Caramelized Bananasrn

overhead shot of Caramelized Bananas with a scoop of ice cream on a plate

Caramelized bananas are a delicious treat made with simple ingredients that make the perfect topping for any dessert.

Table of Contents

Caramelized Bananas Ingredients
Substitutions And Additions
How To Make This Caramelized Bananas Recipe
How To Serve
Storage
Why We Love This Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
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JUMP TO RECIPE

Caramelized bananas are an incredibly easy-to-make dessert that is sure to please any sweet tooth. The process of caramelizing them brings out their natural sweetness and creates a beautiful golden color.

Caramelized Bananas Ingredients

Caramelized Bananas raw ingredients that are labeled

The texture of caramelized bananas is very different from fresh bananas.

Instead of being soft and mushy, the bananas become slightly crisp on the outside yet remain juicy and creamy on the inside.

You’ll need:

½ cup of light brown sugar, packed
4 overripe bananas, thickly sliced (½ inch)
½ cup of salted sweet cream butter, sliced into pats
1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
Vanilla ice cream (optional garnish)

Substitutions And Additions

SPICES: You can substitute ground cinnamon, allspice, or ground cloves for the ground nutmeg stovetop caramelized bananas.

VANILLA EXTRACT: For a bit of an exotic twist, you could substitute rum extract for the vanilla extract in this easy recipe.

SUGAR: For a different option, you can swap out the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or brown sugar.

These alternatives offer a rich, caramel-like flavor that complements the bananas beautifully.

Keep in mind that coconut sugar has a slightly different flavor profile, so expect a subtle change in taste.

NUTS: Feel free to sprinkle in some chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds during the caramelization process.

These add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the sweet bananas. Make sure to use nuts that won’t burn easily.

How To Make This Caramelized Bananas Recipe

Making caramelized bananas is an easy process, and you will be rewarded with a soft, sweet treat that will be impossible to resist.

Here’s how to make them.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

You can slice the bananas in half lengthwise or even at a diagonal angle before coating and cooking.

STEP ONE: Sprinkle the brown sugar in a shallow baking dish.

STEP TWO: Slice the bananas in half lengthwise or even at a diagonal angle before coating and cooking.

STEP THREE: Roll the thickly sliced pieces of banana in the brown sugar.

STEP FOUR: Heat the sliced butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. As the butter melts, add the vanilla and nutmeg. Stir to combine completely.

PRO TIP:

Make sure your butter is completely melted before adding the banana slices. This ensures they are evenly coated and don’t burn in the pan.

vanilla and nutmeg stirred with the butter

STEP FIVE: Add the coated slices of banana to the melted butter.

Cook for 3 to 3½ minutes, flip, and continue cooking for another 2½ to 3 minutes.

Be sure to keep a close watch on the bananas; they can go from caramelized to burned very quickly.

Remove the skillet from the heat.

Serve over a scoop of ice cream.

How To Serve

Caramelized bananas are a great topping when served over vanilla ice cream, but there are plenty of other options for serving these sweet treats.

Consider topping them with toasted pecans or coconut flakes for a crunchy texture, or drizzle rich caramel sauce over the top for an extra special indulgence.

The caramelized bananas can also be served on top of pancakes, French toast, pound cake, angel food cake, or even over top of air fryer banana bread.

If you have an abundance of bananas that need to be used up, check out more of our favorite banana recipes, including our banana bread and banana bread pudding.

MORE BANANA RECIPES

Cake Recipes

Banana Upside-Down Cake

Quick Breads

Cast Iron Banana Bread

Storage

We’ve got you covered on how to store these scrumptious treats for later enjoyment.

MAKE AHEAD: While caramelized bananas are best enjoyed fresh off the skillet, you can prepare the caramel sauce separately and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until it’s pourable again.

Then, drizzle it over freshly sliced bananas for a quick and impressive dessert.

IN THE FRIDGE: The caramelized bananas really are best eaten when cooked, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight.

IN THE FREEZER: We don’t recommend freezing this caramelized banana recipe as they will become mushy once thawed.

overhead shot of Caramelized Bananas in a skillet

Why We Love This Recipe

SWEET AND BUTTERY FLAVOR: These caramelized bananas are a delightful fusion of sweet and buttery flavors. The caramelization process transforms simple banana slices into a rich and indulgent treat that’s both comforting and irresistible.

QUICK AND EASY: This recipe is a breeze to make, and it doesn’t require a long list of ingredients or complicated steps. In just a matter of minutes, you can whip up a delicious dessert or topping that’s perfect for those sudden sweet cravings.

No matter how you choose to serve this delicious treat, the caramelized bananas will be sure to please everyone. Plus, it’s our favorite way to use up bananas and make something extra special.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use underripe bananas for this recipe?

While ripe bananas are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use slightly underripe bananas. Keep in mind that they might not caramelize as well and could be a bit firmer.

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Frozen bananas can work, but keep in mind that they release more moisture during cooking. Thaw and drain the frozen slices before caramelizing to avoid excessive liquid in the pan.

What other ingredients can I add to caramelized bananas?

You can add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice for a delicious twist on this simple recipe. For an added crunch, you can add chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or granola.

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