Bacon & Apples Foster is a quick and easy homemade dessert that puts a sweet and savory twist on classic Bananas Foster with caramelized apples, maple syrup, warm cinnamon, and crispy bacon served over vanilla ice cream. This indulgent apple dessert recipe is perfect for fall gatherings, dinner parties, or anytime you want a simple yet impressive ice cream topping.
Bacon & Apples Foster is a fun, sweet-and-savory twist on the classic New Orleans Bananas Foster dessert. Tender caramelized apples, warm spices, maple syrup, rum, and crispy bacon come together for an easy homemade dessert that’s perfect served over vanilla ice cream any time of year.
Bananas Foster has always been a classic dessert for a reason, but swapping bananas for apples and adding crispy bacon takes this recipe in a whole new direction. The warm, caramel-like sauce made with brown sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of rum coats the apples perfectly and creates an irresistible contrast with cold, creamy vanilla ice cream.
The best part about this Bacon & Apples Foster recipe is how fast and approachable it is. Everything comes together in one skillet, making it an easy dessert option for weeknights, holidays, or when you want something a little extra without a lot of effort. The combination of sweet apples, rich sa
What Is Bacon & Apples Foster?
Bacon & Apples Foster is inspired by the classic Bananas Foster dessert but swaps bananas for apples and adds crispy bacon for a salty contrast. The apples cook down in a buttery brown sugar and maple syrup sauce with warm cinnamon and a splash of rum, then get spooned over ice cream for a cozy, indulgent dessert.
What I Love About This Recipe
- This recipe comes together in one skillet, which makes cleanup quick and easy after dessert.
- The combination of sweet apples and salty bacon creates an unexpected flavor contrast that really works.
- It’s fast enough for a weeknight treat but impressive enough for guests.
- You can easily customize it with different fruits or spirits depending on what you have on hand.
Equipment You May Need
- Large Skillet – Used to cook the bacon and simmer the apple foster sauce.
- Knife and Cutting Board – For slicing apples and chopping the cooked bacon.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Helpful for measuring the sauce ingredients accurately.
- Ice Cream Serving Bowls – Perfect for serving the warm apples over ice cream.
Ingredients
- Bacon – Adds a crispy, salty bite that balances the sweetness of the dessert.
- Unsalted Butter – Helps create a rich base for cooking the apples and sauce.
- Apples – The star of the recipe, providing natural sweetness and soft texture when cooked.
- Brown Sugar – Adds deep caramel flavor to the sauce.
- Maple Syrup – Enhances the sweetness with a warm, rich note.
- Dark Rum – Brings classic Foster flavor and depth to the sauce.
- Apple Cider – Adds moisture and a subtle apple-forward flavor.
- Cinnamon – Provides warmth and spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – The creamy base that ties everything together.
How to Make Bacon & Apples Foster
Step One: Cook the Bacon
Place a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon for several minutes per side until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan, drain on paper towels, reserve a small amount of the bacon fat, then chop the bacon and set aside.
Step Two: Cook the Apples
Return the skillet to medium heat and add the butter to the reserved bacon fat. Once melted, add the sliced apples and cook until they begin to soften.
Step Three: Make the Sauce
Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, rum, cider, and cinnamon to the skillet. Stir to combine, bring to a gentle boil, then simmer until the sauce thickens slightly and the apples are tender.
Step Four: Serve
Let the apple mixture cool slightly, then spoon over vanilla ice cream and finish with chopped bacon on top.
(Full printable recipe card with full details is at bottom of post.)
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm over classic vanilla ice cream for a traditional presentation.
- Spoon the apples and sauce over waffles or pancakes for a fun brunch option.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream and extra cinnamon for an extra-special dessert.
- Pair with butter pecan ice cream or cinnamon ice cream for even more flavor.
Quick Tips for Best Results
- Use apples that hold their shape well, such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
- Let the sauce simmer long enough to thicken so it coats the apples nicely.
- Chop the bacon just before serving to keep it crisp.
- Serve the apples warm, but not piping hot, to avoid melting the ice cream too quickly.
Bacon & Apples Foster FAQ
How should I store Bacon & Apples Foster?
Store the cooked apple mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the bacon separate so it stays crisp.
Can I freeze Bacon & Apples Foster?
The apple mixture can be frozen, but the texture may soften slightly when thawed. Bacon and ice cream should not be frozen with the apples.
How long will Bacon & Apples Foster last?
The apple mixture will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored properly.
Substitutions?
Pears work well in place of apples, and apple juice can be used instead of rum for a non-alcoholic version.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
You can use reduced-fat ice cream, but the butter and bacon are important for flavor and texture in the sauce.
What else can I add to this recipe?
Chopped nuts, a splash of vanilla extract, or a pinch of nutmeg all make great additions.
Can I make this vegan/vegetarian/low carb/gluten-free?
Here are some suggestions, but I can’t guarantee results. Be sure as always to check particular brands and ingredients if you’re following a specific diet or have diet restrictions or allergies.
Vegan – You would have to substitute quite a few ingredients.
Vegetarian – You can omit the bacon.
Low-Carb – You can use a sugar-substitute and use a low-sugar or sugar-free ice cream for a lower-carb option.
Gluten-Free -The recipe is gluten-free.
Hope you enjoy this Bacon & Apples Foster! You might also like this Caramel Apple Dump Cake or Caramel Apple Bars!
Bacon & Apples Foster
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 small apples peeled, cored, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 cup dark rum
- 1/4 cup cider
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 cups vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Place a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon about 3-6 minutes per side or until crispy. Cook in batches if necessary. Remove bacon from pan and drain on paper towels. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in pan, discard the rest. Chop bacon, set aside.
- Place the skillet back over medium heat. Add butter to pan with the bacon fat. Once melted, add apples, stir to combine and cook about 4-6 minutes or until apples begin to soften. Add brown sugar, maple syrup, rum, cider, and cinnamon; stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then simmer about 10-15 minutes or until liquid has reduced slightly and apples are soft. Cool slightly.
- Place apples and sauce in small serving bowls and top with ice cream and chopped bacon.
Notes
- Be sure apples are soft before serving.
- Instead of apples, you could substitute pears.
- Instead of rum, you could substitute cider.
Nutrition:
(Nutrition data is provided when available for informational purposes only and calculated using an online nutritional calculator. For the most accurate information please calculate based on specific ingredients and brands you use as well as any changes you made to the recipe. I am not a certified nutritionist or registered dietician and any nutritional information provided should only be used as a general guideline and estimate.)
About Lisa Huff
Lisa Huff is a Cookbook Author, Freelance Recipe Developer, Food Photographer, Blogger/Writer, and award-winning home chef. She loves creating unique recipes from healthy to decadent including cocktails, appetizers, main dishes, dessert recipes and more and has appeared on various shows, publications, and websites.
IT looks so yummy.
Great recipe!!!
Thank you!
Love the saltiness the bacon brings to this sweet dish.
Thanks Christie! We’re a little crazy for bacon in my house. :)
This looks like sweet and savory awesome! Pinned.
Thanks Kathy!