If you’re looking to transform a couple of humble bananas into something warm, golden, and truly memorable, Fried Cinnamon Bananas are about to become your go-to recipe. This quick stovetop treat caramelizes bananas in butter and brown sugar, coats them in a blanket of cinnamon fragrance, and gives you a dessert or breakfast upgrade that feels both nostalgic and new. Whether you top your pancakes, spoon them over ice cream, or just eat them straight from the skillet, these Fried Cinnamon Bananas pack big flavor into very little effort—and you’ll never look at ripe bananas the same way again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about making Fried Cinnamon Bananas is how effortlessly simple the ingredient list is—you probably have everything on hand right now. Each item plays a key role, from rich, creamy textures to sweet spice and caramelized magic.
- Bananas: Ripe (but not mushy) bananas give you natural sweetness and hold their shape while caramelizing.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps the bananas turn golden brown without overpowering the flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Adds deep, molasses-like sweetness and aids in creating that irresistible caramelized coating.
- Ground Cinnamon: Brings warmth and a lovely aromatic touch you can’t skip.
- Pinch of Salt: Sharpens the flavors and balances out the sweetness perfectly.
- Honey or Maple Syrup (optional): For an extra drizzle of decadence, these are an easy and delightful finishing touch.
How to Make Fried Cinnamon Bananas
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Begin by placing a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat and adding the unsalted butter. Let it melt gently, swirling the pan so the bottom is coated evenly. The butter sets the stage for your Fried Cinnamon Bananas, lending a subtle richness that will permeate each bite.
Step 2: Add the Bananas
Slice your bananas into generous 1/2-inch rounds and arrange them carefully in a single layer in the hot skillet. This gives each slice direct contact with the heat, ensuring you’ll get that golden, slightly crisp edge. Cook for 1–2 minutes, without moving them, until the bottoms develop a deep, caramelized color.
Step 3: Flip and Sprinkle
Gently flip each banana slice with a thin spatula or tongs—go slow, as ripe bananas are tender. Immediately sprinkle over the brown sugar, cinnamon, and a tiny pinch of salt. The sugar and spice will melt and soak into the hot bananas, creating a glossy, caramel coating while the cinnamon perfumes your whole kitchen.
Step 4: Caramelize and Serve
Continue cooking the bananas for another 1–2 minutes, just until they’re deeply caramelized and softer but still holding together. Remove from heat and carefully transfer the slices to your serving dish. If you like, finish with a quick drizzle of honey or maple syrup for even more luscious flavor. Enjoy every sticky, cinnamon-scented bite while they’re warm.
How to Serve Fried Cinnamon Bananas
Garnishes
Give your Fried Cinnamon Bananas a final, irresistible finish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a handful of toasted nuts. A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the top is magical if you love sweet and salty desserts!
Side Dishes
These golden slices are versatile enough to land at breakfast or dessert. Try them over fluffy pancakes, crispy waffles, or hearty oatmeal. For dessert, spoon them onto vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt, or even creamy rice pudding. Every option brings out a new personality in this simple dish.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make Fried Cinnamon Bananas feel extra special, serve them in individual glass jars, layered with yogurt and granola for a parfait, or tuck them inside crepes for a brunch twist. Arrange on a platter with fresh berries when you’re entertaining, or scatter over toast for a decadent snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Fried Cinnamon Bananas can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. They’ll soften more as they sit, but that just makes them cozier for reheating as a warm topping or mix-in.
Freezing
While it’s possible to freeze Fried Cinnamon Bananas, their texture does get softer after freezing and thawing. If you do freeze them, layer the banana slices between sheets of parchment and store in a zip-top bag for up to one month. The flavors remain delicious—just expect a softer bite.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the bananas gently in a nonstick skillet over low heat, or microwave in short bursts until just heated through. A splash of water or extra butter in the pan will help revive their saucy, caramelized sheen.
FAQs
Can I use bananas that are very ripe or spotted?
It’s best to use bananas that are just ripe—they should be yellow with few brown spots and still a bit firm. Extremely ripe bananas tend to fall apart when cooked, while slightly firmer ones hold their shape and caramelize beautifully in this recipe.
Can I substitute coconut oil or vegan butter for dairy butter?
Absolutely! Both coconut oil and vegan butter work well as substitutes for unsalted butter in Fried Cinnamon Bananas. Each brings a unique flavor, so choose according to your taste and dietary preferences.
What can I add if I want more texture?
Try tossing in a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds along with the bananas. Toasting the nuts first makes things even better, adding crunch and complexity to every bite.
My bananas keep sticking to the pan—what should I do?
Be sure to use a good nonstick skillet and let the butter fully melt before adding banana slices. Avoid moving the bananas too soon; let them form a crust before flipping. If needed, add a tad more butter or oil to help them release easily.
How can I make Fried Cinnamon Bananas less sweet?
To dial back the sweetness, simply reduce the amount of brown sugar or skip the final drizzle of honey or maple syrup. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice right at the end to brighten and balance the flavors.
Final Thoughts
I really hope you give Fried Cinnamon Bananas a try—the payoff is far bigger than the effort. In just minutes, you can enjoy something cozy, delightful, and versatile, perfect for satisfying your next sweet craving. Let your creativity shine, share with someone you love, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
Print
Fried Cinnamon Bananas Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the sweet and comforting flavors of Fried Cinnamon Bananas, a quick and easy dessert that’s perfect for any time of day. Caramelized banana slices cooked with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon create a delicious treat that can be enjoyed on its own or as a topping for various dishes.
Ingredients
Banana Slices:
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: honey or maple syrup for drizzling
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a medium nonstick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Cook Banana Slices: Add the banana slices in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown.
- Add Seasonings: Flip the slices gently and sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a small pinch of salt.
- Caramelize: Cook for another 1–2 minutes until caramelized and softened.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve warm. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup if desired.
Notes
- Best served immediately over pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or ice cream.
- Use firm ripe bananas to prevent them from falling apart during cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 of recipe
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
