Grilled Bananas with Honey and Cinnamon

Introduction

Grilling peeled bananas over medium-high heat gives you a soft center and light char in about 6 minutes. The cinnamon and honey are optional, but they add just enough spice and sweetness to turn the bananas into a quick dessert or snack. You can make this when you want something warm and simple without turning on the oven.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Total Time: 11 minutes
• Servings: 4

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 butter instead of vegetable oil if you want a richer flavor and slightly deeper browning on the outside.
• Use vegetable oil instead of butter for a cleaner finish and an easy dairy-free option.
• Swap honey for maple syrup for a darker, more caramel-like sweetness; if you also use oil, the dish stays vegan.
• Change the cinnamon to cardamom or pumpkin pie spice if you want a different spice profile without changing the basic method.
• Split the bananas lengthwise before grilling instead of leaving them whole if you want more cut surface for browning and a softer final texture.

Tips for Success

• Use ripe bananas that are still firm; very soft bananas can fall apart when you move them.
• Brush the grill grates or grill pan with butter or vegetable oil so the peeled bananas release cleanly.
• Turn the bananas only after they look lightly charred; if they stick, they need a little more time.
• Add the cinnamon and honey after grilling, not before, so the spice does not scorch and the honey does not burn.
• Serve them hot; the texture is best right after they come off the grill.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover grilled bananas in a shallow airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. They will soften and release some liquid as they sit.

Freezing is not recommended. The texture turns mushy after thawing.

Reheat in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat for 30 to 60 seconds per side until warmed through. You can also microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds, but they will be softer.

FAQ

Can you make these without an outdoor grill?

Yes. A grill pan works well, and a regular skillet will still soften and lightly brown the bananas.

What kind of bananas should you use?

Use ripe bananas with some brown speckles on the peel before peeling. Green bananas stay firmer and taste less sweet, while overripe bananas can collapse on the grill.

How do you keep peeled bananas from sticking?

Make sure the grill or grill pan is fully preheated and lightly coated with butter or vegetable oil. Wait until the bananas are lightly charred before turning them.

Can you make this vegan?

Yes. Use vegetable oil for grilling and drizzle with maple syrup instead of honey.