Quick Fried Banana With Brown Sugar (Caramelized Bananas)
Ready in 10 minutes, Fried Banana with Brown Sugar is a delightful and simple dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving something sweet after dinner or looking for a unique topping for your pancakes, this recipe is sure to impress. The caramelized sweetness of the bananas, paired with the rich flavor of brown sugar makes it an irresistible treat that’s surprisingly easy to make.
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Trust me, this caramelized bananas recipe is a real gem. I’ve been a self-taught vegetarian chef for over 40 years, mastering the art of quick, nutritious, and delicious vegetarian meals. My blog is a haven for all food lovers – meat-eaters, flexitarians, vegetarians, and vegans alike.
This recipe is a perfect example of my approach to cooking: making the most of simple ingredients to create something truly delightful. Ready to transform those ripe bananas into a scrumptious treat? Let’s get cooking!
Why You Will Love Making Fried Bananas with Brown Sugar
You’re in for a treat with this recipe. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love making fried bananas with brown sugar:
- Quick and Easy: In just a few minutes, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready. Perfect for those last-minute sweet cravings!
- Versatile: Serve it as a dessert, a snack, or even as a topping for pancakes, waffles, and French toast.
- Healthier Sweet Option: With natural sugars from bananas and a touch of honey, this is a great alternative to overly processed sweets.
- Kid-Friendly: Watch the little ones’ eyes light up with this sweet, caramelized treat.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite spices, like a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla, to mix things up.
- Impressive Yet Simple: This dish looks and tastes gourmet, but it’s incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Fried Bananas with Brown Sugar with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Making fried bananas with brown sugar is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps to whip up this delightful treat in no time:
Preparing the Bananas
Choose ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture. Peel them and slice them crosswise into ½ inch rounds.
Cooking the Bananas
Next, place a nonstick skillet over medium heat and then melt some butter or heat oil in it. Stir in water, honey, brown sugar, a pinch of ground cinnamon, and a dash of salt until combined.
Add the banana slices in a single layer. Let them cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Flip them carefully with a spatula to ensure they are browned and caramelized evenly on both sides. If they start browning too quickly, lower the heat.
Finishing Touches
The bananas should be a gorgeous golden brown when they’re done. Serve the warm banana slices immediately, drizzled with the delicious pan juices.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Let’s take a look at some helpful tips and tricks to make your fried bananas with brown sugar even more irresistible:
- Ripe but Firm: Opt for bananas that are ripe enough to be sweet, but firm enough to hold their shape when cooked. Overripe bananas can become too mushy.
- Temperature: Keep your skillet at a medium heat. Too high, and the bananas will burn; too low, and they won’t caramelize properly.
- Gentle Flipping: Be gentle when flipping the bananas. They are delicate and can break apart if handled roughly.
- Spice it Up: Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices. A pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, or a splash of vanilla extract or rum can add a tasty twist.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of brown sugar and honey to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the sugar slightly.
- Garnish Ideas: A sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dollop of whipped cream can add texture and flavor.
- Can I make this recipe vegan? Absolutely! Just substitute the butter with a vegan alternative or use oil, and swap honey for maple syrup or another vegan sweetener.
- How can I prevent the bananas from becoming too mushy? Cook the bananas just until they are caramelized and golden brown, and avoid overcooking them. Using bananas that are ripe but still firm can also help.
How to Store Leftover Fried Bananas with Brown Sugar
Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store your fried bananas with brown sugar so you can enjoy them later:
- Airtight Container: Let the bananas cool completely to room temperature before storing, and then transfer the bananas to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate: Store the container in the fridge. The bananas should stay good for 1-2 days.
- Reheat Gently: When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat the bananas gently in a skillet or in the microwave. Gentle heating helps to retain their texture and flavor.
What to Serve with Fried Bananas with Brown Sugar
Pairing fried bananas with brown sugar with the right dishes can turn a simple snack into a culinary delight. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Breakfast Bonanza
Warm, caramelized bananas are delicious over French toast, fluffy pancakes, crisp waffles, or creamy oatmeal. The combination of the sweet bananas with your breakfast staples will start your day on a high note.
Dessert Decadence
Serve these bananas as a dessert, either alone or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the hot bananas and the cold ice cream is a match made in heaven.
Snack Time Treat
Looking for a midday treat? Pair these bananas with a dollop of yogurt or a spread of Nutella or peanut butter on toast. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory to satisfy those afternoon cravings.
Healthier Indulgence
For a healthier angle, serve these bananas with a bowl of granola or a side of mixed berries. You’ll get a delightful mix of textures and flavors, plus a boost of fiber and antioxidants.
More Fruity Desserts For You To Try
- The BEST Banana Pudding
- Easy Banoffee Pie
- Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
- Air Fryer Strawberry Cheesecake
- Apple and Rhubarb Crumble
Fried Bananas with Brown Sugar
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 tablespoons oil or butter
- 2 tablespoons Water
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Peel the bananas and slice crosswise into ½ inch rounds.2 ripe bananas
- In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, melt butter or heat oil. Stir in water, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until combined. Add banana slices in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping carefully with a spatula, until browned and caramelized on both sides. If browning too quickly, turn the heat down to prevent burning. Bananas should be golden brown when done.1 tablespoons oil or butter, 2 tablespoons Water, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon salt
- Serve warm banana slices drizzled with the delicious pan juices.
Notes
- Ripe but Firm: Opt for bananas that are ripe enough to be sweet, but firm enough to hold their shape when cooked. Overripe bananas can become too mushy.
- Temperature: Keep your skillet at a medium heat. Too high, and the bananas will burn; too low, and they won’t caramelize properly.
- Gentle Flipping: Be gentle when flipping the bananas. They are delicate and can break apart if handled roughly.
- Spice it Up: Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices. A pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, or a splash of vanilla extract or rum can add a tasty twist.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of brown sugar and honey to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the sugar slightly.
- Garnish Ideas: A sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dollop of whipped cream can add texture and flavor.
- Can I make this recipe vegan? Absolutely! Just substitute the butter with a vegan alternative or use oil, and swap honey for maple syrup or another vegan sweetener.
- How can I prevent the bananas from becoming too mushy? Cook the bananas just until they are caramelized and golden brown, and avoid overcooking them. Using bananas that are ripe but still firm can also help.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Airtight Container: Let the bananas cool completely to room temperature before storing, and then transfer the bananas to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate: Store the container in the fridge. The bananas should stay good for 1-2 days.
- Reheat Gently: When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat the bananas gently in a skillet or in the microwave. Gentle heating helps to retain their texture and flavor.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
This is one of my favorite childhood snacks and it works well with plantains too! Making this brought a lot of childhood memories! I love how it’s super easy to prepare, seems effortless but it’s so delicious.
I’m happy you liked it, Sarah! Plantains sound like a yummy alternative to use, too.