Banana Foster with Pecans & Caramel
Banana Foster is one of those desserts that makes a lasting impression — the kind that sticks in your memory after the first bite. I first fell in love with it at a small bistro on a date night. The moment it hit the table, with warm bananas and buttery caramel melting into the ice cream, I knew I needed to recreate it at home.
Over time, I gave it my own twist: I swapped the flambé for a rich, slow-cooked caramel, added toasted chopped pecansfor crunch, and let it all melt together with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The result? Pure dessert bliss.
It’s my go-to for last-minute entertaining or date nights in. It looks elegant, tastes even better, and takes only 10 minutes to whip up.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Quick and Easy – From skillet to bowl in under 15 minutes
Hot + Cold Contrast – Warm bananas meet melting vanilla ice cream
Caramel Heaven – No flambé needed, just rich, buttery sauce
Toasted Pecans – Add texture and nutty depth
Restaurant-Style at Home – Impress your guests without the stress
Elegant but comforting – Works for both weeknights and celebrations
Ingredients List:
unsalted butter
brown sugar
ground cinnamon
bananas
chopped pecans
vanilla extract
dark rum
vanilla ice cream
caramel sauce
There Are 3 Steps To Making This Recipe:
Step 1: Toast the Pecans
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped pecans for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Banana Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir until combined and bubbling. Add banana slices and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until lightly caramelized. Stir in vanilla extract. If using rum, carefully add it now and cook for 1 minute to burn off alcohol (no flambé required). Sprinkle in toasted pecans and gently stir to coat everything in the caramel sauce.
Step 3: Plate and Serve
Scoop vanilla ice cream into shallow bowls. Spoon warm bananas, pecans, and sauce over top. Drizzle with extra caramel and garnish with additional pecans or banana chips. Serve immediately.
Tips to Make This Recipe Your Own:
Make it boozy: Use dark rum or bourbon for an adult-friendly twist.
Switch the nuts: Walnuts or almonds also pair beautifully with bananas.
Caramelize deeply: Let the sauce cook a few extra minutes for a richer, deeper flavor.
Change the base: Serve over pound cake, pancakes, or French toast instead of ice cream.
Tropical spin: Add shredded coconut or a splash of coconut rum for island vibes.
Storage Tips:
Best served fresh: Bananas Foster is made to be enjoyed immediately.
Leftovers: Store any remaining bananas and caramel in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Ice cream tip: Only scoop what you’ll eat right away — once melted, you can’t re-freeze it.
Caramel sauce: Homemade or store-bought caramel can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Substitution Tips:
Butter: Use vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar: Substitute with maple syrup or coconut sugar for a twist.
Nuts: Omit for a nut-free option or use granola or toasted seeds.
Ice cream: Try butter pecan, cinnamon, or coconut ice cream for new flavor profiles.
Bananas: Use firm bananas — too ripe and they’ll fall apart in the skillet.
Final Thoughts:
This Banana Foster with Chopped Pecans and Caramel Sauce is everything I love in a dessert: fast, flavorful, and full of contrasting textures. The soft, warm bananas, the silky caramel, the cold vanilla ice cream, and the crunch of pecans — it’s the kind of treat that feels luxurious without being difficult.
Whether you're ending a romantic dinner, treating yourself on a quiet night in, or looking for a way to elevate ripe bananas, this recipe delivers every time. It’s approachable and elegant, old-school and modern all at once.
Looking for more Dessert Recipes? Try my popular recipes below:
Banana Foster with Pecans & Caramel
A warm skillet dessert that combines caramelized bananas, toasted pecans, rich caramel sauce, and cool vanilla ice cream. This bananas foster is a dreamy, decadent dessert that’s easy to make but feels like a restaurant indulgence.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 bananas, halved lengthwise or sliced into thick rounds
- ¼ cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1–2 tbsp dark rum (for authentic flair)
- 1–2 scoops vanilla ice cream, per serving
- 2–3 tbsp caramel sauce, store-bought or homemade
- Extra pecans or banana chips for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Notes
Butter: Use vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar: Substitute with maple syrup or coconut sugar for a twist.
Nuts: Omit for a nut-free option or use granola or toasted seeds.
Ice cream: Try butter pecan, cinnamon, or coconut ice cream for new flavor profiles.
Bananas: Use firm bananas — too ripe and they’ll fall apart in the skillet.
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.