignite the rum with a long lighter or match. Just be cautious, and let the flames die down naturally while you gently swirl the pan to coat the bananas.
6. Finish the Dish:
Once the flames have subsided and the sauce thickens slightly, remove the skillet from the heat. Your delicious Bananas Foster is almost ready!
7. Serve It Up:
To serve, place a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream into a bowl or dessert plate. Arrange the caramelized bananas and some of the sauce around the ice cream for a beautiful presentation.
8. Add Toppings:
If you’d like, add a dollop of dairy-free whipped topping and drizzle with maple syrup or your favorite dairy-free caramel sauce for an extra sweet touch.
9. Garnish and Enjoy:
Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top for a lovely garnish, then dig in! Enjoy this rich, indulgent dessert that keeps all the classic flavor but skips the dairy!
Can I Use Other Oils Instead of Coconut Oil?
Absolutely! If you aren’t a fan of coconut oil, any neutral oil like canola, sunflower, or even vegan butter will work well in this recipe while still allowing the flavors to shine through.
What Can I Substitute for Dark Rum?
If you’re looking to avoid alcohol, you can replace dark rum with pineapple juice or apple cider to maintain a fruity flavor. Just be sure to adjust the amount to suit your taste!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can gently warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of extra dairy-free ice cream or a drizzle of syrup to freshen up the dish.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly! Just ensure that all your ingredients, especially the dairy-free ice cream and whipped topping, are labeled as vegan. Enjoy without any concerns!
