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Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas Recipe
Ben Carraoli

Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas Recipe

I’ve always been a fan of simple, sweet treats that take hardly any time to make, and pan fried cinnamon bananas quickly became one of my favorites. The moment they hit the pan, the aroma of caramelized bananas and warm cinnamon fills the kitchen—it's pure magic. I love how these bananas transform from ordinary fruit into a dessert that feels indulgent but is still light.
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Total Time 12 minutes
Servings: 3
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2-3 ripe bananas – just starting to get brown spots; under-ripe works too but avoid overripe to prevent mushiness.
  • 2 tablespoons butter – adds richness and helps caramelize the bananas.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – warms up the flavor and pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey – I prefer raw honey but any type works; balances the cinnamon and caramelizes nicely.

Method
 

  1. Peel and slice the bananas into halves or thick rounds. Choosing bananas that are just ripe gives a perfect balance of sweetness and firmness. Avoid overripe ones to prevent them from turning mushy in the pan.
  2. In a frying pan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the honey and cinnamon until fully combined. The mixture should become aromatic and slightly bubbly, forming a syrupy base for your bananas.
  3. Place the banana slices in the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Adjust the heat if necessary to avoid burning, and gently move them around so they soak up the cinnamon-honey sauce evenly.
  4. Once caramelized and tender, remove the bananas from the pan. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. They pair wonderfully with ice cream, pancakes, or simply on their own as a quick snack.

Notes

  • I always use just-ripe bananas—they caramelize perfectly without becoming mushy.
  • Don’t rush the cooking; letting them sit for a minute on each side gives that golden crust.
  • I like adding a pinch of sea salt—it enhances the natural sweetness.
  • If I want extra flavor, I drizzle a little extra honey on top right before serving.