These easy Caramelized Bananas are pan-fried in brown sugar and cinnamon for a simple and delicious treat. You can enjoy them as-is or use them as a topping with ice cream, yogurt, pancakes, waffles, French toast, and more!

caramelized bananas served over vanilla ice cream this recipe

These Caramelized Bananas are SO delicious! They’re pan-fried to perfection with butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. They’re great on their own, but they’re especially tasty when paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!

I have no shame when admitting my adoration for bananas. I love them in a variety of ways – straight from the peel, in smoothies, in bread, and of course, caramelized.

As much as I love eating bananas plain and using them in smoothies and to bake with, there is nothing like caramelized bananas. If you haven’t tried them, you’re in for a real treat! 

Ingredients Needed:

This caramelized bananas recipe calls for just 3 ingredients & bananas, of course! Here’s everything you’ll need:

  • Bananas. Use bananas that are yellow, but have a tinge of green and no brown spots! Bananas that are too ripe won’t hold up to the heat and will become overly mushy.
  • Butter. For cooking the banana slices and adding wonderful rich flavor.
  • Brown sugar. I love using brown sugar to sweeten the banana slices because it has a bit of a caramel flavor that is delicious with the warm bananas.
  • Cinnamon. Adds the perfect amount of warmth!
caramelized bananas cooking on a skillet

How to Caramelize Bananas:

This caramelized bananas recipe is ridiculously easy to whip up! The most time consuming part is slicing the bananas. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

  1. Heat pan. Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add in the banana slices so that they’re not overlapping and then sprinkle on the brown sugar and cinnamon. Toss gently to coat each slice.
  2. Pan-fry bananas. Cook the bananas for 4 minutes, flip, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until they’re caramelized on both sides. Be sure to watch the pan and gently move the bananas around a little, so that they don’t stick.
  3. Serve. Remove from heat and serve! These are great served over ice cream, on pancakes or waffles, or even enjoyed on their own!
pan-fried bananas cooking in a skillet

Why You’ll Love This Caramelized Bananas Recipe

  • Quick + easy! This recipe involves only about 10 minutes of hands on time, and very little prep.
  • Minimal ingredients. Only three basic ingredients, plus bananas are needed.
  • Healthier. If you want a lightened-up dessert or snack, these caramelized bananas are perfect! To lower the calories a bit more, use half the amount of sugar.  
  • So delicious! Perfectly sweet with an irresistible, crispy caramelized layer from cooking in the butter. Yes, please!
  • Versatility. Caramelized bananas are great served for breakfast, snack or dessert. They also pair well with a variety of other ingredients, from oatmeal to ice cream!
caramelized bananas served over a scoop of vanilla ice cream

Ways to Use Caramelized Bananas

So many great ways to use caramelized banana slices! Here’s some of my favs:

  • Caramelized bananas are great simply served in a bowl with a fork! No need to complicate things when they’re this delicious!
  • For an extra special breakfast, use them as a topping over pancakes, oatmeal, French toast and waffles.
  • If I’m enjoying these for a snack, I like to pair them with cottage cheese or yogurt and granola and/or chopped nuts.
  • Craving a sweet treat? Pair the banana slices with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream OR some of this TOASTED ALMOND Ice cream (really craving this combo!). 

Storing Leftover Caramelized Bananas: 

Leftover fried bananas can be refrigerated for up to 1-2 days and reheated as needed (I reheat them in the microwave). They’re also pretty tasty eaten straight out of the fridge, cold!

spoonful of ice cream and a caramelized banana slice

More Sweet Banana Recipes to Try

Looking for more delicious banana recipes? Give these favorites a try!

For something so simple, these caramelized bananas are SO good! Have you ever pan-fried banana slices? If so, leave a comment with your favorite ways to serve them! And if you end up making this recipe, PLEASE please snap a photo and tag me on Instagram @foodwithfeeling! I always love to see what you’re making and how you like it!

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caramelized bananas served over vanilla ice cream

Caramelized Bananas

★★★★

4 from 1 reviews
  • Author: Brita Britnell
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: serves 2
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe

Description

These easy Caramelized Bananas are pan-fried in brown sugar and cinnamon for a simple and delicious treat. You can enjoy them as-is or use them as a topping with ice cream, yogurt, pancakes, waffles, French toast, and more!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 bananas, cut into 1 inch thick coins (see video for reference)
  • 2 tablespoons of butter
  • 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
  • Sprinkle of cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add in the banana slices so that they’re not overlapping and then sprinkle on the brown sugar and cinnamon. Toss gently to coat each slice.
  2. Cook the bananas for 4 minutes, flip, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until they’re caramelized on both sides. Be sure to watch the pan and gently move the bananas around a little so that they don’t stick.
  3. Remove from heat and serve! These are great served over ice cream, on pancakes or waffles, or even enjoyed on their own!

Notes

You can use half the amount of sugar as desired to make it a little lower in calories.

 

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: caramelized bananas, sautéed bananas, cooked banana slices