Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas Recipe

Pan-Fried Cinnamon Bananas Recipe Ever

Sweet memories of childhood breakfasts dance through my mind when I think about this delectable pan fried cinnamon bananas creation.

Warm spices mingle with caramelized fruit edges, creating a magical moment in your kitchen.

Fragrant cinnamon coats soft banana slices that crisp beautifully in a hot skillet.

Comfort arrives quickly with minimal ingredients and simple techniques anyone can master.

Quick preparation means you can enjoy this delightful treat in mere minutes.

Luscious golden-brown edges promise a sensory experience that awakens taste buds and lifts spirits.

Let this recipe become your new favorite breakfast or dessert indulgence.

Tricks to Keep Bananas from Getting Mushy

  • Choose Ripe but Firm Bananas: Select bananas that are yellow with few brown spots, ensuring they hold their shape during cooking without becoming mushy.
  • Prevent Sticking: Use a nonstick skillet and ensure butter is fully melted and evenly distributed to create a smooth caramelization surface.
  • Control Heat Carefully: Maintain medium heat to allow sugars to caramelize without burning, watching the bananas closely for golden-brown edges.
  • Enhance Flavor Variations: Experiment with adding a sprinkle of nutmeg, cardamom, or a dash of rum extract to complement the cinnamon and create unique taste profiles.
  • Serve Immediately for Best Texture: Enjoy the bananas right after cooking to experience the perfect balance of crispy caramelized exterior and soft, warm interior.

How to Store and Warm Cinnamon Bananas Again

  • Store leftover pan-fried cinnamon bananas in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
  • Heat in 15-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking and preserve banana softness.
  • Enjoy reheated bananas within 24 hours for optimal flavor and texture, as they tend to become mushy quickly.

Great Flavors to Serve with Cinnamon Bananas

  • Top warm cinnamon bananas over vanilla ice cream for a heavenly dessert that balances sweet caramelized fruit with cool, smooth creaminess.
  • Serve alongside fluffy buttermilk pancakes or golden waffles, letting the warm spiced bananas create a decadent morning treat that wakes up your taste buds.
  • Enjoy with a warm chai latte or rich hot chocolate, where the spicy-sweet cinnamon notes complement the banana's natural sweetness and create a cozy flavor harmony.
  • Sprinkle toasted chopped almonds or pecans over the bananas for a delightful textural contrast that adds depth and crunch to the caramelized fruit.

Unique Twists for Your Next Banana Fry-Up

  • Vegan Cinnamon Banana Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a plant-based version that maintains the same caramelized sweetness.
  • Gluten-Free Banana Treat: Use the same recipe without any modifications, as the original ingredients are naturally gluten-free and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Low-Sugar Banana Option: Swap brown sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content while keeping the rich cinnamon flavor intact.
  • Protein-Packed Banana Boost: Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or pecans during the cooking process to add extra protein and create a crunchy texture contrast.

Cinnamon Banana FAQs

  • Can I use unripe bananas for this recipe?

No, choose ripe bananas with yellow skin and some brown spots. Ripe bananas have more natural sugars that caramelize beautifully and provide a sweeter flavor when pan-fried.

  • What type of pan works best for this recipe?

A nonstick skillet is ideal because it prevents bananas from sticking and allows for even caramelization. Cast iron or stainless steel pans can also work if properly greased.

  • How do I know when the bananas are perfectly caramelized?

Look for golden-brown edges and a slightly softened texture. The bananas should be tender but not mushy, with a rich caramel color indicating they’re ready.

  • Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. These alternatives will provide similar richness and help create the caramelized effect while keeping the recipe dairy-free.

Favorite Reasons to Make Pan-Fried Cinnamon Bananas

  • Transform simple bananas into a gourmet-style side dish that works as a topping, snack, or elegant dessert companion for multiple dishes.
  • Create a healthier dessert option that introduces children to natural sweetness without processed sugars, making nutrition fun and delicious.
  • Craft an impressive dish using only 5 basic pantry staples that most home cooks already have on hand, ensuring convenience and spontaneity.

Go-To Ingredients for Cinnamon-Coated Bananas

Fruit Base:
  • Bananas: Soft, sweet fruit that caramelizes beautifully and provides the main texture of the dish. Choose ripe but firm bananas without bruises.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Salt: Sweet and warm spices that create a rich caramel coating. Use dark brown sugar for deeper flavor and ground cinnamon for even distribution.
Cooking Enhancers:
  • Butter, Vanilla Extract: Butter helps with caramelization and prevents sticking, while vanilla adds depth and aroma. Use unsalted butter for better control of salt content and pure vanilla extract for best flavor.

Frying Bananas with the Right Texture and Spice

Step 1: Slice Bananas

Grab fresh ripe bananas and cut them into smooth round slices about half an inch thick. Make sure the slices are even so they cook consistently.

Step 2: Prepare Cooking Surface

Select a non-stick skillet and place it on medium heat. Drop in butter and let it melt completely, creating a golden liquid surface that will help caramelize the bananas.

Step 3: Create Caramelized Magic

Arrange banana slices in a single layer across the pan. Sprinkle the slices with:
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Tiny pinch of salt

Allow bananas to cook for approximately two minutes until the bottom edges transform into a beautiful golden color.

Step 4: Gentle Banana Transformation

Carefully flip each banana slice using a spatula. Cook for another minute to ensure both sides become wonderfully caramelized. Drizzle vanilla extract over the bananas and softly stir to coat each slice evenly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the warm cinnamon bananas directly to your favorite serving dish. These delectable treats can be enjoyed:
  • Alongside pancakes
  • Atop waffles
  • Mixed into oatmeal
  • Served with vanilla ice cream
  • Eaten as a standalone sweet snack
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Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas Recipe

Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas Recipe


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4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Sweet caramelized Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas offer a delightful dessert escape with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. Quick skillet magic turns simple bananas into a warm, golden treat you cannot resist savoring.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe bananas, sliced into ½-inch rounds

Sweeteners:

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup)

Spices and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch of salt

Cooking Fat:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)

Instructions

  1. Carefully slice ripe bananas into uniform, quarter-inch thick medallions, ensuring consistent thickness for even caramelization.
  2. Place a nonstick skillet over medium heat and allow it to warm gradually while melting unsalted butter until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden.
  3. Arrange banana slices in a single, uncrowded layer across the skillet’s surface, allowing each piece ample contact with the heated butter.
  4. Generously sprinkle brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a delicate pinch of sea salt over the banana slices, creating a sweet and aromatic coating.
  5. Allow bananas to sizzle and caramelize for approximately 2-3 minutes, watching for rich golden edges and developing a glossy, amber-like surface.
  6. With a gentle spatula, carefully turn each banana slice, revealing the beautifully caramelized side and exposing the uncooked surface to the heated pan.
  7. Drizzle pure vanilla extract across the bananas, creating a luxurious glaze that will enhance the existing caramelized flavors.
  8. Continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until the second side reaches a similar golden-brown color and the entire slice is tender and fragrant.
  9. Transfer the warm, cinnamon-infused bananas to your desired serving dish, ready to accompany pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or as a standalone sweet treat.

Notes

  • Select ripe but firm bananas for the best caramelization and texture, avoiding overly soft or bruised fruit.
  • Maintain medium heat to prevent burning while allowing natural sugars to create a beautiful golden-brown caramelized surface.
  • Use a wide, nonstick skillet to ensure even cooking and easy banana flipping without breaking the delicate slices.
  • Customize the recipe by adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth and complexity in flavor.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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