About this caramelized bananas 🍌
Yes, caramelizing bananas without added sweetener is possible! The secret is ripe bananas, and I’ll show you how I caramelize bananas without sugar in 3 different methods you can choose from.
At the end of this post, you will find:
- Which methods of caramelizing bananas work best for you, whether by pan-frying them on the stovetop, baking them in the oven, or using an air fryer.
- Along with helpful tips and flavor variations!
You only need two ingredients to make it: ripe bananas and fat. Feel free to use both plant-based and animal-based for this 2-ingredients caramelized banana recipe.
I also mention some other natural flavorings you can add to flavor your caramelized bananas, along with simple recipe ideas.
Table of Content
- About this caramelized bananas 🍌
- Ingredients to make caramelized bananas without sugar
- 3 methods on how to caramelize bananas easily
- A table to sum up all 3 methods
- Tips when caramelizing banana
- Additional flavor to add to caramelized banana
- The best way to use
- FAQ
Living in a tropical country where bananas are abundant, caramelized bananas are my laziest and simplest sweet snacks if I need a quick treat. I’ve also used it as a natural sweetener alongside desserts—as a topping and a filling.
Bananas are naturally sweet and packed with nutrients, making them a high-fiber alternative to sugar. Even on their own, sugar-free caramelized bananas make a tasty and healthy snack that won’t take forever to make.
Ingredients to make caramelized bananas without sugar
- Bananas – Cavendish banana or similar. Slice them lengthwise or coin shape.
- Fat – I use coconut oil in this recipe, feel free to use pure butter, salted or not, your choice. For each 2 pieces of bananas, I use 1 tbsp of coconut oil.
3 methods on how to caramelize bananas easily
How to caramelize bananas on a stovetop
🕓Total time: 10 -15 minutes
🥣Tools needed: Stainless steel or non-stick pan, heat-resistance turner spatula (I use silicon spatula as it is flexible with a sharp edge)
✅ Pros: Faster method, can control the heat better, makes crusty caramel, and needs only basic tools.
☑️Cons: Can get sticky and prone to burn, uneven heat distribution, if you use the wrong pan, washing it can be difficult.
Go for this method if you don’t have an oven or air-fryer.
- Step 1 – Grease a stainless steel or non-stick pan with coconut oil/butter,
- Step 2 – Arrange the sliced bananas on the pan (leave some space between each slice for flipping), and fry over low to medium heat for about 5 minutes on each side or until browning.
It might take longer, depending on the heat level or the ripeness of the bananas. Consider adding a bit more oil if it gets too dry.
- Step 3 – Using a thin-edged spatula, peek at the banana to check the color. Once it’s golden towards darker brown or caramelized to the level you like, gently flip them. Let it sizzle at the same time as the other side.
- Step 4 – Once both sides are golden brown and soft, transfer the bananas to a serving dish. Voila!
How to caramelize bananas in the oven
🕓Total time: 20 minutes
🥣Tools needed: Oven (I use a convection oven), baking sheet, tong
✅ Pros: Works when making them in bulk, even heat distribution, easy cleanup
☑️Cons: Need to preheat the oven, which might take longer.
Go for this method for cleaner cooking so you can skip washing dishes & if you need to make them in bulk!
- Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 200C/400F for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, arrange the sliced bananas on a tray lined with a baking sheet and brush them with coconut oil.
- Step 2 – Bring the tray to the upper rack of the oven and bake for 15 minutes. If you want it charred on both sides, transfer the tray to the bottom rack halfway before the timer is done.
- Step 3 –Transfer to a dish and enjoy!
How to caramelize bananas in an air-fryer.
🕓Total time: 20 minutes
🥣Tools needed: Air-fryer, baking sheet, tong
✅Pros: Fast and minimal cleanup required
☑️Cons: Limited capacity
Go for this method if you need it fast in a small quantity. Use a baking sheet to avoid sticking.
- Step 1 – Arrange the sliced bananas in the air-fryer basket lined with parchment paper and coat the bananas with oil using a brush.
- Step 2 – Bring the basket to the air-fryer and set it to cook at 200C/400F for 10 minutes. Once the timer is up, flip the bananas using a tong and set the air-fryer to cook for another 10 minutes.
- Step 3 – Bring the basket out and serve! If you prefer more browning, cook for a few more minutes.
A table to sum up all 3 methods
| Method | Time | Tools & Equipment | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pan-Frying on a Stovetop | 10-15 minutes | Non-stick pan/stainless steel pan, heat-resistance spatula | -Faster -Create crusty caramel -Use only basic tools. | -Need an active cooking. |
| Oven-bake | 20-30 minutes | Oven, baking sheet, spatula | -Minimal cleanup required -More space for bulk cooking | -Can get too dry -May take longer to cook |
| Air fryer | 20 minutes | Air fryer, baking sheet, tong | -Minimal cleanup required -Quicker than the oven | -Small space, can get dry |
Tips when caramelizing banana
- For the best texture and flavor (non-mushy) choose a ripe banana with a complete yellow skin that is still firm.
- If you cut the banana too thin, reduce the cooking time so it won’t overcook and turn mushy.
- Do not overcrowd the pan or air-fryer, allow some space for flipping.
Additional flavor to add to caramelized banana
- Cinnamon powder – My favorite addition when making a banana-filling dessert, like pie!
- Sea salt – Add salted caramel taste and is perfect for topping!
- Pumpkin spice – Adding a hint of warming spice to your dessert.
The best way to use
- Enjoy it as a topping for pancakes, waffles, cupcakes, toast, and overnight oats.
- Make caramelized filling for pie.
- I like to enjoy it as a sugar substitute for grain-based food (oat porridge), with black rice pudding.
FAQ
Can I caramelize a banana without sugar?
Yes, you can caramelize a banana without sugar or any other sweetener. Because bananas are packed with natural sugar, they will release their own sugar during cooking and naturally caramelize themselves.
Why are my caramelized bananas mushy?
This can happen if the bananas are too soft and ripe or if you’re using too much liquid when cooking. Cutting the bananas too thin or cooking them for too long can also make them mushy.
Can I store caramelized bananas?
Because bananas are high in fiber, they get watery the longer they sit. They are best enjoyed immediately or on the same day. But if needed, store them in the fridge for no longer than 2 days.
Can I freeze the caramelized bananas?
I don’t recommend freezing them. When thawed, frozen caramelized bananas release extra liquid due to their fiber content, which can get too mushy and unappetizing. However, if you plan to use them in a smoothie, you can freeze them and blend them straight from frozen!
🥣 Did you try this recipe? Let me know your thoughts in the comment below.
