If you’re craving a sweet and comforting treat that’s quick to whip up, the Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas Recipe is a delightful answer. This simple yet indulgent dish combines perfectly ripe bananas with warm cinnamon and caramelized sugar, all pan-fried to golden perfection. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, the blend of butter, brown sugar, and vanilla makes each bite wonderfully aromatic and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple, but each plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the natural sweetness of ripe bananas to the warm spice of cinnamon, every element contributes to this dish’s magic.
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced: Choose bananas that are yellow with some brown specks for optimal sweetness and softness.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Provides a rich, creamy base that helps caramelize the bananas beautifully without adding extra saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Adds deep molasses notes and creates a luscious caramel coating when melted.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and a lovely spice that complements the bananas’ natural flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the aroma with subtle floral notes.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies all the flavors.
- Maple syrup or honey (optional, for drizzling): A final touch of extra sweetness and gloss if you prefer your dish a little more indulgent.
How to Make Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Start by heating the butter in a skillet over medium heat until it’s fully melted and gently bubbling. This rich base is essential for infusing the bananas with buttery flavor while helping them caramelize evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This mixture is the heart of the Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas Recipe, creating that signature sweet-spicy glaze that makes the bananas so irresistible.
Step 3: Cook the Banana Slices
Place the banana slices in the skillet in a single layer. Let them cook for 1-2 minutes undisturbed so they develop a lovely light brown crust. This step adds texture and depth, bringing out their natural sweetness.
Step 4: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the bananas and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes, flipping the slices occasionally. Watch as the sugar caramelizes, coating the bananas with a golden, slightly crisp glaze that defines this Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas Recipe.
Step 5: Finish with Vanilla and Salt
Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, stirring gently to combine. Cook for another 30 seconds to let the flavors meld, then remove the skillet from the heat. This finishing touch brightens the dish and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Once cooked, transfer the bananas to your plate right away. If you like, drizzle a bit of maple syrup or honey over them for an extra layer of indulgence. Serve warm, savoring each bite of this quick and heartwarming treat.
How to Serve Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts, like toasted pecans or walnuts, can introduce a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft, caramelized bananas. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes this dessert to the next level of deliciousness, making it feel extra special for any occasion.
Side Dishes
The Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas Recipe pairs beautifully with classic breakfast staples such as pancakes, waffles, or French toast. They can also be the star topping on oatmeal bowls or yogurt parfaits, adding a burst of warmth and sweetness that feels both comforting and luxurious.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the caramelized bananas on toasted brioche or alongside a slice of pound cake. You could also layer them in parfait glasses with granola and Greek yogurt for a stylish and tasty brunch option that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. While the bananas may soften further, their rich flavor remains, making them great for quick snacks or toppings later on.
Freezing
Freezing pan-fried bananas isn’t ideal because their texture changes significantly once thawed, becoming quite mushy. For best results, enjoy this dish fresh. However, if you must freeze, arrange slices on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag, and use within a month.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the bananas in a skillet over low heat to revive some of their caramelized goodness without turning them mushy. Avoid using the microwave, as it tends to make the bananas watery and less appealing.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bananas?
For the best flavor and texture, ripe yellow bananas with some brown spots work best as they are sweeter and hold up well during cooking. Green or overly ripe bananas might not caramelize as nicely.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
You can easily make a vegan version by substituting the unsalted butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used instead of honey for drizzling.
How can I make this dish less sweet?
Simply reduce the amount of brown sugar or skip the drizzle of syrup or honey at the end. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas combined with a pinch of salt is often enough to satisfy many palates.
Can I add other spices to this recipe?
Absolutely! Nutmeg, cardamom, or a pinch of ginger can add interesting flavor twists. However, stick to small amounts to avoid overpowering the bananas’ delicate taste.
What’s the best pan to cook these bananas in?
A non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned cast-iron pan works best for this recipe. They allow even cooking and easy flipping without the bananas sticking or breaking apart.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas Recipe is like treating yourself to a warm hug on a plate. It’s quick, satisfying, and wonderfully flavorful—the kind of recipe that becomes a beloved go-to whenever you want something sweet but simple. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful dish as much as I do!
Print
Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas are a quick and delicious treat featuring ripe bananas caramelized in butter, brown sugar, and warm cinnamon spices. This simple recipe takes just 10 minutes to prepare and yields a sweet, golden snack perfect for breakfast or dessert, optionally enhanced with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey.
Ingredients
Bananas and Butter
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Spices and Sugar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings
- Maple syrup or honey (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Heat the butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat until it is fully melted and slightly bubbling, preparing the pan for caramelizing the bananas.
- Mix cinnamon and sugar: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar with ground cinnamon to create the flavorful cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Cook banana slices: Place the banana slices in the skillet in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes until they begin to brown lightly on one side.
- Caramelize bananas: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the bananas in the skillet, then continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes, flipping the banana slices occasionally to caramelize all sides to a golden brown.
- Add vanilla and salt: Stir in the vanilla extract along with a pinch of salt, cooking everything together for another 30 seconds to enhance the flavor profile.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the caramelized bananas immediately. Optionally, drizzle with maple syrup or honey for extra sweetness.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm bananas to avoid overly mushy results when frying.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon and sugar based on your preferred sweetness level.
- Serve as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or ice cream for a delicious twist.
- Can be made vegan by substituting butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine.
