Banana, milk, and cinnamon — this 3 Ingredient Banana Dessert proves that simple can still be magic. Sweet, cozy, and nostalgic.

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This 3 Ingredient Banana Dessert takes me straight back to my childhood kitchen — you know, before everything got overcomplicated with viral recipes and 12-step desserts. My aunt Helen used to make this long before social media decided simple food was trendy again. She wasn’t trying to impress anyone — it was just a quick treat she made when we were fidgeting around the table after dinner, waiting for “something sweet.”
She’d slice up a banana, splash in a little milk (whatever was in the fridge), and then sprinkle cinnamon like she was casting a spell. That smell — warm, spicy, a little creamy — it filled the whole room. And somehow, that simple bowl of banana and milk always felt like comfort itself. It’s funny how certain smells do that to you, right? You don’t even realize you’re homesick until cinnamon hits your nose.
Now, every time I make this dessert — late at night, usually in pajama pants and a messy bun — I can almost hear her humming in the background. It’s not fancy, it’s not “plated beautifully,” but it’s real. And honestly? That’s what I love most about it.
Why You’ll Love This 3 Ingredient Banana Dessert Recipe?
You know when you crave something sweet but your brain’s like, “Nope, we’re not baking today”? That’s where this 3 Ingredient Banana Dessert comes in. It’s ridiculously easy — just three ingredients and zero stress. It’s the kind of dessert that doesn’t need validation. No whisk, no mixer, no guilt. Just a banana, some milk, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and suddenly life feels softer.
What makes it special is how unfussy it is. It’s naturally sweet from the banana, warm from the cinnamon, and creamy in that “I didn’t plan this but it turned out perfect anyway” way. You can keep it basic or get creative — drizzle honey, add a scoop of ice cream, whatever your mood calls for. It’s a no-pressure dessert for when you want comfort, not chaos.

Ingredient Notes:
I know what you’re thinking — how can something this simple even need ingredient notes? But trust me, when you’ve only got three, they all matter.
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Banana: Ripe, but not collapsing-in-your-hand ripe. The spottier the peel, the sweeter the flavor. If it’s too green, you’ll lose that natural creaminess.
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Milk: Whole milk is classic, but almond milk gives it a nutty twist, and oat milk adds a touch of sweetness. I’ve even used coconut milk before when I was out of regular — and honestly, it felt like a mini tropical vacation.
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Cinnamon: Don’t skip this. It’s what transforms it from a lazy snack into an actual dessert. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing for hours.
You can also chill the milk beforehand — it gives the dessert that cool, refreshing contrast against the warm spice. Tiny detail, big payoff.

How To Make 3 Ingredient Banana Dessert?
Honestly, calling this a “recipe” feels a bit dramatic. It’s more like a delicious little ritual. Here’s how I do it:
Step 1: Slice the banana.
Grab a ripe banana and slice it into rounds — not too thick, not too thin. Somewhere between “dainty afternoon tea” and “I’m too hungry to care.”
Step 2: Pour in the milk.
Just enough to coat the bananas — you don’t want them swimming. Think cozy soak, not full-on bathtub situation.
Step 3: Sprinkle with cinnamon.
This is the best part. Be generous! It’s like edible nostalgia in powder form. Give it a good stir or leave it layered if you like the contrast.
And that’s it. No timers, no cleanup, no overthinking. You can sit down, grab a spoon, and feel like you’ve done something kind for yourself — even if it only took two minutes.
Storage Options:
I’ll be honest — this 3 Ingredient Banana Dessert tastes best the second it’s made. Fresh banana, cold milk, warm cinnamon… it’s meant to be eaten in that perfect moment. But if you somehow have leftovers (how?), pop them in the fridge for a few hours. The milk turns subtly sweet, almost like a cinnamon-infused banana pudding.
Just don’t push your luck past the 12-hour mark — bananas brown fast, and it loses that pretty contrast. And whatever you do, don’t freeze it. Frozen bananas + milk = disaster. (Ask me how I know.)

Variations and Substitutions:
This dessert is like that chill friend who goes along with anything. You can dress it up or down depending on your mood.
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Add honey or maple syrup — when you’re feeling fancy.
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Top with granola or crushed nuts — gives you that crunch you didn’t know you were missing.
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Use plant-based milk — almond, coconut, oat, cashew… you get the idea.
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Add a pinch of nutmeg or cocoa powder — if you want it to feel a bit “holiday special.”
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Mash it all together — instant banana pudding vibes. Perfect for when you’re too tired to chew.
It’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of dessert — forgiving, flexible, and ready for whatever twist you throw at it.
What to Serve with 3 Ingredient Banana Dessert?
You can absolutely eat this on its own — I usually do, standing over the counter with a spoon. But if you want to make it part of something bigger:
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Over vanilla ice cream — it’s like banana foster’s minimalist cousin.
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With pancakes or waffles — for that breakfast-dessert crossover moment.
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Next to a slice of cake — balance out the indulgence with something lighter.
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With coffee or chai — because cozy things belong together.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen bananas?
Sure, just thaw them first. The texture gets softer, kind of pudding-like — actually pretty good if you’re into that.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes! Any plant-based milk works — almond and oat are my favorites.
Can I prep it in advance?
Sort of. Slice your bananas and refrigerate them in a sealed container. Add milk and cinnamon right before serving.

This 3 Ingredient Banana Dessert isn’t about showing off. It’s about slowing down. It’s the kind of thing you make on a random Tuesday night, barefoot, while scrolling your phone and humming to yourself. It’s quick, sweet, and humble — the kind of dessert that doesn’t pretend to be anything else.
And maybe that’s what makes it so special. It’s not about effort — it’s about ease. It’s comfort in a bowl, nostalgia in every bite, and a reminder that sometimes the simplest things are the ones that stick.
So go grab that banana that’s been sitting on your counter, pour in a little milk, and sprinkle your cinnamon magic. Because sometimes, the smallest moments — the quick, imperfect ones — are the ones that taste the best.
< Remember it later! >
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
< Remember it later! >
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana sliced into rounds
- ½ cup milk whole milk preferred, or any milk of choice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Prepare the banana:
- Peel and slice the banana into evenly sized rounds, approximately ¼-inch thick. Arrange the slices in a shallow serving bowl or dish.
Add the milk:
- Pour the milk gently over the banana slices, ensuring they are lightly submerged. Avoid adding excessive milk to maintain the ideal balance of flavor and texture.
Sprinkle the cinnamon:
- Evenly dust the surface with ground cinnamon. The spice enhances the natural sweetness of the banana and adds warmth to the overall flavor.
Serve immediately:
- Enjoy the dessert fresh for the best texture and taste. For a chilled version, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!


