Bananas Foster Pancakes

These Bananas Foster pancakes are so good – with a banana topping for pancakes that is so decadent! Banana Foster Pancakes without alcohol or with rum! If you like banana pancakes, you’ll LOVE these bananas foster pancakes – IHOP has got nothin’ on these! Or use this banana foster recipe to top your Oatmeal Cookie Ice Cream, your Banana Cake, or your Banana Bread French Toast!

*This post contains affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my disclosure for details*.

What flavor is Bananas Foster?

Bananas Foster is another great recipe that comes to us from New Orleans! It's a decadent dessert made with ripe bananas, brown sugar, butter, and rum, and can also be made with cinnamon and banana liqueur. It's all cooked together and served with vanilla ice cream for even more deliciousness! The traditional Bananas Foster recipe originated at Brennan's Restaurant in New Orleans in 1951. At that time, owner Owen Brennan challenged his chef, Paul Blangé, to create a dish that featured bananas. And the Bananas Foster was born! Chef Blangé even flambéed the delicious dessert for a little more drama, adding to its renown.

Why is it called Bananas Foster?

The name comes from the originators of the dish. The owner of Brennan's Restaurant, Owen Brennan, named it after his friend Richard Foster, who was a civic leader in New Orleans at the time.

Banana Foster Pancakes Without Alcohol

You can definitely make these Banana Foster pancakes without alcohol! Just top your banana pancakes with a decadent Banana Foster sauce made with rum extract instead of rum! Check the recipe card below for the measurements, but not to worry! You don't have to use rum to enjoy this delicious Bananas Foster pancakes recipe!

What is Banana Foster made of?

Check the recipe card below for measurements, but here's what you'll need for this easy recipe for buttermilk pancake batter!

• flour - you'll need all-purpose flour for these bananas foster pancakes. I haven't tried this recipe with other flour options, but I imagine it would also work well with oat flour! Be sure to check out my post on measuring dry ingredients for the best accuracy!
• baking powder & baking soda - these leavening agents add that fluffy texture that every banana pancakes recipe needs!
• ground cinnamon - this is optional since we'll be adding cinnamon to our banana foster topping later on, but
• salt - a little salt brings out the buttery flavors of these pancakes!
• buttermilk - this is the secret to fluffy pancakes! The acid in buttermilk helps the pancakes rise, and gives them a tangy flavor that is so good.
• eggs - we'll use a whole egg and an egg yolk to add some richness and structure to our fluffy buttermilk pancakes.
• vanilla - be sure to use a high-quality pure vanilla extract. Or better yet, check out my post on how to make vanilla extract at home with just 2 ingredients!
• melted butter - a little butter helps the pancakes to have a rich, moist texture. I like to use salted butter for these pancakes.
• granulated sugar - to add a bit of sweetness to our pancakes.

And then, instead of maple syrup, we'll make a decadent Banana Foster sauce for the top of the pancakes!

• salted butter - I like using salted butter to offset the sweetness in this sauce a bit.
• dark brown sugar - the rich sweetness of dark brown sugar is perfect in this recipe!
• dark rum - or try them with bourbon! And you can also make these Banana Foster pancakes without alcohol! Just substitute a little rum extract in for the rum!
• cinnamon - a little bit of cinnamon is a fantastic complement to the sweet and buttery flavors in these pancakes!
• walnuts - a handful of chopped walnuts adds a lovely buttery crunch to this banana topping for pancakes!
• vanilla - as I mention above, be sure to use a high-quality pure vanilla extract, or you can make your own!
• banana slices - for best results, choose fresh bananas that are just barely ripe, or even a little underripe. That way the caramelized bananas won't get too mushy while cooking.
• whipped cream - this is optional, but what better for your sweet tooth than a dollop of fresh whipped cream? Plus, it's a nice nod to the classic Bananas Foster recipe that is served with creamy vanilla ice cream!

Variation: Banana Foster French Toast

If you love these Bananas Foster pancakes, you'll love this twist: Banana Foster French Toast! Just follow the ingredients in your favorite French toast recipe -- my Keto French toast is a great option (just substitute the Keto bread for your favorite brioche). Then make this amazing Banana Foster sauce to pour all over your finished French toast, and brunch is served!

Bananas Foster Pancakes Calories

This banana foster recipe definitely a decadent treat, so it's not low in calories fat, or sugar! One serving (one-fourth of the recipe) is calculated below in the recipe card to contain 671 calories for 3-4 bananas foster pancakes including the caramelized bananas and sauce. Nutrition Disclaimer

Equipment

I use a griddle pan for these Banana Foster pancakes -- You can also use an electric griddle, or even just a large nonstick skillet. You'll also need a pan to make your sauce (I use a Le Creuset skillet), as well as a good pancake spatula.

Storage

You can store your pancakes in an airtight container for up to two days in the fridge. I would recommend serving the Banana Foster sauce the day you make it, since the bananas won't be as fresh tasting later on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Food Safety Tips

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with a high smoke point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.