There is something undeniably comforting and indulgent about the warm, sweet embrace of bananas cooked to golden perfection and drizzled with a luscious cinnamon butter sauce. This Fried Bananas with Cinnamon Butter Sauce Recipe is a divine treat that marries the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich, buttery caramel sauce infused with warm cinnamon and a touch of vanilla. Whether you are looking for a speedy dessert to impress guests or a cozy snack to brighten up your day, this recipe brings the perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be simple, but each plays a crucial role in creating the magic of Fried Bananas with Cinnamon Butter Sauce Recipe. From the soft ripeness of the bananas to the fragrant warmth of cinnamon and the silky richness of butter, every element works in harmony to delight your palate.
- 4 ripe bananas: Choose bananas that are firm yet sweet to achieve a perfect caramelization without mushiness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Provides the creamy base for the sauce and helps golden-brown the bananas beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Melts into a caramel-like coating, adding sweetness and a slight crunch.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice that complements the caramel and bananas perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle, sweet aroma.
- 1/4 cup dark rum (optional): Brings depth and a slight boozy kick that elevates the sauce to a gourmet level.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the richness of the sauce.
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional): Adds a cool, creamy contrast that pairs irresistibly with the warm sauce.
How to Make Fried Bananas with Cinnamon Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Bananas
Begin by peeling your bananas and slicing them in half lengthwise. This shape allows them to have enough surface area to caramelize beautifully in the skillet while maintaining their tender texture inside. It’s simple prep work that sets the stage for the mouthwatering results.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a large skillet set over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. This step is essential because the butter will provide the rich, silky base that helps the sugar melt evenly and the bananas brown perfectly. Keep an eye on it to avoid browning the butter too much.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Sauce
Once your butter has liquefied, sprinkle the granulated sugar into the pan and stir gently until it dissolves into a smooth, caramel-like sauce. The sugar blends with the butter to create a sweet, luscious coating that will envelop the bananas wonderfully.
Step 4: Add Cinnamon, Vanilla, and Salt
Sprinkle in the ground cinnamon, pour in the vanilla extract, and add a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture well to combine all these aromatic ingredients, making sure each element is balanced and enhances the overall flavor depth of your sauce.
Step 5: Optional Dark Rum for Extra Flavor
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to add a little adult twist, carefully pour in the dark rum. Give it a moment to simmer so the alcohol evaporates while leaving behind a rich, complex undertone that makes this Fried Bananas with Cinnamon Butter Sauce Recipe a truly memorable dessert.
Step 6: Cook the Bananas
Gently place your banana slices into the skillet, cooking them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. During this time, the bananas will turn a gorgeous golden brown and lightly caramelize, soaking up the sauce’s warmth and sweetness while maintaining a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 7: Cool Slightly
Once cooked, remove the bananas from the skillet and let them cool for a minute or so. This brief resting time helps the sauce thicken slightly and ensures that each bite is perfectly coated without being too hot.
Step 8: Serve with a Drizzle of Cinnamon Butter Sauce
Serve these delightful fried bananas warm, ideally accompanied by a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Don’t forget to drizzle the luscious cinnamon butter sauce from the skillet over the top, letting it cascade over the bananas and ice cream for a truly decadent treat.
How to Serve Fried Bananas with Cinnamon Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and flavor, consider garnishing with chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a satisfying crunch. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a fresh mint leaf can add a pop of color and freshness to this already vibrant dish.
Side Dishes
This sweet treat is wonderful on its own, but pairing it with a light, fluffy pancake or a warm slice of pound cake can turn it into a brunch-worthy experience. It also serves as a delightful contrast alongside a simple green salad for an unexpected but harmonious meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your Fried Bananas with Cinnamon Butter Sauce Recipe in individual dessert bowls or elegant ramekins topped with whipped cream for a restaurant-worthy finish. Alternatively, layer the bananas and sauce over yogurt or oatmeal for a sensational breakfast upgrade that feels indulgent but wholesome.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, place the fried bananas and sauce in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They should keep well for up to 2 days, although the texture of the bananas may soften slightly with time.
Freezing
Because of the delicate texture of bananas, freezing is not recommended for this dish. The bananas tend to become mushy and lose their appealing caramelized exterior once thawed, which affects the overall enjoyment.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat the bananas in a skillet over low heat to revive the sauce and warm the bananas without breaking them down. Avoid microwaving as it often makes the bananas rubbery and the sauce uneven.
FAQs
Can I use plantains instead of bananas in this recipe?
Absolutely! Plantains work beautifully in this recipe, offering a firmer texture and a slightly different sweetness that still pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon butter sauce.
Is the dark rum necessary?
The dark rum is optional but highly recommended if you want that extra depth of flavor. You can skip it entirely if you prefer a non-alcoholic version, and the dish will still be delicious.
What type of bananas should I use?
Look for bananas that are ripe but still firm — not overly mushy. This ensures they hold up during cooking and achieve that perfect caramelized exterior without turning to mush inside.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this vegan, substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter alternative and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly. Everything else remains the same, and you’ll still get a fantastic dessert.
How do I avoid bananas from sticking to the pan?
Melt enough butter and keep the skillet at medium heat to prevent sticking. Using a non-stick skillet also helps, and gently flipping the bananas with a thin spatula will keep the slices intact.
Final Thoughts
This Fried Bananas with Cinnamon Butter Sauce Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorite indulgences to whip up when I want something both simple and spectacular. Its warmth, sweetness, and irresistible aroma make it a comforting treat any time of year. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!
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Fried Bananas with Cinnamon Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 10m
- Total Time: 0h 20m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in this quick and luscious Fried Bananas recipe featuring ripe bananas caramelized in a warm cinnamon butter sauce with a hint of vanilla and optional dark rum. Perfect as a comforting dessert served with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Banana and Sauce Ingredients
- 4 ripe bananas
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup dark rum (optional)
- Pinch of salt
For Serving
- Vanilla ice cream (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bananas: Peel the bananas and slice each one in half lengthwise to create elongated banana slices ready for frying.
- Melt Butter: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter, ensuring it doesn’t brown.
- Create the Cinnamon Sugar Sauce: Add the granulated sugar to the melted butter and stir continuously until the sugar dissolves completely, forming a smooth, caramel-like sauce.
- Add Flavorings: Sprinkle in the ground cinnamon, pour in the vanilla extract, and add a pinch of salt, stirring well to combine all the flavors evenly into the sauce.
- Add Dark Rum (Optional): Carefully pour the dark rum into the skillet, allowing it to simmer so the alcohol evaporates and the sauce absorbs the rich rum flavor.
- Cook the Bananas: Place the banana slices into the skillet and cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they become golden brown and slightly caramelized.
- Rest the Bananas: Remove the cooked bananas from the skillet and allow them to cool for a minute, letting the flavors settle.
- Serve: Serve the fried bananas warm, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzled generously with the cinnamon butter sauce from the skillet.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent them from becoming too mushy when frying.
- If avoiding alcohol, omit the dark rum and add a splash of orange juice or water instead.
- The cinnamon butter sauce can be spooned over pancakes or waffles as well.
- Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on banana ripeness and skillet heat.
