3-Ingredient Caramelized Bananas Topping
Caramelized bananas are the perfect way to add a sweet, buttery, and slightly fancy touch to your breakfast without spending a ton of time in the kitchen. They’re quick, easy, and effortlessly delicious!
All you need are a couple of ripe bananas, some sugar, and a little bit of butter. In about 13 minutes, you’ve got a warm, gooey topping for pancakes, oatmeal, or even French toast. It’s the kind of simple recipe that makes you feel like you’re treating yourself, even on the busiest mornings.
Great Reasons You Will Want to Make This Caramelized Bananas
This caramelized banana recipe is a great breakfast choice because it’s quick to make and instantly upgrades any dish with its sweet, buttery flavor. Plus, it’s the best way to use up ripe bananas and turn them into something warm, comforting, and absolutely delicious.
- Buttery-sweet flavor: These bananas are soft, buttery, and caramelized to golden perfection, with a rich sweetness that tastes like fancy dessert for breakfast.
- Super simple: This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires just a nonstick pan and 3 simple ingredients: bananas, brown sugar, and butter.
- Ready in 13 minutes: It’s the perfect way to add a special touch to your breakfast without spending extra time.
- Bananas on a budget: The easiest way to use up ripe bananas you already have on hand, making this recipe both delicious and affordable.
- Quick prep: Prepping the bananas is a breeze; just peel and slice them into rounds. It’s quick and simple, and they cook up into a beautiful golden color so perfectly!
- Control the ingredients: Making caramelized bananas at home allows you to use quality, fresh bananas. Plus, you can swap in vegan butter or sweeteners like maple syrup for a healthier twist.
- Serving suggestions: Caramelized bananas are a perfect topping for pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal, adding a sweet, warm touch. You can also serve them over a scoop of ice cream or with a drizzle of chocolate for a simple yet indulgent dessert.
Here’s Your Grocery List For Caramelized Bananas
For this delicious recipe, all you need are 3 ingredients to get a flavor-packed dessert ready in minutes.
- Butter: Look for unsalted butter for better control over the flavor. Only real butter will work for this recipe.
- Bananas: Choose bananas that are ripe but firm—yellow with a few brown spots is ideal for caramelizing. Avoid overripe bananas because they can lose their shape and become mushy.
- Brown sugar: Opt for light brown sugar for a subtle caramel flavor, or dark brown sugar if you want a richer, more intense taste.
Note: You can find the full recipe with ingredients and measurements in the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
How To Make Caramelized Bananas
Step 1: Prepare The Bananas
First, peel your bananas and slice them into 3/4-inch-thick rounds. If you prefer, you can also cut them into long strips for a different texture.
Step 2: Sugar Coat The Bananas
Add the brown sugar and the banana slices in a bowl. Using a spoon or your hands, toss your banana slices in brown sugar. You want to coat them evenly, so take your time and make sure every slice is covered with the sugar crystals.
Pro tip: If you want an extra layer of sugar on each banana, gently press the sugar onto the banana’s surface as you toss them.
Step 3: Cook The Bananas
Next, heat a frying pan over medium heat. Don’t rush this part since you want the pan to be hot enough to sizzle but not so hot that the bananas burn. Add your butte. When it melts place the banana slices in a single layer. Let them cook for about 4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and have that perfect caramelized finish.
Pro tip: Cook the banana slices in batches because they won’t cook evenly when the pan is too overcrowded.
Step 4: Serve
Once your bananas are perfectly caramelized, it’s time to enjoy! Serve them immediately while they’re still warm and sticky. They’re amazing as a topping for fluffy pancakes, crispy waffles, over ice cream or stirred right into oatmeal for a comforting breakfast.
If you have any leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them in the microwave in short bursts when you’re ready to serve.
Tips and Variations
- Toss in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the pan during the last minute of cooking to add some nutty crunch texture.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, add a splash of rum or bourbon to the pan when the bananas are almost done to give them a boozy twist.
- Add a cozy depth to the caramelized bananas with cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract.
- If you want a low-sugar option, replace brown sugar with coconut sugar, stevia, or monk fruit sweetener.
- For a low-carb or keto diet, use stevia instead of brown sugar.
- To make it vegan or dairy-free, swap regular butter for butter-flavored coconut oil.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can caramelize bananas without traditional sugar. Just use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. These alternatives can offer a different flavor profile while still achieving a caramelized effect.
Absolutely! You can make caramelized bananas in different ways. If you use an oven, bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes until caramelized. In the microwave, cook on high for 2 minutes.
Serving Ideas
Use as a topping for sourdough discard pancakes, pumpkin spice oatmeal, or blueberry toast for a decadent breakfast experience.
Add a dollop of whipped cream or drizzle with melted chocolate to enjoy them as a sweet snack or side dish.
Pair with turmeric coffee, iced matcha latte, or hot chocolate to add a rich depth of flavor.
To keep them warm for a buffet when serving a large group, transfer them to a slow cooker set to a “keep warm” setting.
Caramelized Bananas Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 bananas large, ripe but firm
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
Prepare the Bananas
- Peel and slice the bananas into ¾-inch thick rounds (or long strips if preferred).2 bananas
Cook the Bananas
- In a bowl, toss the banana slices with brown sugar until evenly coated.3 tablespoons brown sugar
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat and melt the butter.1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Add the bananas to the pan and fry for 4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and caramelized.
Serve
- Serve immediately as a topping on pancakes, waffles or stirred into oatmeal.
