Grilled Bananas with Honey and Cinnamon

Introduction

Grilling bananas for 2–3 minutes per side gives you a soft center and light char on the outside. A sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of honey turn them into a fast dessert or snack with almost no prep.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 2

Ingredients

• Ripe bananas, peeled
• Butter or vegetable oil, for grilling
• Cinnamon (optional, for sprinkling)
• Honey, for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Place the peeled bananas directly on the grill grates or grill pan.
3. Grill the bananas for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are lightly charred and softened.
4. Remove the grilled bananas from the heat and transfer them to a serving plate.
5. Optionally, sprinkle the grilled bananas with cinnamon for added flavor.
6. Serve hot as a dessert or snack. If desired, drizzle the grilled bananas with honey or maple syrup for additional sweetness.

Variations

• Use vegetable oil instead of butter for grilling if you want a neutral flavor or need a dairy-free option.
• Swap the honey for maple syrup if you want a darker, more caramel-like sweetness.
• Skip the cinnamon if you want the banana flavor to stay more direct and less spiced.
• Cut the peeled bananas lengthwise before grilling if you want more caramelized surface area and a softer final texture.

Tips for Success

• Preheat the grill or grill pan fully before adding the bananas so they char instead of steaming.
• Coat the cooking surface lightly with butter or vegetable oil to reduce sticking.
• Use ripe bananas that still hold their shape; very soft bananas can break apart when turned.
• Turn the bananas only after they release easily from the grill grates or pan and show light charring.

Storage and Reheating

Reheat in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat for about 1 minute per side, or microwave in short 10- to 15-second bursts until warmed through. For the best texture, serve them fresh.

FAQ

How ripe should the bananas be?

Use bananas that are ripe and sweet but not collapsing. Yellow bananas with some brown spots work well because they soften without falling apart too quickly.

Can you use maple syrup instead of honey?

Yes. Maple syrup gives a slightly deeper sweetness and works the same way as a finishing drizzle.

How do you keep the bananas from sticking to the grill?

Make sure the grill or grill pan is fully preheated and lightly coated with butter or vegetable oil. If you try to turn them too early, they are more likely to tear.

Can you make these dairy-free?

Yes. Use vegetable oil instead of butter for grilling, and keep the rest of the recipe the same.