Pan Fried Bananas
Mar 12, 2018, Updated Oct 16, 2023
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Fried bananas are a sweet and simple treat made with ripe bananas, cinnamon, and brown sugar. This easy banana dessert can be used for many things like a topping for pancakes, ice cream, or just by themselves.
Simple and delicious, this recipe is a great way to use up those ripe bananas sitting on your counter. We love banana recipes around our house. Some favorites are these banana bread muffins, banana pudding, and cake mix banana bread.
This was one of the first desserts I learned to make growing up. My parents would let me sprinkle the banana slices with the cinnamon and sugar and then I would scoop them out onto a big bowl of ice cream.
Why you’ll love this banana recipe
- The brown sugar adds a nice caramelization to the bananas.
- Anyone can make these. No need to be a master chef.
- This is a super easy recipe to make.
Ingredients needed
Only three ingredients are needed for this simple recipe:
- Bananas – Fresh bananas are used.
- Brown sugar – This gives it a rich, sweet flavor. You can substitute with granulated sugar.
- Cinnamon – Ground cinnamon adds a hint of spice and flavor.
How to make Fried Bananas
- This dessert couldn’t be easier. Start with 1-2 fresh bananas and slice them into 1/3-inch rounds.
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Spray a large skillet with non-stick cooking spray and heat over medium.
- Add banana rounds to the skillet. Sprinkle the bananas with sugar mixture.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes and then flip. Sprinkle remaining sugar mixture and cook another 2-3 minutes.
How to serve
My favorite way to serve these is on top of vanilla ice cream. They would also be delicious served with a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream. These bananas are also wonderful on top of pancakes, waffles, and french toast.
Recipe tips
- I like using bananas that are a little firm so they don’t turn into mush. Using bananas that are super ripe make it harder for them to maintain their shape.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan with bananas.
- Try not to over sugar the top of the bananas or they might have a hard time cooking.
Common questions
Yes, bananas can be fried instead of plantains.
These bananas have a delicious creamy, sweet cinnamon flavor.
More easy dessert recipes
- Cinnamon twists – Made with puff pastry dough.
- Pound cake tiramisu – A semi-homemade dessert using marbled pound cake.
- Easy bundt cake recipes – A collection of bundt cake recipes to try.
Fried Banana Dessert
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 bananas
Instructions
- Mix together brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Slice each banana into 1/3 inch rounds.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Coat skillet with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place banana rounds in skillet and sprinkle with half of the sugar mixture. Let cook for 2-3 minutes and then flip over and sprinkle with the last of mixture.
- Cook another 2 minutes and remove from pan.
Notes
- Don’t over crowd the pan with bananas.
- Try not to over sugar the top of the bananas or they might have a hard time cooking.
- I like using bananas that a little more firm so they don’t turn into mush. Using ones that are super ripe make it harder for them to maintain their shape.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
These taste just like the ones my mom used to make! We love them served over vanilla ice cream with a bit of caramel sauce. So yummy!
This is so good and such a fun treat!
These bananas were so delicious. We loved them so much. What an easy recipe.