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Pan-Fried Cinnamon Bananas Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 89 reviews
  • Author: Elizabeth
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Total Time: 11 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Pan-Fried Cinnamon Bananas are a quick and delicious treat featuring ripe banana slices caramelized in butter and coated with a warm cinnamon sugar mixture. Perfect as a sweet snack or a flavorful topping for pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal, this easy recipe brings comforting flavors with minimal ingredients and cooking time.


Ingredients

Scale

Banana Mixture

  • 2 large ripe bananas (but not overly soft)

Cinnamon Sugar

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or brown sugar for a richer flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Optional: a pinch of nutmeg or vanilla extract

Cooking Fat

  • 1 tablespoon butter


Instructions

  1. Slice the Bananas: Peel the bananas and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds to ensure even cooking and easy caramelization.
  2. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the granulated or brown sugar with the ground cinnamon and optionally add a pinch of nutmeg or a few drops of vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
  3. Heat the Pan: Melt the butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat, allowing it to become hot but not browned, creating the perfect base for caramelizing the bananas.
  4. Cook the Bananas: Arrange the banana slices in a single layer in the skillet. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on one side until caramelized and golden. Carefully flip each slice with a spatula and cook the other side for an additional 2 minutes until evenly caramelized.
  5. Serve Warm: Remove the bananas from the heat and serve immediately to enjoy their warm, sweet, and soft texture.
  6. Serving Suggestions: These pan-fried cinnamon bananas pair wonderfully as toppings on pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal. You can also serve them with vanilla ice cream or yogurt, or enhance flavor further by sprinkling nuts or drizzling honey over the top.
  7. Enjoy: Indulge in this simple, comforting, and delicious treat any time of day.

Notes

  • Ensure bananas are ripe but firm enough to hold their shape during cooking.
  • Use a nonstick skillet to prevent sticking and make flipping easier.
  • The optional nutmeg and vanilla extract add warm aromatic notes but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • Brown sugar will give a deeper, richer caramel flavor than granulated sugar.
  • Serve immediately as the bananas are best enjoyed warm and fresh.