Bananas Foster Popsicles are a creamy, refreshing frozen dessert inspired by the classic New Orleans bananas foster, made with ripe bananas, cinnamon, brown sugar, Greek yogurt, and a hint of rum extract. These easy homemade popsicles are full of warm banana flavor, simple to prepare in a blender, and perfect for a fun summer treat or lighter dessert.
Bananas Foster Popsicles are a creamy, refreshing frozen dessert inspired by the classic New Orleans bananas foster, made with ripe bananas, cinnamon, brown sugar, Greek yogurt, and a hint of rum extract. These easy homemade popsicles are full of warm banana flavor, simple to prepare in a blender, and perfect for a fun summer treat or lighter dessert.
If you love bananas foster, you are going to love this frozen version. These popsicles capture all the warm, caramelized banana flavor you expect from bananas foster, but in a refreshing, kid-friendly dessert. The best part is that they come together quickly in a blender with just a handful of simple ingredients.
This recipe does not contain alcohol, but the rum extract gives that classic bananas foster flavor without any worry. If you have never cooked bananas before blending them into a dessert, this recipe is a great place to start. Heating the bananas with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon really brings out their sweetness and makes the final popsicles extra flavorful.
You only need a few minutes of prep time, but you will need to plan ahead for freezing. Once they are frozen solid, these Bananas Foster Popsicles are creamy, smooth, and absolutely delicious straight from the freezer.
What I Love About This Recipe
- These popsicles have all the cozy flavors of bananas foster in a fun frozen dessert form.
- Cooking the bananas first deepens the flavor and makes the popsicles taste rich and indulgent.
- The recipe is easy to adapt for different milk or yogurt options depending on what you have.
- They are a great make-ahead dessert for hot days when you want something cool and refreshing.
What Are Bananas Foster Popsicles?
Bananas Foster Popsicles are a frozen dessert inspired by the classic bananas foster dish from New Orleans. Traditional bananas foster is made with bananas cooked in butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and rum, then served warm over ice cream.
This popsicle version uses cooked bananas blended with yogurt and milk, then frozen into molds. The result is a creamy popsicle with warm spice flavors and natural sweetness, without needing ice cream or heavy cream.
Equipment You May Need
- Microwave-Safe Bowl – For softening the bananas and melting the butter and sugar together.
- Blender – To blend the banana mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Popsicle Molds – Any style works, but yield will depend on mold size.
Ingredients
- Ripe Bananas – Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and become extra flavorful when cooked.
- Brown Sugar – Adds a caramel-like sweetness that mimics classic bananas foster.
- Butter – Helps cook the bananas and adds richness to the final popsicles.
- Cinnamon – Brings warmth and classic spice flavor to the banana mixture.
- Greek Yogurt – Makes the popsicles creamy while keeping them light and refreshing.
- Milk – Helps thin the mixture slightly for smooth blending and freezing.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
- Rum Extract – Adds bananas foster flavor.
How to Make Bananas Foster Popsicles
Step One: Cook Bananas
Place the sliced bananas, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the bananas are very soft and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step Two: Blend
Add the cooled banana mixture to a blender along with the Greek yogurt, milk, vanilla, and rum extract. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
Step Three: Freeze
Pour the mixture evenly into popsicle molds. Place the molds in the freezer and freeze for at least a few hours or until completely solid.
(Full printable recipe card with full details is at bottom of post.)
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these popsicles straight from the freezer on a hot day for a refreshing dessert.
- Drizzle with a little caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
- Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon just before serving for added flavor.
- Serve alongside fresh fruit for a simple summer dessert plate.
Quick Tips for Best Results
- Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and strongest banana flavor.
- Allow the banana mixture to cool slightly before blending to avoid excess steam.
- Freeze the popsicles completely before removing them from the molds for clean release.
- Run the molds briefly under warm water if the popsicles are difficult to remove.
Bananas Foster Popsicles FAQ
How should I store the popsicles?
Store the popsicles in their molds or transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container once frozen. Keeping them sealed helps prevent freezer burn.
How long will the popsicles last?
When stored properly, these popsicles will keep well in the freezer for up to two months.
Substitutions?
You can substitute vanilla yogurt for plain yogurt or use a dairy-free yogurt and milk if needed.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Yes, low-fat or nonfat yogurt and milk work well and still result in creamy popsicles.
What else can I add to this recipe?
You can add a pinch of nutmeg, a splash of maple syrup, or a few chopped nuts blended in for extra texture.
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 can use a vegan yogurt and milk substitute.
Vegetarian – The popsicles are vegetarian.
Low-Carb – You can try a sugar substitute and a low-sugar yogurt for a lower-carb option.
Gluten-Free -The popsicles are gluten-free, but check individual products.
Hope you enjoy these Bananas Foster Popsicles! You may also enjoy these Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bread and Banana Oatmeal Cookies!
Bananas Foster Popsicles
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup plain lowfat Greek yogurt (or regular or nonfat)
- 1/2 cup skim milk (or milk or milk substitute of choice)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon rum extract (or rum)
Instructions
- Place bananas, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon in microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high power for 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval, until bananas are soft, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Place banana mixture in blender along with yogurt, milk, vanilla, and rum extract. Process until smooth.
- Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze at least a few hours or overnight, until frozen solid.
Notes
- Yield may vary depending on the size of the popsicle molds.
- Freeze well before serving.
- You can substitute vanilla yogurt for plain yogurt.
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.
I thought these were delicious! They were a nice texture with a really good balance of flavors. Before I had any kind of blender, I would always just reject any recipe that required a food processor or blender. I made one batch as suggested, and then one without any kind of electric device. Both turned out equally good.
Had anyone tried to make this just as frozen yogurt??
I haven’t but it’s a good idea!
Do these freeze rock hard or are you able to bite through them? They look delicious and I love bananas foster!
Leslie, they do freeze hard. I’m not one for biting into anything frozen so I’m probably not the best person to ask but I guess you could bit through them.
Thanks, Lisa. I think I will try them with real rum instead of extract to see if that leaves them a little softer. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Ok ,thank you,I’ll be making these soon!
isnt it supposed to 1 tspn of vanilla extract instead of vanilla?
Yes, vanilla extract. :)
Great one for these summers!!!!
My kids will love the popsicles!
Thanks! Looks much more substantial than the dollar store plastic ones. Can’t wait to try this!
Looks wonderful! Where did you get the Popsicle tray?
Hi Nancy! I got the popsicle tray from Amazon earlier this year. So far so good! Here’s the link…
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000CF7H6/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i01