In this bananas Foster sauce recipe, bananas soak up a rich, spiced caramel sauce that’s perfect for spooning over waffles, pancakes or ice cream.

Bananas Foster Sauce

Bananas Foster sauce is what happens when you take a few pantry staples, a splash of cream and some very cooperative bananas and turn them into a stovetop dessert. The butter bubbles first, then combines with brown sugar to create a glossy syrup that smells like warm spices. When the cream hits the pan, it hisses and thickens the concoction into a lush, spoon-coating sauce.
Then come the bananas. Soft but still holding their shape, they soak up the warm spices and rich caramel as they slump gently into the sauce. A dash of rum extract brings just enough boozy depth without actually lighting anything on fire as in a traditional bananas Foster.
The whole thing comes together in only 15 minutes but tastes as if it took all day. You can pour it over treats like French toast or pound cake, or just eat it straight from the skillet and call it a win.
Bananas Foster Sauce Ingredients
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Ground cloves
- Heavy whipping cream
- Bananas
- Rum extract
- Waffles, pancakes or vanilla ice cream (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Cook the spiced brown sugar mixture
In a large skillet, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Cook and stir until the sugar is dissolved, about two minutes. Stir in the cream.
Step 2: Add the bananas
Add the bananas and extract. Serve warm, with waffles, pancakes or vanilla ice cream as desired.
How to Store Bananas Foster Sauce
Store leftover bananas Foster sauce in airtight food storage containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently, until warmed through. Avoid boiling the sauce when reheating to prevent the bananas from breaking down.
Bananas Foster Sauce Tips
What’s a good substitute for rum extract in this bananas Foster sauce recipe?
If you don’t have rum extract, you can make this bananas Foster sauce recipe with vanilla extract for a warm, mellow flavor. Or, if you don’t need the recipe to be alcohol-free, try a splash of dark rum.
Can you make bananas Foster sauce without heavy whipping cream?
You can make bananas Foster sauce with half-and-half cream or canned coconut milk instead of heavy whipping cream. Just note that the sauce may not be quite as rich or thick.
What can you serve with bananas Foster sauce?
Ice cream, waffles and pancakes are classic options for serving with bananas Foster sauce, but you could also serve the sauce over oatmeal recipes or crepes for an indulgent breakfast. It also pairs beautifully with plain Greek yogurt for a quick treat.
Watch How to Make Bananas Foster Sauce
Bananas Foster Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Dash ground cloves
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 medium firm bananas, halved lengthwise and cut into thirds
- 1/4 teaspoon rum extract
- Optional: Waffles, pancakes or vanilla ice cream
Directions
- In a large skillet, melt butter. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Cook and stir until sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Stir in cream. Add bananas and extract. Serve warm, with waffles, pancakes or vanilla ice cream as desired.
Nutrition Facts
1/2 cup: 589 calories, 28g fat (17g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 218mg sodium, 85g carbohydrate (74g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.