Pan Fried Bananas

5 from 3 votes
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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.

Bananas with cinnamon and sugar on a white plate


 

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.
Sugar and Cinnamon in a yellow bowl

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.
Banana slices topped with brown sugar in a skillet

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.

Cooked fried bananas in a skillet

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

Can I fry bananas instead of plantains?

Yes, bananas can be fried instead of plantains.

What does fried bananas taste like?

These bananas have a delicious creamy, sweet cinnamon flavor.

More easy dessert recipes

Cooked, sliced bananas with brown sugar on plate.
5 from 3 votes

Fried Banana Dessert

By Heather
Fried Bananas are a sweet and simple treat made with ripe bananas, cinnamon and brown sugar. 
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

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

Calories: 76kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 211mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 40IU | Vitamin C: 5.1mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
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Recipe Rating




3 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    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!