These Bananas Foster pancakes are irresistible — a decadent banana topping for pancakes that tastes like a restaurant treat at home. Make them with rum or easily omit the alcohol for a family-friendly version. If you love banana pancakes, these Bananas Foster pancakes are rich, buttery, and loaded with caramelized banana flavor.
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You can also use this banana foster topping on Oatmeal Cookie Ice Cream, Banana Cake, or Banana Bread French Toast for a versatile and indulgent finish.
What flavor is Bananas Foster?
Bananas Foster is a classic New Orleans dessert known for its sweet, buttery, caramel notes from brown sugar and butter, warm aromatics from cinnamon and vanilla, and the bright fruitiness of ripe bananas. Traditional recipes include rum, often flambéed, which adds depth; non-alcohol versions use rum extract for a similar flavor without the alcohol. It’s commonly served over vanilla ice cream to balance the warm caramel.
The original Bananas Foster was created at Brennan’s Restaurant in New Orleans in 1951 by chef Paul Blangé and named by owner Owen Brennan. The dramatic flambé presentation helped make it famous.
Why is it called Bananas Foster?
The name honors Richard Foster, a friend and civic leader of Owen Brennan, the owner of Brennan’s Restaurant, where the dish was first served. The dish’s creators combined local flair and theater — including flambé — to create a memorable dessert that became iconic.
Banana Foster Pancakes Without Alcohol
To make these Banana Foster pancakes without alcohol, substitute rum extract for the rum in the sauce. Add the extract at the end of cooking so its flavor stays bright. The result is the same warm caramel-banana topping without any alcohol.
If you prefer the authentic rum flavor, use a dark rum or swap in a splash of bourbon for a slightly different profile. Either way, the caramelized banana sauce is the star.
What is Banana Foster made of?
Below are the main components you’ll need for these buttermilk pancakes and the Bananas Foster sauce. Exact measurements are shown in the recipe card.
- All-purpose flour — the base for fluffy pancakes. Measure accurately for best results.
- Baking powder & baking soda — leavening to create light, airy pancakes.
- Ground cinnamon — optional in the batter; it pairs beautifully with the banana topping.
- Salt — enhances the buttery and sweet flavors.
- Buttermilk — keeps pancakes tender and adds a subtle tang that lifts the batter.
- Egg and egg yolk — add richness and structure.
- Pure vanilla extract — quality vanilla makes a noticeable difference.
- Melted butter — adds moisture and a rich flavor to the batter.
- Granulated sugar — provides mild sweetness to the pancakes.
For the sauce and caramelized bananas you’ll need:
- Salted butter — balances sweetness and creates a silky sauce.
- Dark brown sugar — gives the sauce deep, molasses-like flavor.
- Dark rum or rum extract — rum lends warmth and depth; extract works for alcohol-free versions.
- Cinnamon — a small amount enhances the caramel notes.
- Chopped walnuts — optional, for texture and a nutty contrast.
- Vanilla extract — added at the end for brightness.
- Banana slices — slightly underripe bananas hold their shape when caramelized.
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream — optional but classic accompaniments.
Variation: Banana Foster French Toast
This topping is perfect on French toast. Use your favorite French toast recipe or a brioche base, then spoon the warm Bananas Foster sauce over the top for an indulgent brunch twist. It also works well on pancakes made from boxed mix, oat milk pancakes for dairy-free needs, or gluten-free alternatives.
Bananas Foster Pancakes Calories
This recipe is a richer treat and not low in calories, fat, or sugar. One serving (about one-fourth of the full recipe) is estimated at roughly 670 calories when served with the caramelized bananas and sauce. Use portion control or lighter accompaniments if you want to reduce calories.
Equipment
A griddle pan, electric griddle, or a large nonstick skillet works well for cooking pancakes. Use a separate skillet for the sauce. A good pancake spatula and mixing bowls will make the process easier.
Storage
Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The Bananas Foster sauce and caramelized bananas are best served the day they are made for peak texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Savory sides like crispy hash browns also make a nice contrast if you’re serving brunch.
Substitute whole milk mixed with a small amount of vinegar or lemon juice (let it sit 5 minutes) to mimic buttermilk. For dairy-free pancakes, use oat milk and a plant-based butter substitute.
Use 1 teaspoon of rum extract for an alcohol-free version, or omit alcohol entirely and rely on vanilla and extra cinnamon to boost flavor.
Banana pancakes made with large chunks of banana in the batter can break apart. This recipe places banana slices on top in the sauce to avoid that issue. If you use mashed banana in batter, adjust the binder (eggs or flour) to maintain structure.
Make sure your pan is fully preheated before adding batter and use a bit of fat in the pan. Cook pancakes until edges look set and bubbles form on the surface before flipping.
This banana topping works with any pancake base. Try boxed pancake mix, a dairy-free oat milk pancake, or a gluten-free pancake and top with the Bananas Foster sauce. Add nuts, toasted coconut, or swap bourbon for the rum for a flavor change.
If you try this recipe, please leave a star rating and a comment — feedback is always appreciated. Share your photos on Instagram by tagging @chenee_today.
Top Tip
Use bananas that are not overly ripe; slightly underripe bananas hold their shape better when caramelized and won’t turn mushy in the sauce.
📖 Recipe
Bananas Foster Recipe – Banana Topping for Pancakes
Equipment you may need
- griddle pan or electric griddle
- mixing bowls and whisk
- large sauté pan for the sauce
- pancake spatula
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups buttermilk (room temperature)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted salted butter
- Butter, vegetable oil, or cooking spray for the pan
Caramelized Bananas and Banana Foster Sauce
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- ½ cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 4 teaspoons dark rum (or 1 teaspoon rum extract)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ⅓ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 medium bananas, sliced (slightly underripe is best)
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a griddle pan or electric griddle over medium heat.
- In a medium bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl combine buttermilk, egg, egg yolk, vanilla, and melted butter. Whisk until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix.
- Grease the pan and pour ¼ cup batter for each pancake. Cook until edges are set and bubbles form on the surface, about 2–3 minutes, then flip and cook until golden brown.
- Continue with remaining batter and keep cooked pancakes warm.
Bananas Foster Sauce
- In a skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
- Add dark brown sugar, rum (or wait to add rum extract until later), cinnamon, and walnuts. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is bubbling and thickened, 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in vanilla and add banana slices, tossing to coat. Cook 1–2 minutes more until bananas are warmed and coated in sauce. If using rum extract, add it now; if using rum and you wish to flambé, follow safe flambé procedures or simply let the alcohol cook off for a minute.
- Remove from heat and spoon the bananas and sauce over pancakes. Top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
Notes
Pancake Substitute: Use your favorite pancake batter if you prefer — boxed mixes, oat milk pancakes for a dairy-free option, or gluten-free pancakes all work well with this topping.
Nutrition
Food Safety Tips
- Cook prepared foods to a safe temperature and avoid leaving perishable items at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Use oils with an appropriate smoke point for frying to prevent burning and off-flavors.
- Ensure good ventilation when cooking, especially on gas stoves.
