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 fried cinnamon bananas recipe is a great way to use up those ripe bananas sitting on your counter. With just a few ingredients, you can transform them into warm, caramelized treat that can be used for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.

This was actually one of the first desserts I learned to make growing up. My parents would let me sprinkle the banana slices with cinnamon and sugar to put on a big bowl of vanilla ice cream. It’s similar to bananas foster without all of the work.

We love banana recipes around our house. Some favorites are these banana bread muffins, banana pudding, and cake mix banana bread.

Why you’ll love pan fried cinnamon bananas

These pan fried bananas are so easy to make. There are so many reasons to love them like:

• The brown sugar adds a nice caramelization to the bananas.
• Anyone can make these. No need to be a master chef.
• Can be made in about 10 minutes. This recipe is a super easy recipe to make.

Ingredients needed

Only three ingredients are needed for this simple recipe:

• Bananas – Fresh bananas are used. Make sure the aren’t over ripe or they will be too mushy.
• 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

Skip to the bottom recipe card for the full, printable recipe.

• 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

Even though these fried bananas are easy to make, here are a few tips for them to come out perfect every time.

• 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.

Variations

There are a few different ways you can add your own take with these pan fried bananas. Here are a few suggestions:

• Honey – Replace the brown sugar with a drizzle of honey of maple syrup.
• Fall spices – Try adding pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon.
• Bananas Foster – Add a little splash of bourbon to the pan for a bananas foster treat.
• Heat – Try adding a small pinch of cayenne pepper for a little added heat.

Storing

I recommend eating the bananas as soon as they are finished cooking for the best taste. If you do happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in the pan or in the microwave. The texture might be a little different.

Common questions

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.

Let me know if you try these fried bananas in the comments below.