Bananas Foster Iced Coffee Recipe
A Tropical Escape in a Glass: Bananas Foster Iced Coffee
Okay, friends, let’s talk about my newest obsession: Bananas Foster Iced Coffee. I’m pretty sure I could drink this every single day and not get tired of it. Seriously, it’s that good. It’s like a little vacation for your taste buds, a sweet, subtly spiced, and downright delicious treat you can whip up in minutes. I’ve been experimenting with this recipe for a while now, tweaking and perfecting it until it was just… *chef’s kiss*. And now, I’m so excited to finally share it with you!
Why This Recipe is a Winner
What’s not to love? First off, it’s ridiculously easy. Really. You probably have most of the ingredients on hand already. Secondly, it tastes like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen. The combination of the caramelized bananas, the luscious caramel sauce, and the rich coffee… it’s pure bliss. Plus, the rum extract adds a warm, comforting note without any actual alcohol. Genius, right? I personally enjoy drinking this in the morning, but you can drink it whenever you want!
This drink also offers a fun twist on your standard iced coffee, which is a great talking point with guests. They’ll be super impressed. And, honestly, who doesn’t love a recipe that tastes fancy but is totally doable?
What It Tastes Like
Imagine this: the sweet scent of caramelized bananas wafting through the air. The first sip is pure heaven. The flavors are balanced so beautifully. You get the warmth of the cinnamon and vanilla, the subtle sweetness of the coconut sugar, and the deep, rich flavor of perfectly brewed espresso. The caramel sauce adds a layer of creamy, buttery goodness that ties everything together. The rum extract? Just a hint to add warmth. A true taste of the tropics!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the shopping list for this magical beverage:
Bananas Foster Iced Coffee
Ingredients
Method
- In a small saucepan, heat coconut milk, 3 tbsp coconut sugar, and salt over medium heat until thickened (about 3 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Toss banana slices with ½ tsp coconut sugar and cinnamon. Let sit.
- Combine oat milk, 3 tbsp coconut sugar, espresso, rum extract, vanilla extract, and banana slices in a shaker. Shake vigorously.
- Strain mixture over a glass of ice and drizzle with prepared caramel. Top with vegan whipped cream if desired.
Notes
Substitute non-dairy milk for oat milk if preferred.
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For the Caramel:
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¼ cup canned full fat coconut milk
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3 tbsp coconut sugar
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Pinch of pink salt
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For the Caramelized Banana:
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¼ medium banana, cut into slices
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½ tsp coconut sugar
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¼ tsp ground cinnamon
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For the Iced Latte:
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1 cup unsweetened oat milk, chilled
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3 tbsp coconut sugar
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¼ cup espresso, chilled
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1 drop rum extract
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ cup ice cubes
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Vegan whipped cream (optional)
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How to Make It: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get into the fun part! Here’s a detailed breakdown to ensure your Bananas Foster Iced Coffee is perfect.
1. Caramel Time!
In a small saucepan, whisk together the coconut milk, coconut sugar, and a pinch of pink salt over medium-low heat. Keep stirring for a few minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly. Its ready for the next step when you can cover the back of a spoon with the sauce.
Set this aside in a small heat-safe bowl.
2. Caramelize Those Bananas
In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and coconut sugar. Add this mixture to a small saucepan over low heat. Add a tiny splash of water (just enough to help things along), and arrange your banana slices in a single layer. Cook for a couple of minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and caramelized. Remove them from the pan and set them on a plate.
3. Combine Sugar and Milk
Add in a quarter cup of the oat milk over medium heat, and add in the coconut sugar. Whisk together until the coconut sugar is fully incorporated. Continue to stir so this doesn’t stick to the bottom until bring to a boil over high heat. Remove from heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
4. Get it Together
Grab your favorite tall glass and add in the ice cubes. In a small bowl, combine the espresso (make sure to chill it first!), the rum extract, and vanilla extract. Add your caramelized bananas to that mixture. Using an immersion blender (or a regular blender), pulse everything together until you get a nice, smooth consistency. Or if you like a little texture, leave some banana chunks! Pour this mixture over the ice. Finally, drizzle your homemade caramel sauce over the top, give it a good stir, and if you’re feeling extra fancy… add a dollop of vegan whipped cream and a few extra banana slices. And that’s it! You’re ready to enjoy.
Tips and Tricks from a Serious Coffee Drinker
I’ve made this recipe countless times, so let me share some pearls of wisdom:
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Chill Everything: Make sure your espresso is cold. Also, chilling your oat milk is a must. It makes such a difference in the overall flavor and prevents your drink from getting watered down too quickly.
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Don’t Over-Blend: When it comes to the bananas, I like a few chunks for texture. But really, it’s up to personal preference.
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Caramel Tip: If your caramel gets too thick, just add a tiny splash of hot water to thin it out.
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Espresso Hack: If you don’t have an espresso machine, don’t worry! Strong brewed coffee will work just fine.
Easy Variations to Spice Things Up
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, the fun really begins! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
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Chocolate Lover: Add a teaspoon or two of chocolate syrup to the espresso mixture.
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Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cardamom to the caramel.
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Salted Caramel: Increase the pinch of salt in the caramel for a stronger salted caramel flavor.
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Different Milk Alternatives: Substitute the oat milk for almond milk or soy milk — but keep in mind that oat milk has the creamiest texture!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the questions I often get asked:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but I recommend making the components separately and assembling just before serving. The caramel, caramelized bananas, and espresso mixture can be made in advance and stored in the fridge. This makes it super easy to throw together when you’re ready to enjoy.
I don’t have rum extract. What can I use instead?
You can simply omit it or maybe use a tiny touch of almond extract for a similar warm, aromatic flavor. You can also add one tablespoon of blackstrap molasses.
Is there a healthier version?
Absolutely! You can use a sugar substitute in place of the coconut sugar, and use a light coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Still gets the flavor!
Final Thoughts
There you have it! A super simple Bananas Foster Iced Coffee recipe that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to a tropical paradise. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. It’s perfect for a lazy weekend morning, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even a special treat to impress your friends and family. Don’t be afraid to experiment, have fun, and make it your own. And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Happy sipping!
