Easy Caramelized Bananas
This recipe for Easy Caramelized Bananas is made with salted butter and real maple syrup ready in less than 10 minutes! Maple syrup takes the place of refined sugar in this simple healthy dessert that’s great for topping frozen yogurt, ice cream, or Greek yogurt!
If you have ripe bananas lying around and aren’t in the mood to make another loaf of banana bread, you’ll love using them to make this simple caramelized banana recipe! Just look at that sweet browned butter deliciousness!
You’ll slice up ripe bananas, then saute them in butter in a pan. Once cooked down, you’ll add real maple syrup to sweeten and cook them down until they become bubbly and caramelized. The entire process takes just 10 minutes to get the perfect topping for ice cream, yogurt, oatmeal, or your favorite stack of pancakes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s made without any refined sugars, but still sweet.
- You can use it to top your favorite dessert or sweet breakfast options.
- It takes just 10 minutes to make and only uses 3 simple ingredients.
- It’s a great way to use up any extra bananas you may have.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ripe Bananas – These bring a naturally sweet banana flavor.
- Salted Butter – Helps add a rich buttery taste when cooking the bananas.
- Real Maple Syrup – Adds a maple flavor, natural sweetness, and helps gives the bananas their caramel color.
How To Make Caramelized Bananas
Step 1. Cook the bananas. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat until melted.
Slice the bananas in half, then again lengthwise.
Add bananas and cook for 2 minutes, flip and cook 2 minutes more until they are golden brown.
Step 2. Caramelize the bananas. Turn off the burner and add the maple syrup to the pan, it will bubble up and start to caramelize. Allow the bananas to cook in the syrup for 1 more minute off the heat.
Step 3. Remove from heat and serve. Transfer to a plate and top with a scoop of homemade vanilla frozen yogurt, ice cream, Greek yogurt, or your favorite toppings.
Homemade Vanilla Frozen Yogurt
If you’re looking for a healthy way to enjoy caramelized bananas, try making this easy frozen yogurt recipe!
You’ll Need:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups plain whole milk yogurt (go for Greek for more protein)
- ¼ cup sugar or Whole Earth sweetener (for a sugar-alternative)
- 3 tbsp dark amber maple syrup
- 1 tsp good quality vanilla extract
- 1 vanilla bean
Instructions:
- Slice vanilla bean, lengthwise, and scrape into a mixing bowl.
- Add remaining ingredients and whisk until thoroughly mixed.
- Make sure the mixture is well chilled before churning.
- Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
NOTE: I love serving this frozen yogurt soft-serve style as soon as it’s finished churning. In my opinion, the taste and texture are better this way, but you can pour it into a freezer-safe storage container with a tight-fitting lid and freeze it up to 2 hours before serving.
Recipe Tips & Substitutions
- If using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to the bananas to help balance out the sweet flavor.
- For the best tasting caramelized bananas, use grass-fed butter such as Kerrygold.
- This recipe will only work with ripe bananas, so make sure they have brown spots and are slightly soft to the touch.
- Instead of using maple syrup, bananas can be caramelized with honey, agave, or coconut sugar to keep them refined sugar-free. If that isn’t a concern for you, use brown or even white granulated sugar.
How To Use Caramelized Bananas
There are so many ways you can use caramelized bananas in your favorite recipe!
- Use them as a topping to your favorite Overnight Oats Recipe.
- Add a scoop on top of Clean Eating Buttermilk Pancakes.
- Blend them into a Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie.
- Add them to a Protein-Packed Ice Cream Sandwich.
Topping Ideas
- Chocolate Chips
- Powdered Sugar
- Chopped Nuts
- Dried Fruit
- Whipped Cream
- Cinnamon
- Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Sprinkles
- Caramel Sauce Drizzle
- Peanut Butter
- White Chocolate
Storing & Reheating
Storing: Caramelized bananas can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days in an airtight container. Freezing is not recommended.
Reheating: To reheat caramelized bananas, add them to a skillet over medium-low heat and saute until warmed through.
*This recipe was originally published July 25, 2012 and has been updated throughout, but the delicious recipe remains the same.
More Banana Recipes
Dark Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
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Easy Caramelized Bananas
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas sliced in half and then slice again lengthwise (you will have 4 pieces)
- 1 tbsp salted butter
- 1 tbsp real maple syrup
Instructions
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat until melted. Add bananas and cook for 2 minutes, flip and cook 2 minutes more until they are golden brown.
- Turn off the burner and add the maple syrup to the pan, it will bubble up and start to caramelize. Allow the bananas to cook in the syrup for 1 more minute off the heat.
- Transfer to a plate and top with a scoop of homemade vanilla frozen yogurt, ice cream, Greek yogurt or your favorite toppings.
Notes
Nutrition
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I am not a huge fan of bananas but you just may have sold me on eating more. This looks incredible!
Hi Amee, You and I are on the same page this week. I just posted a banana frozen yogurt sundae topped with fresh strawberries, bananas, pecans, and a 2 minute chocolate sauce. I love frozen yogurt so I will have to make your tasty recipe next. Visit my blog to see mine.
http://aharmonyhealing.com/banana-frozen-yogurt-sundae/
Oh what a fabulously sweet treat without the sugar! You’re a genius…I’m wiping the drool off my chin. =)
Love the dessert Amee!!!
This frozen yogurt sounds amazing! I could take a couple of scoops for lunch! ๐
Oh my gosh, this looks so good! I don’t know why I have never caramelized bananas before… must change that! Yum!
Loved the simplicity of the recipe. Its also perfect for these summers!
Oh, my gosh, those caramelized bananas look amazing!!! Perfect topping for ice cream…and the maple syrup is a marvelous touch~
Oh My, this looks Amazing! I’m certain my boys will love this and want it over and over again. I was just thinking about making frozen yogurt. ~smile~ Thank you for sharing on Thursday’s Treasures. <3 and hugs sweetness!