Description
Caramelized Bananas transform ripe bananas into a warm, sweet, golden dessert or topping, bursting with rich caramel flavor and a luscious texture. Quick and easy to prepare with simple ingredients, this versatile dish enhances breakfasts, desserts, or snacks with minimal effort and maximum taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2–3 ripe bananas (yellow with a few brown spots)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Optional Ingredients
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Your Bananas: Peel the ripe bananas and slice them diagonally into thick pieces about ½ inch thick. This cutting style maximizes surface area for caramelization while keeping them sturdy during cooking.
- Heat the Pan and Melt Butter: Place a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely without browning, to create a smooth base for the caramel.
- Add Sugar and Lemon Juice: Sprinkle brown sugar evenly into the melted butter and pour in the lemon juice. Stir gently to combine and let the mixture bubble and thicken slightly into a sticky syrup.
- Cook the Bananas: Add banana slices in a single layer to the skillet. Cook about 2 minutes on each side without moving them too much, allowing a golden caramel crust to form.
- Add Spices and Vanilla (Optional): Sprinkle cinnamon or other desired spices over the bananas, then drizzle with vanilla extract. Stir gently to coat the bananas evenly with the fragrant caramel sauce.
- Serve Warm: Once bananas are golden and glossy, remove from heat immediately. Serve the caramelized bananas warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm bananas; overripe bananas become mushy and lose shape.
- Don’t skip lemon juice to balance sweetness and prevent quick browning.
- Cook on medium heat to avoid burning sugar and ensure smooth caramel.
- Use a nonstick skillet to prevent sticking and ease flipping.
- Serve immediately for optimal texture and flavor before the sauce thickens.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (about 3-4 banana slices)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg