Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas

If you have a couple of overripe bananas on the counter and only 10 minutes to spare, this simple and flavorful recipe for Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas is just what you need. With only three basic ingredients, a skillet, and a few minutes of your time, you can transform soft bananas into a warm, spiced treat perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. This recipe by Kristin is beloved for its ease and delightful cinnamon-sugar coating.

Ingredients

• 2 slightly overripe bananas
• 2 tablespoons sugar (or substitute)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

• Slice the bananas into ⅓-inch thick rounds.
• In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, cinnamon, and optional nutmeg.
• Lightly spray a large skillet with nonstick spray and warm over medium-low heat. Add banana slices.
• Sprinkle half of the cinnamon mixture on top of the bananas. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
• Flip the banana slices and sprinkle the remaining cinnamon mixture on top. Cook another 2-3 minutes until the bananas are soft and warmed through.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions
• Serve immediately after cooking while the bananas are warm and tender.
• Enjoy plain or topped with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for a balanced dessert or snack.
• Drizzle with honey, maple syrup, or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
• Add to pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal to elevate your breakfast.
• Use as a topping for French toast or crepes for a gourmet touch.

Storage Tips
• Store leftover pan fried bananas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
• Note that reheated bananas may be softer than freshly cooked ones but will still taste delicious.
• Avoid freezing, as the texture becomes mushy once thawed.

Variations

Brown Sugar and Butter Bananas
Swap the white sugar for brown sugar and use butter instead of oil. The brown sugar melts into the butter to create a rich caramel-like coating. This version pairs especially well with pancakes or French toast.

Honey-Cinnamon Glazed Bananas
Replace sugar with honey for a more natural sweetener. Drizzle honey over the banana slices as they cook, along with cinnamon. The honey caramelizes slightly, adding a floral sweetness and sticky texture.

Maple Vanilla Bananas
Add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cinnamon-sugar mixture and use pure maple syrup in place of sugar. This gives the bananas a comforting, deep maple flavor that’s great served over oatmeal or ice cream.

Spiced Chai Bananas
Add a pinch of cardamom, ground ginger, and a dash of cloves to the cinnamon mixture for a chai-inspired twist. These warming spices make the dish extra cozy and aromatic—ideal for cool mornings.

Chocolate-Dipped Banana Bites
After cooking the banana slices, let them cool slightly, then dip half of each slice into melted dark or milk chocolate. Let set on parchment paper. Serve as a fun and elegant dessert or snack.

Coconut Fried Bananas
Use coconut oil for cooking and sprinkle with toasted shredded coconut before serving. You can also add a touch of coconut sugar for a more tropical, slightly nutty flavor profile.

Savory-Sweet Twist
Omit the sugar and instead sprinkle the bananas with a light pinch of sea salt, black pepper, and a touch of cinnamon. Serve over toast with cream cheese or goat cheese for a gourmet appetizer.

Boozy Bananas
Add a splash (1 tablespoon) of dark rum or bourbon during the last minute of cooking for a grown-up version. The alcohol will cook off, leaving a rich depth of flavor. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Nutty Delight
After pan-frying, sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or slivered almonds on top for crunch. You can also stir nuts into the sugar mixture before cooking to lightly toast them in the pan.

Peanut Butter Bananas
Add a swirl of peanut butter to the skillet in the final minute of cooking, allowing it to melt and coat the bananas. This combination is creamy, rich, and satisfying—great on toast or waffles.

FAQs

1. Can I use bananas that are fully ripe or even mushy?
Slightly overripe bananas work best. Very mushy bananas may fall apart in the skillet, resulting in a softer, less structured texture.

2. Can I make this recipe without sugar?
Yes, you can use sugar substitutes like Splenda, stevia, or even skip the sugar altogether and rely on the natural sweetness of the bananas.

3. Is it better to use butter or oil?
Both work well. Butter adds richness and flavor, while oil (especially coconut oil) gives a lighter, tropical twist. Choose based on your taste preference.

4. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, use coconut oil or another plant-based oil and a vegan-friendly sugar or sweetener.

5. Can I cook these in advance?
It’s best served fresh, but you can cook and refrigerate them for up to 1 day. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.

6. Are these the same as deep-fried bananas?
No. These are pan-fried and use very little oil or butter, making them a healthier, quicker alternative to traditional deep-fried bananas.

7. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Freezing is not recommended. The bananas become too soft and mushy once thawed, altering the texture significantly.

8. What can I serve these bananas with?
Serve with pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, yogurt, ice cream, or on top of toast. They also make a great standalone snack or dessert.

9. Can I use green or just-ripe bananas?
Under-ripe bananas won’t soften properly and lack sweetness. For best flavor and texture, use bananas with brown spots but still some firmness.

10. How do I know when the bananas are done?
The slices should be golden and soft but still hold their shape. If they begin to break down or become too mushy, they are likely overcooked.

Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas is a go-to recipe when you want something fast, comforting, and full of warm spice flavor. Whether you serve them for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, this simple recipe elevates humble bananas into a cozy dish that’s sure to please. Keep this easy method in your back pocket for those days when you need a sweet fix in minutes.

Print