Name: Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 9 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons brown sugar or granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe comes together in under 10 minutes, making it perfect for satisfying a sudden sweet craving. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas pairs beautifully with cinnamon and sugar, creating a comforting flavor. Plus, it’s versatile — you can enjoy it on its own, over pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or even ice cream. Best of all, it requires minimal ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ripe bananas
Butter
Brown sugar or granulated sugar
Ground cinnamon
Vanilla extract (optional)

Directions

Peel the bananas and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds.
In a nonstick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the banana slices to the skillet in a single layer.
Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.
Cook for 1–2 minutes on each side until golden and caramelized.
Remove from the heat and serve immediately, plain or with your favorite topping.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 2 servings and takes approximately 5 minutes to prepare and 4 minutes to cook, for a total of around 9 minutes.

Variations

Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
Swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice or nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
Add a splash of rum while cooking for a boozy twist.
Use maple syrup instead of sugar for a richer, natural sweetness.
Sprinkle toasted nuts on top for added crunch.

Storage/Reheating

These bananas are best enjoyed fresh, as they can soften quickly. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat until warm. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them mushy.

FAQs

Can I use underripe bananas?

It’s best to use ripe bananas for sweetness and softness. Underripe bananas will be firmer and less flavorful.

Can I make these without sugar?

Yes, you can skip the sugar entirely or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

What type of cinnamon works best?

Ground Ceylon cinnamon offers a mild, sweet flavor, while Cassia cinnamon has a stronger, spicier taste. Both work well.

Can I make them ahead of time?

They taste best fresh, but you can prep the banana slices and have the other ingredients ready for quick cooking later.

Will frozen bananas work?

Frozen bananas tend to release more liquid and can become mushy, so fresh bananas are recommended.

Can I serve these with savory dishes?

Yes, they pair surprisingly well with dishes like fried chicken for a sweet-savory contrast.

Can I cook them in an air fryer?

Yes, you can air fry banana slices at 375°F for 4–5 minutes after tossing them in butter, cinnamon, and sugar.

Can I add chocolate?

Definitely — drizzle melted chocolate over the cooked bananas or sprinkle chocolate chips right after cooking.

Can I use plantains instead of bananas?

Yes, ripe plantains will work and produce a slightly different flavor and texture.

Are these healthy?

They are a treat, but you can make them lighter by using less butter and sugar or skipping the added sweetener entirely.

Conclusion

Pan fried cinnamon bananas are a fast, flavorful, and comforting treat that works for breakfast, dessert, or a quick snack. With just a few simple ingredients and minutes of cooking, you can have a warm, caramelized banana dish ready to enjoy. Whether served on their own or as a topping, they’re sure to be a hit for all ages.