Bananas Foster Recipe Vegan Style: Easy & Delicious Treat

Updated On: October 5, 2025

Bananas Foster is a classic New Orleans dessert that combines caramelized bananas with a rich butter and rum sauce, traditionally served flambéed over vanilla ice cream. But what if you’re looking for a vegan twist on this indulgent treat?

Look no further! This vegan bananas foster recipe keeps all the luscious flavors and silky textures you love, without any animal products.

Using coconut oil instead of butter and a plant-based ice cream, you can enjoy a decadent, cruelty-free dessert that’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself after a long day.

This recipe is surprisingly easy to make and comes together in under 20 minutes. Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or just curious about plant-based alternatives, this bananas foster will satisfy your sweet tooth and warm your soul.

Ready to dive into a bowl of caramelized goodness? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan bananas foster recipe offers the perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and boozy flavors without compromising on ethics or taste. Using simple plant-based ingredients, it recreates the classic dessert with a fresh and wholesome approach.

Here’s why it deserves a spot in your dessert rotation:

  • Quick and easy: Ready in less than 20 minutes, ideal for last-minute dessert cravings.
  • Vegan and allergy-friendly: No dairy, eggs, or refined sugars involved.
  • Rich and flavorful: The caramel sauce is silky and decadent, and the rum adds a warm, aromatic depth.
  • Versatile: Great served over vegan vanilla ice cream, pancakes, or even oatmeal.
  • Impressive presentation: The flambé step (optional) adds a dramatic flair to your dinner party.

Ingredients

  • 3 ripe bananas, sliced diagonally
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil (or vegan butter)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed, preferably organic)
  • 1/4 cup dark rum (use a good quality brand)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • Vegan vanilla ice cream or plant-based frozen dessert, for serving

Equipment

  • Large non-stick skillet
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Serving bowls or dessert plates
  • Long lighter or matchstick (for flambé, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your bananas: Peel and slice the bananas diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces. This shape helps them caramelize evenly and look elegant on the plate.
  2. Melt the coconut oil: Heat the skillet over medium heat and add the coconut oil. Let it melt completely, coating the base of the pan.
  3. Add brown sugar and stir: Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the melted coconut oil. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and starts bubbling, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Caramelize the bananas: Gently add the banana slices to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, spooning the caramel sauce over them to coat. The bananas should soften but not turn mushy.
  5. Season the sauce: Sprinkle in the ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Stir gently to combine all the flavors.
  6. Add vanilla and rum: Remove the skillet from heat briefly and carefully pour in the rum and vanilla extract. Return to medium heat and allow the alcohol to warm through for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Flambé (optional): If you want to go traditional, carefully ignite the rum with a long lighter. Let the flames burn out naturally while swirling the pan. Make sure to do this step in a safe environment, away from flammable objects.
  8. Serve immediately: Spoon the warm bananas and caramel sauce over scoops of vegan vanilla ice cream and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

“To prevent the bananas from becoming mushy, make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding them, and don’t overcrowd the pan.”

  • Non-alcoholic version: Replace rum with orange juice or rum extract for flavor without the alcohol.
  • Nutty twist: Add toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch and texture.
  • Spice it up: Experiment with a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
  • Use maple syrup: Substitute brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness profile.
  • Make it gluten-free: Serve this over gluten-free pancakes or waffles for a decadent breakfast.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1/2 recipe)
Calories 280 kcal
Carbohydrates 38 g
Fat 12 g
Saturated Fat 10 g
Sugar 25 g
Protein 1 g
Fiber 3 g

Serving Suggestions

This vegan bananas foster is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:

Conclusion

Vegan bananas foster is a delightful twist on a beloved dessert that allows everyone—whether vegan or not—to indulge in its rich, buttery flavors without compromise. This recipe brings out the best in ripe bananas, caramelized to perfection with coconut oil and brown sugar, then enhanced by the warm aroma of rum and cinnamon.

The best part? It’s quick to prepare and easy to customize, making it perfect for both weeknight treats and special occasions.

By using plant-based ingredients, you can enjoy a dessert that’s kinder to the planet and your body, without sacrificing any of the indulgence. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also want to try the delicious Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe for another banana-inspired vegan delight.

Happy cooking and bon appétit!

📖 Recipe Card: Bananas Foster Recipe Vegan

Description: A rich and creamy vegan twist on the classic Bananas Foster, featuring coconut cream and brown sugar. Perfect for a decadent dessert that's quick to prepare.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT20M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 ripe bananas, sliced lengthwise
  • 1/4 cup vegan butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup coconut cream
  • 1/4 cup dark rum or rum extract
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • Vegan vanilla ice cream, for serving

Instructions

  1. Melt vegan butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add brown sugar and stir until it dissolves and forms a syrup.
  3. Pour in coconut cream and stir to combine.
  4. Add rum, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt, simmer for 2 minutes.
  5. Gently add banana slices and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized.
  6. Serve warm over vegan vanilla ice cream.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 15g | Carbs: 45g

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Marta K

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