Caramelized Bananas Recipe

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With just three simple ingredients, you can make sweet caramelized bananas. This simple and delicious recipe is the easiest way to take your breakfast or dessert to the next level.

Caramelized bananas in a nonstick skillet.

Every week, I buy a bunch of slightly green bananas. I enjoy eating them when they still have a slight crunch. Then, I wait for them to ripen so I can use them to make banana scones or banana bread muffins.

Recently, I discovered a new way to enjoy fresh bananas before they get brown spots. We went out for brunch, and I ordered banana foster pancakes. They came with the most amazing brown sugar bananas on top.

Anything that is pan-fried in butter and sugar is delicious, so I knew I had to try making this at home. The following week, I had ripe bananas and discovered that making this gooey topping is incredibly easy. Trust me, you have to try this simple recipe!

It's an excellent topping for banana pancakes, waffles, French toast, yogurt, or vanilla ice cream. You can also dig in with a spoon like I did! There's no judgment here!

Main Ingredients

The best part about this recipe is that you only need three simple ingredients to make this gooey banana caramel topping.

Ingredients needed to make caramelized bananas on a white cutting board.

Butter: I use unsalted butter for all my recipes, but salted butter would work just fine in this recipe.
Brown Sugar: Sweetens the bananas and melts into a gooey caramel texture.
Ripe Bananas: For maximum flavor, choose firm yellow bananas. Green or unripe bananas lack sweetness, while brown or overripe bananas become mushy when cooked.

How To Make Caramelized Bananas

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy the cooking process is. It only takes ten minutes to make stove top caramelized bananas that you will fall in love with.

Slice the bananas. Make sure the banana slices are at least 1 inch thick.

Melt butter. Add the butter to a nonstick skillet and heat over low heat until melted and bubbly.

Add sugar. Stir in the brown sugar, then let it melt slightly. Keep a close watch so it doesn't scorch.

Cook the bananas. Place the bananas in a single layer in the pan and let each side cook for 3-4 minutes, until they are sticky and caramelized.

Serve and enjoy. We love adding pan-fried bananas to the top of banana waffles or a warm bowl of oatmeal. They are also amazing with a dollop of whipped cream!

A wooden spoon lifting caramel banana slices out of a pan.

Storage Recommendations

Leftover caramel bananas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Enjoy them reheated in the microwave or cold from the fridge.

BruCrew Tips

Choose firm, yellow bananas. Ones with spots will end up too mushy.
Cut the bananas into thick slices so they do not disintegrate while cooking.
Allow the edges to get slightly crispy as they caramelize in the caramel sauce, then gently flip over and cook the other side until golden brown.
Increase the butter and brown sugar to create a creamier sauce.
To enhance the flavor of the melted brown sugar sauce, add a splash of vanilla extract and a little bit of ground cinnamon.

FAQs

Can I use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar?

Absolutely! Just reduce the heat slightly and closely monitor the pan, as these alternatives burn faster than regular sugar.

Can I caramelize bananas in the oven?

Place banana slices in a baking dish. Drizzle them with melted butter, sprinkle with brown sugar, then roast at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes. They’ll get golden and caramel-like without needing a skillet.

How do you serve these sweet banana slices?

You can add the topping to pancakes, waffles, crepes, pound cake, ice cream, chia pudding, or overnight oats. Your creativity is truly limitless!

A bowl of caramelized bananas on a white and yellow towel.

More Banana Recipes

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