Warm, sweet Easy Caramelized Bananas made with bananas, sugar, and optional ice cream for a simple, upgraded dessert moment.
Funny enough, these Easy Caramelized Bananas weren’t originally a recipe I planned to love. They kind of stumbled into my life during one of those weeks where everything felt slightly off — you know those weeks? Mine started with a tiring grocery trip where I swore I’d buy “just milk and bread,” and somehow walked out with random snacks, a candle that smelled like “Coastal Sunrise,” and a bunch of bananas I didn’t even remember grabbing. Fast-forward a few days and those bananas were staring at me from my counter with that speckled “use me or lose me” energy.
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!
It reminded me of this moment from when I was younger — my aunt used to jazz up bananas by frying them with a sprinkle of brown sugar whenever she needed a five-minute dessert. The whole house would smell warm and sweet, and she’d always wink at me like she knew she just hacked life in the simplest way possible. I don’t know why that memory popped into my head, but it did. And I figured, why not try something like that?
But instead of frying, I went with the broiler because… well, because it was already hot out and I wasn’t standing over a stove. I sliced the bananas, sprinkled sugar like I was pretending to be fancy, popped them under the broiler, and hoped for the best. Honestly? When they came out all golden and glossy, smelling like a warm banana split, it felt like a tiny unexpected win — the kind you really appreciate on a messy day. Ever have one of those small victories that just makes you breathe a little easier? Yeah. That’s what these Easy Caramelized Bananas became for me.
Here’s a quick peek at what’s inside:
Table of content
Why You’ll Love This Easy Caramelized Bananas Recipe?
There’s something incredibly comforting about a recipe that doesn’t ask much of you. These Easy Caramelized Bananas feel like the dessert version of a friend who shows up unannounced with snacks and zero judgement. They’re warm, lightly crisp on top, soft in the middle, and just the right amount of sweet without tipping into “I might regret this later” territory.
And I love how this recipe doesn’t pretend to be fancier than it is. It’s just bananas and sugar… but somehow tastes like the lazy cousin of bananas foster. And I mean that lovingly — sometimes “lazy cousin” is exactly the energy you want in the kitchen. Plus, they’re ridiculously fast. The kind of dessert you can make between episodes of a show you’re not even that into but keep watching anyway for some reason. Do you know what I mean?
Ingredient Notes:
Before you dive in, let’s talk about the tiny cast of characters that make these Easy Caramelized Bananas happen. They’re simple, but each one plays a role — kind of like the lineup of ingredients in any old-fashioned family dessert.
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Ripe, Firm Bananas: Not green, not mushy — that sweet middle ground. Too soft and they’ll collapse, too firm and they won’t caramelize right. But honestly, if they’re a little too ripe, they’ll still taste amazing. Just… less photogenic.
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Granulated Sugar: Classic, dependable, melts beautifully. You only need a little.
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Vanilla Ice Cream (Optional): Cold + warm? It just works. A small scoop makes everything feel like a proper dessert.
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Chopped Pistachios (Optional): Total upgrade if you want crunch. My cousin adds walnuts instead, which somehow feels more “Sunday family lunch” to me.
How To Make Easy Caramelized Bananas?
Making these Easy Caramelized Bananas is weirdly satisfying — like doing something fancy with absolutely no stress.
Step 1: Turn on the broiler.
Move your oven rack so it’s about 6 inches under the broiler. Then line a baking sheet with foil. Trust me — caramelized sugar on an unlined tray is a nightmare you don’t want to meet.
Step 2: Slice the bananas.
Slice each banana in half lengthwise. I always flip mine upside down so the curve sits against the cutting board — otherwise it wiggles like it’s trying to audition for a music video. Gently separate each half and lay them cut-side up.
Step 3: Add the sugar.
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar over each banana half. Don’t overthink it. Scatter it like you’re seasoning fries.
Step 4: Broil.
Let the bananas broil for 5 to 7 minutes. The sugar will bubble and turn golden. You might need to rotate the pan — my oven definitely has “hot spots” like it’s doing its own thing. Yours might too.
Step 5: Serve warm.
Let them cool just enough to avoid burning your tongue (I’ve learned the hard way). Serve warm in the peel, with ice cream if you want that full dessert moment.
Storage Options:
These Easy Caramelized Bananas are truly at their best fresh — warm, shiny, a little dramatic. But if you somehow have leftovers (rare in my house), you can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. They turn soft and a little sticky when chilled, kind of like cold banana pudding with a sweet top. Not bad at all.
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Variations and Substitutions:
This recipe is super flexible — like, “use whatever mood you’re in” flexible.
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Brown Sugar: For deeper flavor.
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Butter: A tiny pat melts into a richer caramel.
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Coconut Sugar: A little earthier, still delicious.
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Rum Flavoring or a Dash of Rum: Gives you that bananas foster vibe without the whole production.
What to Serve with Easy Caramelized Bananas?
I love how these Easy Caramelized Bananas become the extra touch for so many desserts or breakfasts.
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Vanilla ice cream — the classic.
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Waffles or pancakes — amazing, honestly.
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Greek yogurt — dessert-for-breakfast energy.
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Chocolate drizzle — just trust me.
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Whipped cream — effortless and delightful.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use very ripe bananas?
You can, but they soften a lot. Still good — just messy.
Can I replace the sugar?
Totally. Brown sugar and coconut sugar both work.
Can I make them ahead?
They’re best fresh, but leftovers taste great cold the next day.
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:
Easy Caramelized Bananas
Ingredients
- 4 ripe firm bananas
- 8 teaspoons granulated sugar
- Vanilla ice cream optional
- Chopped pistachios optional
Instructions
Prepare the Broiler and Baking Sheet
- Position the oven rack approximately 6 inches from the broiler. Preheat the broiler. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
Slice the Bananas
- Working one banana at a time, hold it steady and carefully slice it in half lengthwise through the peel and flesh. You should obtain two long halves per banana. Gently separate each half from its peel.
Arrange and Sweeten
- Place the banana halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar evenly over each half.
Broil the Bananas
- Transfer the baking sheet to the oven. Broil for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the sugar bubbles and turns golden. Rotate the baking sheet once or twice if necessary to ensure even caramelization. Remove immediately once caramelized.
Cool and Serve
- Allow the bananas to cool briefly. Serve warm in their peels, with optional vanilla ice cream or chopped pistachios.
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!
