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Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas: A Deliciously Simple Dessert Recipe

Enjoy the warm, caramelized goodness of pan-fried cinnamon bananas, a quick and easy treat perfect for dessert or breakfast. Ripe bananas are cooked in butter and brown sugar, creating a sweet syrupy delight that can be topped with nuts, whipped cream, or served over ice cream for an indulgent experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ripe bananas
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional toppings: chopped nuts, whipped cream, or ice cream

Instructions

  1. Select ripe bananas with yellow skin and a few brown spots. Peel and slice them diagonally into 1-inch thick pieces.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, measure out the vanilla extract.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter, swirling to coat the pan. Add the sliced bananas in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes without stirring until golden brown. Flip the bananas gently with a spatula.
  4. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the flipped bananas and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until tender and caramelized, allowing the natural sugars to create a syrup.
  5. Remove from heat and drizzle the vanilla extract over the bananas, stirring to combine. Optionally, add chopped nuts for extra crunch.
  6. Serve the bananas warm, either directly from the skillet or in a serving dish. For a decadent treat, top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, and garnish with additional cinnamon or fresh mint leaves.
  7. If you have leftovers, cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Notes

  • Experiment with spices like nutmeg or allspice for a unique flavor.
  • Substitute brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a healthier option, adjusting the quantity as needed.
  • For a tropical twist, add a splash of coconut milk after cooking the bananas.
  • This dish makes a great topping for pancakes or waffles!