Hey y'all! If you're craving a sweet, warm, and absolutely irresistible treat that whips up in minutes, this pan fried cinnamon banana recipe has you covered. With perfectly caramelized edges, a dusting of fragrant cinnamon, and gooey banana goodness, it's ideal for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Plus, you only need a handful of basic ingredients and one skillet. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Pan Fried Cinnamon Banana Recipe
- Quick & easy: Ready in under 10 minutes with less than five ingredients.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a healthy dessert option.
- Kid-friendly: Sweet, soft, and naturally appealing to little ones.
- Healthy treat: Uses wholesome bananas and can be made dairy-free or vegan.
- No fancy equipment needed: Just a skillet and a spatula!
Pan Fried Cinnamon Banana Ingredients
- 2 ripe but firm bananas
- 2 teaspoons unsalted butter (or coconut oil for vegan)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Pan Fried Cinnamon Banana
Step 1: Prep the Bananas
Peel the bananas and slice them into ½-inch thick coins or cut lengthwise for longer pieces.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Warm a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter (or coconut oil) until it’s gently bubbling but not browned.
Step 3: Caramelize the Bananas
Add banana slices in a single layer. Drizzle with honey (or maple syrup). Sprinkle with cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown on the bottom, then flip and cook another 2 minutes. Bananas should be golden and caramelized, but not mushy.
Step 4: Serve Warm
Remove from heat, drizzle with a bit more honey if desired, and enjoy immediately while warm.
Notes for Perfect Pan Fried Cinnamon Banana
- Use bananas that are ripe but still firm—they hold shape best and caramelize beautifully.
- A non-stick skillet helps prevent sticking and burning; learn more about the best non-stick pans.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet; work in batches for even caramelization.
Pan Fried Cinnamon Banana Variations
- Chocolate drizzle: Top with melted dark chocolate or chocolate chips.
- Nutty crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans just before serving.
- Spiced version: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth.
Required Equipment for Pan Fried Cinnamon Banana
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Non-stick skillet or frying pan
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons
Storage Instructions & Shelf Life
Store any leftover pan fried cinnamon banana in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Note: The texture will be softer after refrigeration.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Pan Fried Cinnamon Banana
- Spoon over pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal for a decadent breakfast.
- Top vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for a quick dessert.
- Enjoy with a sprinkle of granola or toasted coconut for added crunch.
Pro Tips for the Best Pan Fried Cinnamon Banana
- Banana ripeness matters—slightly underripe bananas hold up better in the pan (more on banana ripeness).
- Use medium, not high, heat to prevent burning the natural sugars.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract at the end for extra aroma and flavor depth.
Pan Fried Cinnamon Banana FAQ
- Can I use overripe bananas?
- Overripe bananas will become very soft and mushy when pan fried. For best results, use bananas that are just ripe and still firm.
- Is this recipe vegan?
- Yes, simply swap the butter for coconut oil and honey for maple syrup to make it entirely vegan.
- Can I make these ahead of time?
- They're best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers for up to 2 days in the fridge. Reheat gently for best texture.
For more banana nutrition details, check out Healthline's banana guide.
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans for topping
Instructions
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1Peel the bananas and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds.
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2In a nonstick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
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3Add the banana slices to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown.
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4Flip the banana slices and drizzle with honey. Sprinkle with cinnamon, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
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5Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the bananas are caramelized and tender.
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6Serve warm, topped with optional chopped walnuts or pecans if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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