Looking for a delightful and wholesome dessert? Try baked bananas! This simple yet satisfying treat is perfect for when you crave something sweet but healthy.
Ripe, oven-caramelized bananas are the star of this dish. But honey and cinnamon elevate their flavor. And a pinch of salt balances the sweetness.
Enjoy baked bananas on their own for a light treat.
Or dress them up with your favorite toppings for an extra indulgence!
Why You’ll Love These Baked Bananas
Effortless: Transform simple bananas into a deliciously sophisticated dessert with minimal effort and just a few ingredients.
Versatile: Baked bananas can be served as a standalone dessert or paired with ice cream, pancakes, or waffles. They offer a versatile addition to any meal or occasion.
Creative Toppings: With optional toppings like whipped cream, nuts, or chocolate chips, this recipe encourages creativity. Tailor it to your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Time-Saving: Enjoy a delicious homemade dessert in just 20 minutes from start to finish. An ideal option for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings.
Ingredients
- Ripe Bananas: Their natural sweetness intensifies as they bake, creating a luscious, caramelized treat.
- Honey: A drizzle of golden sweetness enhances the natural flavors of the bananas.
- Ground Cinnamon: Warm and aromatic, this spice adds a comforting depth to the dish.
- Salt: It brings out the full flavor potential of the bananas.
- Optional Toppings: Add whipped cream for a creamy contrast, chopped nuts for crunch, or chocolate chips sweetness.
How to Make Baked Bananas
This dessert takes only 20 minutes to prepare!
1. Prep. Preheat your oven to 400°Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Peel. Peel the bananas and slice them in half lengthwise. Arrange the banana halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Add toppings. Drizzle the honey evenly over the bananas, then sprinkle with cinnamon and a pinch of salt.
4. Bake. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the bananas are soft and lightly caramelized.
5. Serve. Remove from the oven and serve the baked bananas warm. If desired, top with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, or a few chocolate chips.
Tips for the Best Baked Bananas
Here are a few tips to ensure they come out perfect.
- Ripeness matters. Choose ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for optimal sweetness and a soft, creamy texture.
- Prevent stickiness. Use parchment paper to line your baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Don’t overbake! Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the bananas are soft and lightly caramelized. Avoid overbaking, which can lead to mushy bananas.
- Make them vegan. For a vegan version, substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for the honey.
- Switch up the flavor. Try different spices, like nutmeg or cardamom, to create unique flavor profiles.
How to Store
It’s unlikely you’ll have leftovers, but here’s how to store them if you do.
To Store: Allow the baked bananas to cool completely, then place them in an air-tight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The container should be well-sealed to maintain freshness and prevent any absorption of other odors.
To Reheat: Preheat your oven to 350°Fahrenheit and place the baked bananas on a baking sheet. Reheat for about 5 minutes until warm. You can also use a microwave at medium power for 30-60 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overcooking.
Baked Bananas
4
servings5
minutes15
minutes137
kcalThese baked bananas are simple, easy, and out of this world! The flavors of honey and cinnamon turn the fruit into such an epic treat.
Ingredients
4 ripe bananas
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch salt
Optional toppings: whipped cream, chopped nuts, chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Peel the bananas and slice them in half lengthwise. Arrange the banana halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle the honey evenly over the bananas, then sprinkle with cinnamon and a pinch of salt.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the bananas are soft and lightly caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and serve the baked bananas warm. If desired, top with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, or a few chocolate chips.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas with many brown spots for the best flavor and texture.
- For a vegan version, substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for the honey.
- Experiment with other toppings like a scoop of vanilla ice cream, granola, or toasted coconut flakes.
