Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ripe bananas, cut into ½-inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons raw honey or regular honey
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients
- Peel the bananas and slice them into even ½-inch thick pieces. This ensures they cook evenly without turning mushy too quickly.
- Measure out the cinnamon, honey, and butter so everything is ready to go. Since bananas cook quickly, having your ingredients prepped will make the process smoother.
- Melt the Butter and Combine with Cinnamon and Honey
- Place a frying pan over medium-high heat and add the butter. Once the butter has melted, stir in the cinnamon and honey until fully combined. The mixture should become fragrant as the cinnamon releases its aroma.
- Cook the Banana Slices
- Add the banana slices to the pan in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding them to ensure even caramelization.
- Cook for about four minutes, or until the bottoms turn golden brown and begin to caramelize. If the bananas are browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to prevent burning.
- Flip and Continue Cooking
- Using a spatula or tongs, carefully flip each banana slice to cook the other side. Cook for another four minutes, allowing the second side to caramelize. Adjust the cooking time as needed to avoid burning or over-softening the bananas.
- Serve Immediately
- Transfer the caramelized banana slices to a serving plate. These are best enjoyed fresh while warm. Serve them over ice cream, yogurt, pancakes, French toast, or even alongside oatmeal for a naturally sweet addition.
Notes
How to Get Perfect Caramelization
- Use ripe but firm bananas. Overripe bananas will become too soft and break apart in the pan.
- Keep an eye on the heat level. Too high, and the bananas will burn; too low, and they won’t caramelize properly.
- Avoid stirring the bananas while cooking. Let them sit undisturbed so they can develop a golden crust before flipping.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
- Bananas are burning too fast: Lower the heat and cook them for a shorter time. A non-stick or cast-iron pan can help distribute heat more evenly.
- Bananas are turning too mushy: Make sure they are sliced evenly and not overripe. Cooking them for too long or flipping them too often can also cause them to break down.
- The dish is too sweet: Reduce the amount of honey or use a natural sweetener with a milder taste.
How to Make Cleanup Easier
- Since honey and caramelized sugars can stick to the pan, soak the pan in warm water immediately after cooking. This will help loosen any residue and make cleanup effortless.
- If using a stainless steel pan, adding a small amount of oil or butter before heating can help prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes