This Maple Pan Fried Bananas recipe creates a sweet and decadent topping that you can cook up in under 5 minutes by caramelizing them right in your skillet. They're versatile making them the perfect sweet and sticky topping for ice cream, pancakes & waffles or to eat on their own plain!
Fried Bananas are one of my favorite ways to jazz up dessert or breakfast in just 5 minutes!
Slices of banana are pan-fried in a skillet with butter, maple syrup and a pinch of cinnamon until they get beautifully caramelized.
Then pile them onto yogurt, pancakes, waffles, ice cream, cheesecake and more!
Nothing says comforting brunch and breakfast like the sweet and naturally creamy taste of bananas.
Bananas are used in so many sweet recipes and this delicious topping is no exception!
These fried bananas get a nice brown, crispy outer layer and a great sweet naturally sweet flavor coming from the maple syrup.
Cinnamon helps bring out the banana and maple flavours making them warm and comforting.
You'll love using these pan fried bananas on breakfasts, desserts or just eating them as is.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Fried bananas come together in just 5 minutes, making it a staple morning recipe to use when you're short on time and still want something flavorful.
You'll only need 4 ingredients to make this recipe including bananas, butter, cinnamon and sweet maple syrup.
You can use it to top breakfasts foods like pancakes, waffles, oatmeal and yogurt or use it to top vanilla ice cream or swirl them into a chocolate brownie recipe.
Eat them plain when you're craving a dessert, served with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
The whole recipe is made all in one skillet making your kitchen clean up a breeze.
Ingredients & Tools
- Ripe Bananas - You'll need bananas that are ripe but not overripe. Ones that are a yellow color that are still firm to the touch will work best.
- Butter - This not only gives the bananas a buttery flavor, but also a great way to get them browned and caramelized.
- Maple Syrup - Adds a light maple flavor without it being too sweet.
- Ground Cinnamon - This warming spice pairs very well with banana flavor.
Step By Step Tutorial
Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial, then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.
Peel the bananas and cut into slices, about ½ inch thick.
Heat the butter, cinnamon and syrup together over a medium heat in a frying pan until hot and bubbling.
Add the banana slices in a single layer and fry for a few minutes until browned and golden.
Flip each piece using tongs and fry until the other side is browned.
Remove from heat and serve hot.
Tips
Make sure you use bananas that are ripe but not overripe. An overripe banana that's good for banana bread will not work well in this recipe as it may stick to the pan and become mushy.
Make sure the butter and maple syrup are hot and bubbling before adding the banana slices as this will ensure a good crust.
Keep the banana slices cut at least ½ inch thick to make sure they stay soft on the inside.
Serving Suggestions
Once they are cooked, dust with a sprinkle of Pumpkin Pie Spice for a warming flavor that's great in the fall.
Add some to the top of Vegan Waffles for a beautiful presentation.
Makes a great warm topping to these Vegan Pancakes.
Layer it into these Walnut Granola Parfaits.
Serve them in a bowl and serve with a dollop of Whipped Coconut Cream.
Enjoy the fried bananas on a slice of Baked Oatmeal.
Serve on ice cream, cheesecake or banana custard.
Variations
If you don't want to use butter, feel free to use coconut oil or any neutral tasting oil such as avocado oil.
Honey or agave can be used as a substitute for maple syrup.
Cut your banana on a diagonal for long banana pieces to change up the shape.
You can also use ripe plantains in place of the bananas but the cooking time needs to be increased on each side until they are crispy on the outside and soft in the middle.
Special diets
To Make Gluten Free: This recipe is naturally gluten free, but check your labels on any spices or seasonings to make sure there are no gluten-containing ingredients.
To Make It Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, make sure you are using a vegan butter or coconut oil.
Storage
Storing: Pan fried bananas are best when eaten immediately, but if you have any leftovers store them in an airtight container or bag in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium low heat.
Freezing: The nature of cooked bananas do not hold up well in the freezer, so freezing is not recommended.
FAQs
Are fried bananas healthy? Deep-fried bananas can be seen as unhealthy because they are cooked fully submerged in oil. In this recipe, you are shallow frying the bananas in butter and maple syrup so it's not healthy, but super yummy!
What happens to a banana when it's cooked? When cooked, bananas release their natural sugars which helps them caramelize and become sweeter and they get a lovely crispy exterior.
Can you use green bananas? Green bananas have not developed their natural sugars, therefore they aren't best to use in this recipe. You don't want over-ripe ones that are soggy either though.
More Banana Recipes
Vegan Banana Bread
Cauliflower Banana Bundt Cake
Banana Lassi
Blackberry Banana Oat Breakfast Popsicles
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📖 Recipe
Maple Fried Bananas
Equipment
- skillet / frying pan
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Peel the bananas and cut them into slices, about ½ inch thick.
- Heat the butter, syrup and cinnamon over medium heat in a frying pan until hot and bubbling.
- Add the banana slices and cook for a few minutes until browned and golden, turn and cook on the other side.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Make sure you use bananas that are ripe but not overripe. An overripe banana that's good for banana bread will not work well in this recipe as it may stick to the pan and become mushy.
- Make sure the butter and maple syrup are hot and bubbling before adding the banana slices as this will ensure a good crust.
- Keep the banana slices cut at least ½ inch thick to make sure they stay soft on the inside.
- Spoon onto yogurt, ice cream, cheesecake or oatmeal for a tasty topping.
- Once they are cooked, dust with a sprinkle of Pumpkin Pie Spice for a warming flavor that's great in the fall.
- Makes a great warm topping to these Vegan Fluffy Pancakes.
- Serve them in a bowl and serve with a dollop of Whipped Coconut Frosting.
- Serve it as a side to Baked Oatmeal.
- If you don't want to use butter, feel free to use coconut oil or any neutral tasting oil such as avocado oil.
- Honey can be used as a substitute for maple syrup.
- Cut your banana on a diagonal for long banana pieces to change up the shape.
- You can also use ripe plantains in place of the bananas but the cooking time needs to be increased on each side until they are crispy on the outside and soft in the middle.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Claudia Lamascolo says
I am always looking for banana recipes and this one was fabulous!
Heidy Linn says
This recipe looks amazing and I love how fast it cooks up!
Allyssa says
Super loved this fried banana recipe! so good for kids as a snack! it's healthy!
Beth says
My daughter is so excited for this recipe! She's getting the pan out right now! These are going to be our new favorite and look so addicting! Starting them right now!
Jacq says
This recipe and photos look amazing! Going to try making these with your vegan suggestion. Think my kids will love these with some vegan ice-cream. Thanks!