Step 1: Prepare the Bananas

1. Choose Ripe but Firm Bananas:

Select bananas that are ripe—yellow with some brown spots—but not overly soft. You want them firm enough to hold their shape when frying, yet sweet and ripe for that natural sugary flavor.

2. Slice the Bananas:

Peel the bananas and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds. You want the slices thick enough to stay intact during frying but not too thick that they won’t caramelize properly.

Step 2: Heat the Butter and Cinnamon

1. Melt the Butter:

In a non-stick skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. If you prefer a plant-based option, coconut oil works wonderfully as well and adds a slight tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with bananas.

2. Add Cinnamon and Optional Sweetener:

Once the butter is melted, add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the pan. Stir it into the butter until it’s evenly mixed. If you’d like a sweeter dish, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup at this point. The sweetener will help create a caramel-like coating on the bananas as they cook.

Step 3: Fry the Bananas

1. Add the Banana Slices:

Carefully place the banana slices into the pan in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. You want each slice to have contact with the skillet to ensure even browning.

2. Cook Until Golden Brown:

Cook the bananas for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and start to caramelize. Keep an eye on them, as bananas can go from perfectly browned to burned quickly.

3. Flip and Cook the Other Side:

Using a spatula or tongs, gently flip the bananas to cook the other side. The bananas should become soft and slightly golden, with a beautiful caramelized exterior. The total cooking time should be around 4-5 minutes.

4. Add Vanilla (Optional):

If you want to add a little extra flavor, drizzle 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract over the bananas in the last 30 seconds of cooking. This will add a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish.

Step 4: Serve the Bananas

1. Transfer to a Plate:

Once the bananas are caramelized and fragrant, carefully transfer them to a serving plate.

2. Add Garnishes (Optional):

You can serve these bananas as-is, but adding a few optional garnishes can take this dish to the next level. Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top for a touch of sweetness, or drizzle with more honey or maple syrup if desired. For added texture, sprinkle crushed nuts like walnuts or pecans on top, or add a dollop of whipped cream.

3. Serve Warm:

These Pan-Fried Cinnamon Bananas are best enjoyed warm, straight out of the pan. They can be eaten on their own as a simple dessert or snack, or served alongside your favorite breakfast items.