Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and a few minutes on the stovetop, you can have a delicious, warm treat.
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Sweet and Spiced: The cinnamon sugar gives the bananas a comforting, spiced sweetness that is perfect for any time of day.
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Versatile: Enjoy these fried bananas as a snack, a topping for your morning oatmeal, or a dessert to pair with ice cream or whipped cream.
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Healthy-ish: Bananas are naturally rich in vitamins and fiber, making this a relatively healthier option for a sweet treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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2 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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2 tablespoons brown sugar (or granulated sugar)
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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Pinch of salt
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
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A squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional, to prevent browning)
Directions
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Prepare the Bananas: Peel the bananas and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds or diagonal slices, depending on your preference. You can also slice them lengthwise for larger pieces.
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Make the Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
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Pan Fry the Bananas: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt. Once the butter has melted and is slightly bubbling, add the banana slices to the skillet in a single layer. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they start to turn golden.
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Flip and Add Sugar: Flip the banana slices gently and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the bananas. Allow the bananas to cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting the sugar caramelize and the bananas become soft.
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Optional Enhancements: Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor or squeeze a little lemon juice over the bananas to balance the sweetness.
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Serve: Once the bananas are caramelized and golden brown on both sides, remove them from the skillet. Serve immediately as a topping for ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or just enjoy on their own!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 2-3
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Preparation Time: 5 minutes
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Cooking Time: 5 minutes
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Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
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Add Nuts: Top with crushed walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added crunch.
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Bananas Foster Style: Add a tablespoon of rum or bourbon to the pan for a boozy twist, and let it cook off as the bananas caramelize.
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Maple Cinnamon: Replace the brown sugar with maple syrup for a richer, maple-flavored sweetness.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate or Nutella over the fried bananas for a chocolatey dessert.
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Vegan Option: Use coconut oil or any plant-based butter instead of regular butter for a vegan version.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: While these bananas are best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a skillet for 1-2 minutes on medium-low heat to bring them back to a warm, soft consistency. Keep in mind that they may lose some of their crispy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas?
Fresh bananas are ideal for this recipe because they cook quickly and caramelize better. Frozen bananas tend to become mushy when reheated, so they’re not the best for this particular dish.
Can I make these bananas ahead of time?
It’s best to serve these bananas right after cooking to enjoy their warm, caramelized texture. However, you can prepare the cinnamon-sugar mix and slice the bananas ahead of time to make the cooking process quicker.
What can I serve these with?
These pan-fried bananas are delicious on their own, or served with ice cream, yogurt, pancakes, waffles, or even as a topping for oatmeal or French toast.
Can I use a different sugar?
Yes, you can use white granulated sugar, coconut sugar, or even honey as a substitute for brown sugar. Keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly depending on the sugar you use.
Conclusion
Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas are a quick, simple, and indulgent treat that combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon sugar. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, adding them to breakfast, or topping them with ice cream for dessert, these bananas are sure to hit the spot every time. Plus, they come together in just minutes, making them a perfect last-minute sweet treat! Enjoy every warm, caramelized bite!

Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Pan-fried
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas are a quick and easy dessert or snack that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a caramelized cinnamon sugar coating. This warm, spiced treat is ready in just minutes and can be enjoyed on its own or as a topping for pancakes, ice cream, or yogurt. A healthy-ish, simple indulgence perfect for any time of day!
Ingredients
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2 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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2 tablespoons brown sugar (or granulated sugar)
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
-
Pinch of salt
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional, to prevent browning)
Instructions
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Prepare the Bananas:
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Peel the bananas and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds or diagonal slices, depending on your preference. You can also slice them lengthwise for larger pieces.
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Make the Cinnamon Sugar:
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In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
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Pan Fry the Bananas:
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt. Once the butter has melted and is slightly bubbling, add the banana slices in a single layer. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they start to turn golden.
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Flip and Add Sugar:
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Flip the banana slices gently and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over them. Let the bananas cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sugar to caramelize and the bananas to soften.
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Optional Enhancements:
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Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor or squeeze a little lemon juice over the bananas to balance the sweetness.
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Serve:
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Once the bananas are caramelized and golden brown on both sides, remove them from the skillet. Serve immediately as a topping for ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or enjoy on their own!
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Notes
Add Nuts: For added crunch, top with crushed walnuts, pecans, or almonds.Bananas Foster Style: Add a tablespoon of rum or bourbon for a boozy twist, allowing it to cook off as the bananas caramelize.Maple Cinnamon: Swap brown sugar for maple syrup for a richer, maple-flavored sweetness.Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate or Nutella over the fried bananas for a chocolatey dessert.Vegan Option: Use coconut oil or plant-based butter instead of regular butter for a vegan version.