Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas Recipe

The Ultimate Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Crispy edges and a warm, sweet center make pan fried cinnamon bananas a delightful treat for anyone craving something special.

Bananas caramelize beautifully when kissed by a hot skillet and dusted with fragrant spices.

Each golden slice promises a rich, indulgent experience that goes beyond typical dessert expectations.

Cooking these treats requires minimal ingredients and takes just minutes to prepare.

A sprinkle of ground cinnamon adds depth and complexity to the naturally sweet fruit.

Simple techniques transform ordinary bananas into an extraordinary culinary moment that feels both comforting and elegant.

Why Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas Hit the Spot

  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Transform simple bananas into a delightful, aromatic dessert with minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills.
  • Speedy Sweet Treat: Whip up this dessert in just a few minutes, perfect for satisfying sudden sugar cravings without complicated preparation.
  • Family-Friendly Delight: Kids and adults will love the warm, sweet cinnamon-coated banana slices that can be enjoyed as a dessert or snack.
  • Versatile Comfort Food: Serve these pan-fried bananas over ice cream, pancakes, oatmeal, or enjoy them on their own for a quick and comforting treat.

What You Need for Cinnamon Bananas

Main Ingredients:
  • Bananas: Sweet, ripe fruit perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
  • Sugar: Classic sweetener that helps caramelize the bananas.
  • Cinnamon: Warm spice that adds a cozy flavor to the dish.
Spice Additions:
  • Nutmeg: Optional spice that brings extra warmth and depth.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Nonstick Oil Spray: Helps prevent bananas from sticking to the pan and ensures easy cooking.

How to Cook Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas

Step 1: Prepare Banana Slices

Grab your ripe bananas and slice them into smooth, even rounds about a third of an inch thick.

Make sure your cuts are consistent so each slice cooks evenly.

Step 2: Create Spice Blend

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, ground cinnamon, and a touch of nutmeg (if you’re feeling adventurous).

This magical spice mixture will transform your bananas into a delectable treat.

Step 3: Set Up Cooking Station

Grab a large skillet and lightly coat it with nonstick cooking spray.

Warm the pan over medium-low heat, creating the perfect environment for your banana slices to caramelize.

Step 4: First Side Cooking

Gently place banana rounds into the heated skillet.

Sprinkle half of your spice blend across the top of the slices.

Let them sizzle and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they start turning golden and fragrant.

Step 5: Flip and Finish

Carefully flip each banana slice to the other side.

Shower the rounds with the remaining spice blend.

Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the bananas become soft, warm, and develop a beautiful caramelized exterior.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer your pan-fried cinnamon bananas to a serving plate.

These can be enjoyed on their own, as a topping for yogurt, ice cream, or pancakes.

The warm, sweet aroma will make everyone’s mouth water!

Tips to Get Cinnamon Bananas Just Right

  • Choose bananas that are yellow with a few brown spots for maximum sweetness and softer texture when cooking.
  • Use a non-stick skillet and lightly spray with oil to ensure bananas don't break apart during cooking.
  • Maintain medium-low heat to caramelize sugar and develop rich flavor without burning the delicate banana slices.
  • Enjoy the pan-fried cinnamon bananas right after cooking for the best warm, gooey texture and most intense cinnamon flavor.
  • Enhance the dish by adding a dollop of Greek yogurt, sprinkle of chopped nuts, or drizzle of honey for extra indulgence.

Store and Reheat Cinnamon Bananas Easily

  • Store leftover pan-fried cinnamon bananas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring carefully to prevent breaking the soft banana slices.
  • Heat in short 15-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking and maintaining the banana's tender texture.
  • These bananas are most delicious when eaten immediately after cooking, as they tend to become mushy when stored for longer periods.

What Tastes Great with Cinnamon Bananas

Pair Delectable Cinnamon Bananas with Luxurious Companions:
  • Scoop Vanilla Dream: Creamy vanilla ice cream provides a cool, silky contrast to the warm, spiced bananas, creating a heavenly dessert experience.
  • Toast Rich Coffee Companion: A smooth cappuccino or dark roast coffee balances the sweet banana's warmth with its robust, slightly bitter notes.
  • Drizzle Caramel Elegance: Smooth caramel sauce adds an extra layer of decadence, enhancing the banana's natural sweetness and cinnamon's depth.
  • Sprinkle Nutty Crunch: Toasted chopped almonds or pecans introduce a delightful textural contrast and complement the soft, spiced banana rounds.

Different Styles of Cinnamon Bananas

  • Vegan Banana Bliss: Replace sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a plant-based, refined sugar-free option that adds natural sweetness.
  • Gluten-Free Cinnamon Comfort: Use a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener for those avoiding traditional sugar and watching carbohydrate intake.
  • Keto-Friendly Banana Alternative: Swap bananas with zucchini or chayote squash to create a low-carb version that mimics the texture while keeping the spice profile.
  • Protein Power Boost: Sprinkle some chopped nuts like almonds or pecans after cooking to add protein and create a crunchy texture for added nutrition.

FAQs

  • What type of bananas work best for this recipe?

Choose ripe but firm bananas that are yellow with a few brown spots. Soft, overripe bananas will turn mushy during cooking.

  • Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?

Yes, brown sugar works perfectly and will add a deeper caramel-like flavor to the pan-fried bananas.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! The ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe option for people with gluten sensitivities.

  • How do I know when the bananas are perfectly cooked?

The bananas should be golden brown, soft to the touch, and have caramelized edges without falling apart when you flip them.

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Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas Recipe

Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas Recipe


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4.9 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 11 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Sweet aromas of cinnamon-kissed pan fried cinnamon bananas dance through kitchens, promising pure dessert magic. Warm golden caramelized edges and rich spice notes invite flavor seekers to savor this simple yet irresistible treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 bananas (slightly overripe)

Sweeteners:

  • 2 tablespoons sugar (or substitute)

Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  1. Carefully prepare ripe, firm bananas by slicing them into uniform, elegant rounds approximately one-third inch thick.
  2. Create a tantalizing spice blend by mixing sugar, ground cinnamon, and optional nutmeg in a small mixing bowl, setting the aromatic mixture aside.
  3. Coat a large skillet with a light mist of nonstick cooking spray, then gently heat the surface over medium-low temperature.
  4. Arrange banana slices in a single layer across the heated skillet, ensuring each piece has adequate contact with the cooking surface.
  5. Generously dust the exposed side of banana rounds with half of the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture, allowing the spices to delicately coat each slice.
  6. Cook the bananas for approximately 2-3 minutes, monitoring their transformation as they develop a golden caramelized exterior.
  7. Carefully flip each banana slice using a spatula, revealing the beautifully bronzed surface.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar blend over the newly exposed sides of the banana rounds.
  9. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the bananas reach a soft, warm consistency and emit a fragrant, sweet aroma.
  10. Remove from heat and serve immediately, allowing the caramelized bananas to showcase their rich, spiced flavor profile.

Notes

  • Choose ripe yet firm bananas to ensure they hold their shape during cooking and caramelize beautifully without turning mushy.
  • Use a non-stick skillet to prevent bananas from sticking and breaking while maintaining a smooth, golden surface.
  • Adjust heat to medium-low for gentle caramelization, allowing sugar to create a delicate crispy exterior without burning the fruit.
  • Sprinkle spices evenly to guarantee consistent flavor across each banana slice, creating a balanced and aromatic dessert.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 1 mg
  • Fat: 0.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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