Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas caramelize to perfection with butter, honey, and warm cinnamon. Perfect over pancakes, oatmeal, or ice cream!
You ever have those mornings where you’re craving something warm and sweet but the thought of making an actual breakfast feels… exhausting? Yeah, same here.
A few weeks back, I was staring into my kitchen, half a cup of coffee down, hoping for some breakfast inspiration that didn’t involve cereal again. That’s when I spotted the bananas—definitely on the too ripe side of things but not quite banana bread territory.
I remembered seeing caramelized bananas at this cozy brunch spot a while back, so I thought, How hard could it be? I tossed some butter in a skillet, sprinkled cinnamon (because it makes everything better), and drizzled in a bit of honey. Let the bananas sizzle, flip, and BOOM—kitchen smelled like a bakery. My husband walked in halfway through, sniffed the air, and was like, “Uh… where’s my plate?”
Since then, this has been my go-to when I want something sweet but easy. It’s kind of magical how four basic ingredients can turn into such a cozy, caramelized treat. Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or a random Tuesday snack—these pan-fried cinnamon bananas always hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas Recipe?
- Super Fast: Done in 10 minutes flat. No long prep, no fuss.
- 4 Ingredients: Bananas, cinnamon, butter, and honey—seriously, that’s it.
- Naturally Sweet: The bananas and honey take care of the sweetness, no extra sugar needed.
- Comfort Food Vibes: Warm, caramelized, and just cozy.
- Kid-Friendly: My kiddo calls them “banana candy,” so yeah, they’re a win.
- Versatile: Top your pancakes, yogurt, oatmeal—or just eat them straight from the pan.
Ingredient Notes:
Simple, but every ingredient pulls its weight here.
- Bananas: Go for the ripe ones with brown spots. They’re naturally sweeter and caramelize beautifully. Avoid green ones—they stay too firm.
- Cinnamon: Adds that warm, slightly spicy kick that makes the bananas taste fancy.
- Butter: It’s the key to that rich, caramelized coating. Salted butter adds a bit of balance, but unsalted works too.
- Honey: Sweet, sticky, and caramelizes perfectly. Raw honey works great, but any honey will do.
Pro Tip: Out of honey? Maple syrup works beautifully too—and gives the bananas a cozy fall vibe.
How To Make Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas?
This is the kind of recipe you can pull off before your coffee kicks in.
Step 1. Melt the Butter:
Set a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the butter and let it melt completely. Then add the honey and cinnamon—stir until it forms a smooth, golden sauce.
The second that cinnamon hits the butter? Instant cozy kitchen vibes.
Step 2. Add the Bananas:
Gently place your banana slices in a single layer in the pan. You want each piece to touch the skillet—that’s how you get those perfectly caramelized edges.
Resist the urge to move them around. Let them sit for 4 minutes so they can work their magic.
Step 3. Flip & Finish Cooking:
Once the bottoms are golden brown and caramelized, use tongs or a spatula to flip each slice. Cook for another 4 minutes on the other side.
The bananas should be soft but not mushy, with a sticky honey glaze coating every piece.
Step 4. Serve Immediately:
Turn off the heat and serve the bananas right away. They’re best when warm and caramelized, straight from the skillet.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Storage Options:
Honestly, these bananas are so good, they probably won’t last. But if you do end up with extras:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet for a few minutes or microwave in short bursts.
- Freezer: Not recommended—bananas turn mushy when thawed.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to mix things up? Here are a few fun ideas:
- Maple Swap: No honey? Maple syrup makes a perfect swap.
- Extra Spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice for fall vibes.
- Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top after cooking.
- Boozy Bananas: Add a splash of rum or bourbon during cooking for a banana foster twist.
- Vegan-Friendly: Swap butter for coconut oil. Still delicious!
What to Serve with Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas?
These bananas are so versatile, they can turn anything into a treat:
- For Breakfast:
- On top of pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
- Mixed into oatmeal with a splash of milk.
- Layered with yogurt and granola for a banana parfait.
- For Dessert:
- Over vanilla ice cream (seriously, do it).
- With pound cake or angel food cake.
- Layered into a trifle with whipped cream.
- For a Snack:
- On a slice of peanut butter toast.
- Straight from the pan… because why not?
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use overripe bananas?
Totally! Just avoid mushy ones—they’ll fall apart during cooking.
What if I don’t have honey?
No worries! Maple syrup or even brown sugar with a splash of water works great.
How do I stop the bananas from sticking?
Use enough butter and make sure the heat isn’t too high. A non-stick skillet helps too!
And there you have it—Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas in all their golden, buttery, cinnamon-spiced glory. Honestly, it’s one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making way more often than you expect.
So next time you’ve got a couple of bananas on the counter begging to be used, grab a skillet and give these a try. You won’t regret it!
And hey—if you make them, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Tag me on social or drop a comment below—your feedback makes my 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:
Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas
Ingredients
- 2 Bananas cut into 1/2" pieces
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1 tbsp. Butter
- 2 tbsp. Raw Honey or Regular Honey
Instructions
- In a medium-high heat frying pan combine cinnamon, butter and honey. Heat the mixture until it melts and combines well.
- Place banana slices, in the pan. Cook them for 4 minutes until the undersides become caramelized and turn a golden brown color. Adjust the heat as necessary to avoid burning.
- Flip all of the banana pieces over. Continue cooking for 4 minutes until the other side is also golden brown.
- Serve away on top of ice cream, yogurt, pancakes or French toast. Enjoy your treat!
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!
