Classic Bananas Foster is a warm, comforting dessert made with tender bananas simmered in a rich brown sugar sauce. This alcohol-free version keeps all the signature flavor while making it easy and family-friendly. Served over creamy vanilla ice cream, this dessert comes together quickly and feels elegant without extra effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Warm, rich caramel flavor
- No alcohol required
- Ready in under 15 minutes
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect over ice cream or pancakes
Ingredients

- 4 ripe bananas, sliced lengthwise
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions

- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add brown sugar and stir until dissolved.
- Pour in heavy cream and whisk until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Add sliced bananas to the sauce.
- Cook gently for 2–3 minutes until bananas soften.
- Spoon warm bananas and sauce over ice cream.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use bananas that are ripe but firm
- Slice bananas evenly for uniform cooking
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
- Serve over pancakes or waffles
- Keep heat moderate to avoid burning sugar
Storage & Freezing
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave
- Do not freeze cooked bananas for best texture
- Make sauce fresh for best flavor
- Store ice cream separately
Serving & Pairing Ideas

- Serve over vanilla or caramel ice cream
- Pair with crepes or waffles
- Spoon over French toast
- Add whipped cream on top
- Serve warm for best texture
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this version traditional?
This recipe removes alcohol while keeping the classic caramelized banana flavor.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use plant-based butter and coconut cream.
How ripe should bananas be?
Use bananas that are yellow with light brown spots but not mushy.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use a larger skillet and keep heat moderate.
Ready to Make It?
Classic Bananas Foster brings warmth, sweetness, and comfort together in one simple dessert. With rich caramel sauce and tender bananas, this recipe turns basic ingredients into something special.
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Classic Bananas Foster
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Bananas Foster is a warm dessert made with caramelized bananas in a rich brown sugar sauce served over ice cream.
Ingredients
4 ripe bananas, sliced lengthwise
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Melt butter in skillet
2. Add brown sugar and dissolve
3. Stir in cream and spices
4. Add bananas and cook gently
5. Serve warm over ice cream
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg