Description
The perfect balance of sweetness and spice, these caramelized banana slices are infused with warm cinnamon and a touch of sweetness. A quick and irresistible treat for any time of day!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ripe bananas (firm, with some brown spots)
- 1 tbsp butter (or coconut oil for a vegan option)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Optional: ½ tsp vanilla extract, a pinch of salt
Instructions
- Slice the Bananas: Peel the bananas and slice them into rounds or diagonally into ½-inch-thick slices for better surface area.
- Prepare the Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Add a pinch of salt for balance, if desired.
- Heat the Pan: Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Melt the butter or heat the oil until it coats the pan evenly.
- Cook the Bananas: Place the banana slices into the pan, ensuring they don’t overlap. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the tops. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown on one side.
- Flip and Season Again: Carefully flip the bananas using a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture on the other side. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until caramelized and fragrant.
- Optional Flavor Boost: Drizzle vanilla extract over the bananas during the last 30 seconds of cooking for an aromatic finish.
- Serve Warm: Transfer the bananas to a serving plate. Enjoy them as is, or top with ice cream, yogurt, or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Banana Ripeness is Key: Use bananas that are ripe with some brown spots but still firm. Overripe bananas can become too mushy and may fall apart during cooking.
- Control Heat for Perfect Caramelization: Cook on medium heat to ensure the bananas caramelize evenly without burning. High heat can scorch the sugar, while low heat may not caramelize the bananas properly.
- Gently Flip the Bananas: Use a non-stick pan and a flat spatula to flip the slices carefully. This prevents them from breaking and ensures they stay intact while achieving a golden-brown finish.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 6 min