Name: Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas: You want bananas that are ripe but not too soft. Firm enough to hold their shape but sweet enough to caramelize nicely.; 1 tablespoon butter: This helps the bananas fry up beautifully and get that nice, golden exterior.; 1 tablespoon sugar: You can adjust this depending on how sweet your bananas are. This also helps with the caramelization process.; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: The perfect spice to pair with the natural sweetness of the bananas.; Optional toppings: Honey, whipped cream, ice cream, or a sprinkle of granola.

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There’s something incredibly comforting about the combination of cinnamon and bananas, especially when those bananas are pan-fried to golden perfection. If you’re like me and crave a sweet treat that’s quick, easy, and doesn’t involve too many ingredients, these Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas will be your new go-to dessert. My family can’t get enough of these — whether it’s for a weekend brunch treat or a surprise weekday snack. The smell alone is enough to pull everyone into the kitchen, eager to dive in. The best part? You only need a handful of pantry staples, and in less than 10 minutes, you’re enjoying warm, caramelized bananas with a dusting of cinnamon. Pure bliss in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 4 basic ingredients (bananas, cinnamon, sugar, and butter), you can whip these up in no time.
Healthy Treat: You’re getting the natural sweetness from the bananas, so you can feel good about indulging in this snack.
Versatile: These cinnamon bananas can be eaten on their own, or you can get creative and use them as a topping for oatmeal, pancakes, or ice cream.
Kid-Friendly: My kids love these! They taste like a banana bread dessert without all the fuss.
Comforting & Cozy: There’s something about warm cinnamon-spiced bananas that makes you feel cozy and comforted, especially during the colder months.

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas: You want bananas that are ripe but not too soft. Firm enough to hold their shape but sweet enough to caramelize nicely.
1 tablespoon butter: This helps the bananas fry up beautifully and get that nice, golden exterior.
1 tablespoon sugar: You can adjust this depending on how sweet your bananas are. This also helps with the caramelization process.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: The perfect spice to pair with the natural sweetness of the bananas.
Optional toppings: Honey, whipped cream, ice cream, or a sprinkle of granola.

Instructions

Prepare the bananas: Peel your bananas and slice them into rounds, about ½ inch thick. You want them to be thick enough to hold up during frying but not so thick that they don’t cook through.
Heat the butter: In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and slightly bubbling, you’re ready to fry the bananas.
Fry the bananas: Add the banana slices to the skillet in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes on one side until they’re golden brown. Then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.
Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon: While the bananas are still in the skillet, sprinkle them with sugar and cinnamon. Toss them gently so that they’re evenly coated with the sugary-cinnamon mixture.
Serve immediately: These are best enjoyed warm, right out of the skillet. You can serve them on their own or top them with honey, whipped cream, or even ice cream for an extra treat.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 2
Calories: 180 per serving (without toppings)
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 7g
Sugar: 19g

Preparation Time

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes

How to Serve

These pan-fried cinnamon bananas are a versatile treat that you can enjoy in a variety of ways:

Top them on a stack of pancakes or waffles for a sweet breakfast.
Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert.
Add them to oatmeal or yogurt for a flavor boost.
Use them as a topping for French toast.
Enjoy them on their own with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

Additional Tips

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Make sure your bananas have plenty of room in the skillet. If they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of frying, which can make them mushy.
Use ripe but firm bananas: Overripe bananas will fall apart in the pan, so go for bananas that are ripe enough to be sweet but still firm enough to hold their shape.
Adjust the sweetness: If your bananas are extra ripe, you may want to cut back on the sugar. Conversely, if they’re not as sweet as you’d like, you can add a bit more sugar.
Experiment with spices: While cinnamon is classic, you could try adding nutmeg, cardamom, or even a pinch of cayenne for a spicy twist.
Serve them immediately: These bananas are best enjoyed hot from the pan. They tend to get mushy if left to sit for too long.

Recipe Variations

Cinnamon Sugar Bananas with a Nutty Twist: After frying, sprinkle your bananas with chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch.
Chocolate Drizzle Bananas: After frying, drizzle some melted chocolate or chocolate sauce over the bananas for an extra indulgent treat.
Bananas Foster-Inspired: Add a splash of rum and a sprinkle of brown sugar to the pan to create a bananas foster flavor.
Spiced Bananas: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon for a slightly different spice profile.
Honey Glazed Bananas: Instead of using sugar, drizzle the bananas with honey as they cook for a different kind of sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some delicious ways to enjoy these pan-fried cinnamon bananas:

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Pair them with Greek yogurt and granola for a quick breakfast.
Add them to a bowl of warm oatmeal for a cozy start to your day.
Top them on a stack of French toast or waffles with a drizzle of maple syrup.
Serve them with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: These cinnamon bananas are best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that they will become softer upon reheating.
Freezing: You can freeze these fried bananas, but they will lose some of their texture when thawed. If you choose to freeze them, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 1 month. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Reheating: To reheat, add the bananas to a skillet over low heat and cook until warmed. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the bananas too soft.

Special Equipment

Non-stick skillet: A good quality non-stick skillet ensures that the bananas don’t stick and cook evenly.
Spatula: A thin spatula helps flip the banana slices without mashing them.
Sharp knife: A sharp knife will make it easier to slice the bananas into even rounds.

FAQ Section

Can I use overripe bananas?
- Overripe bananas will be too mushy for this recipe. Stick with ripe but firm bananas to keep the texture intact.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- Yes! You can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative for a dairy-free version.
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
- Absolutely! Brown sugar will give the bananas a slightly deeper, caramelized flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- These bananas are best enjoyed fresh, but you can make them up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just reheat in a skillet before serving.
What other spices can I use?
- Nutmeg, cardamom, and allspice would all be delicious alongside the cinnamon. You can also try a pumpkin spice blend for a fall-inspired twist.