Bananas Foster Iced Coffee Recipe (Dairy-Free)
Today we are making a Bananas Foster Iced Coffee Recipe (Dairy-Free)! Bananas Foster Iced Coffee is a delightful twist on classic iced coffee, blending the rich, indulgent flavors of caramelized bananas and smooth espresso into a refreshing dairy-free treat. Inspired by the classic New Orleans dessert, this recipe infuses the beloved Bananas Foster flavor into your morning brew, making it an exciting alternative to your usual iced coffee routine. By incorporating caramelized banana slices and a hint of rum extract, this drink brings a touch of luxury and sophistication to your daily caffeine fix.
The secret to this recipe’s irresistible taste lies in the homemade caramel and the caramelized banana topping. The caramel is crafted from creamy coconut milk and rich coconut sugar, creating a velvety smooth sauce that’s both dairy-free and decadently sweet. Meanwhile, the banana slices are gently caramelized with a sprinkle of coconut sugar and a dash of cinnamon, adding a warm, spiced flavor that beautifully complements the espresso. This combination of ingredients transforms an ordinary iced latte into a dessert-like indulgence that’s perfect for any time of day.
To bring it all together, you’ll combine the rich caramel sauce, chilled espresso, and creamy oat milk over a generous serving of ice cubes. The result is a deliciously smooth and satisfying iced coffee that’s bursting with the sweet, caramelized flavors of Bananas Foster. Whether you’re starting your day or enjoying an afternoon pick-me-up, this dairy-free treat offers a delightful escape into a world of flavor and indulgence, all without any dairy.
Why You’ll Love This Bananas Foster Iced Coffee Recipe
Gourmet Twist on Coffee: This Bananas Foster Iced Coffee elevates your regular iced coffee into a luxurious treat that feels more like dessert than a morning pick-me-up. Originating from the iconic New Orleans dessert, Bananas Foster, this recipe takes inspiration from the classic concoction, which traditionally features bananas flambéed with butter, brown sugar, and rum. The result is a sweet, caramelized banana topping paired with a velvety homemade caramel sauce that mingles seamlessly with chilled espresso. This innovative twist adds a gourmet flair to your coffee routine, transforming an ordinary beverage into a decadent indulgence that combines the rich, buttery notes of Bananas Foster with the robust kick of espresso.
Dairy-Free Everything: Not only does this recipe offer a rich, indulgent flavor experience, but it also caters to those avoiding dairy. Using coconut milk for the caramel and oat milk for the iced latte, this Bananas Foster Iced Coffee is entirely dairy-free, making it a fantastic option for lactose-intolerant individuals or those following a vegan lifestyle. The creamy coconut milk and smooth oat milk blend together perfectly, ensuring a satisfying texture without any dairy. This means you can enjoy the same luxurious taste and creamy mouthfeel of traditional coffee beverages while adhering to your dietary preferences or restrictions.
Substitutions
Oat Milk: Swap in your choice of dairy-free milk. If you are using a sweetened milk (which already has added sugar), then you may want to adjust the 3 tbsp coconut sugar at the end of the recipe card. Start with 2 tbsp instead, and you can always add more sweetener as needed after taste testing the drink.
Coconut Milk: Use full-fat, canned coconut milk. This makes for the richest caramel! This specifically comes in a can, and it should say “full-fat,” or if it doesn’t, then it shouldn’t say “reduced fat” or anything along those lines. If it doesn’t say anything on the can (it just says “coconut milk”) then check the ingredient label – it should just have coconuts and water (sometimes it also has a thickener added). Thai Kitchen makes a great coconut milk brand, which is my go-to.
Coconut Sugar: Swap in brown sugar (which is not refined sugar-free).
Rum Extract: Omit if you don’t have – however, bananas foster usually has a taste of rum, so you won’t have that authentic taste.
Espresso: Use strong black coffee instead. You can adjust this as needed depending on the taste of the final drink – if you want it stronger, add a bit more coffee.
Banana: Use a fresh banana, without spots. You don’t want it to be going mushy or spotty – it should be perfectly yellow (almost right at the point where it’s slightly unripe, slighty ripe).
Bananas Foster Iced Coffee Recipe Notes
- For added texture and flavor, consider topping your iced coffee with a dollop of vegan whipped cream or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon. You can also add a few extra caramelized banana slices for garnish.
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If you make this Dairy-Free Bananas Foster Iced Coffee Recipe, then leave a comment and star rating! Don’t forget to tag your photos @peanut_palate on Instagram. Enjoy!
Bananas Foster Iced Coffee Recipe (Dairy-Free)
Equipment
- Small Saucepan
- Small Whisk
- Immersion Blender
Ingredients
For the Caramel
- ¼ cup canned full fat coconut milk
- 3 tbsp coconut sugar
- pinch pink salt
For the Caramelized Banana
- ¼ medium banana cut into slices
- ½ tsp coconut sugar
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
For the Iced Latte
- 1 cup oat milk unsweetened, chilled
- 3 tbsp coconut sugar
- ¼ cup espresso chilled
- drop rum extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup ice cubes
- vegan whipped cream optional
Instructions
To Make the Caramel
- Whisk together all ingredients for the caramel in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir every 30 seconds for a few minutes, until thickened. Transfer to a small heat-safe bowl and set aside.
To Caramelize the Banana
- In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and coconut sugar. Add to the same saucepan, over low heat.
- Add a splash of water, then evenly arrange the banana slices.
- Cook for a few minutes per side, until the bananas are golden-brown.
- Remove from the saucepan and set aside on a heat-proof plate.
Incorporate the Coconut Sugar + Milk
- Heat up a quarter cup of the milk over medium heat (from the 1 cup oat milk) in the saucepan, with the coconut sugar.
- Whisk together until combined.
- Continue to stir, until the coconut sugar is fully incorporated into the milk.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then turn off the heat and let it cool for 10 minutes.
Put It All Together
- In a tall glass, add in the ice cubes.
- Combine the espresso, rum extract and vanilla extract in a medium-sized bowl.
- Add the caramelized bananas in, then use an immersion blender to pulse them together until smooth. You can leave banana chunks if you prefer as well, or blend until fully smooth.
- Pour this mixture over the ice cubes.
- Pour the caramel sauce over top, stirring to combine.
- Top with optional vegan whipped cream and extra banana slices as garnish. Enjoy!
