Quick Honey Glazed Bananas

Bianca

Founder of Red Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links learn more.

In our home, weeknights are often a whirlwind of activities – homework, sports practices, and the endless quest for a quick yet satisfying dessert. That’s where this recipe for Quick Honey Glazed Bananas has become an absolute lifesaver. Honestly, I stumbled upon it during a frantic search for something sweet that wasn’t loaded with processed sugars and required minimal effort. The result? Pure magic! My kids, who are usually skeptical of anything remotely “healthy-ish” in dessert form, devoured these caramelized delights. The warm, gooey bananas, coated in a shimmering honey glaze with just a hint of cinnamon, are simply irresistible. It’s become our go-to for those evenings when we crave a little indulgence without the guilt or the fuss. Trust me, if you need a dessert that’s both quick to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, look no further. These honey glazed bananas are about to become your new favorite sweet treat!

Ingredients

4 ripe but firm bananas – Choose bananas that are yellow with a few brown spots but still firm to the touch. Overripe bananas will become mushy when cooked, while underripe ones won’t caramelize properly.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Butter adds richness and helps create a beautiful golden-brown glaze. Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level in the dish.
3 tablespoons honey – Use a good quality honey for the best flavor. Different types of honey, like wildflower, clover, or buckwheat, will impart unique nuances to the glaze. Raw honey is also a great option for its added health benefits.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Cinnamon adds a warm, comforting spice that complements the sweetness of the bananas and honey perfectly. Freshly ground cinnamon will have a more potent flavor.
Pinch of salt – A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors, preventing the dish from being overly sweet. Sea salt or kosher salt are excellent choices.
Optional toppings for serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or yogurt – Provides a cool and creamy contrast to the warm bananas.
- Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds) – Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Toasting the nuts beforehand will enhance their taste and texture.
- Whipped cream – For an extra touch of indulgence and a light, airy texture.
- Sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg – Enhances the spice notes and adds visual appeal.
- Drizzle of extra honey – For those who love extra sweetness and a glossy finish.
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) – Adds a burst of freshness and tartness to balance the sweetness.
- Chocolate shavings or sauce – For a richer, more decadent dessert experience.

Instructions

Prepare the Bananas: Begin by gently peeling the bananas. It’s important to handle them with care to avoid bruising. Once peeled, slice each banana diagonally into 1-inch thick slices. Diagonal slices not only look more appealing but also offer a larger surface area for caramelization and glaze absorption. Aim for uniform slices to ensure even cooking and glazing. Place the banana slices aside, ready for cooking.
Melt the Butter in a Skillet: Place a large skillet, preferably non-stick, over medium heat. A non-stick skillet is crucial to prevent the bananas from sticking and burning during the glazing process. Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and allow it to melt completely. Let the butter melt slowly and evenly, ensuring it doesn’t brown or burn at this stage. The melted butter creates a base for the honey glaze and adds richness and flavor to the bananas.
Add Banana Slices and Cook: Once the butter is melted and shimmering, carefully add the sliced bananas to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can steam the bananas instead of allowing them to caramelize properly. If necessary, cook the bananas in batches to ensure they have enough space to brown. Cook the banana slices for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn a light golden brown and slightly soften. Keep a close eye on them and adjust the heat if needed to prevent burning. The goal is to achieve a beautiful caramelized color and a tender texture without making them mushy.
Drizzle with Honey and Spices: After the bananas have browned on both sides, reduce the heat to low. This prevents the honey from burning and ensures a gentle glaze. Drizzle the honey evenly over the caramelized banana slices. Use a good quality honey for the best flavor, and ensure it coats all the banana slices. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt over the honey-glazed bananas. The cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic spice, while the salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
Gently Toss and Glaze: Gently toss the banana slices in the honey mixture to ensure they are evenly coated and glazed. Be careful not to break the softened bananas while tossing. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the honey to warm through and create a luscious, glossy glaze. The honey will slightly thicken and cling to the bananas, creating a beautiful caramelized coating. The aroma at this stage will be incredibly enticing – a blend of warm honey, cinnamon, and sweet bananas.
Serve Immediately: Honey glazed bananas are best enjoyed warm and immediately after cooking, when they are at their peak of flavor and texture. Remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully transfer the honey glazed bananas to serving plates or bowls. Be mindful of the hot honey glaze. You can serve them as is, or enhance them with your favorite toppings. Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or yogurt for a cooling contrast, a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added crunch, or a drizzle of extra honey for extra sweetness. Fresh berries, whipped cream, or chocolate shavings also make excellent accompaniments. Enjoy this quick, easy, and delicious dessert while it’s warm and the glaze is still glistening!

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving, assuming 4 servings and using 1 tablespoon honey per serving. Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)

Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe (approximately 2 banana halves)
Calories: Approximately 180-220 calories per serving. This is a moderate calorie count for a dessert, making it a relatively lighter option compared to many processed desserts.
Sugar: Approximately 25-30 grams of sugar per serving. This includes natural sugars from bananas and added sugars from honey. While higher than some snacks, it’s important to note that these are primarily natural sugars.
Potassium: Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, contributing significantly to your daily intake. Potassium is an essential electrolyte that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood pressure, muscle function, and nerve signaling. A serving of honey glazed bananas can provide a good boost of this vital nutrient.
Vitamins and Minerals: Bananas are also a good source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, and manganese. Vitamin B6 is important for brain development and function. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports the immune system. Manganese plays a role in bone formation and metabolism.

Preparation Time

Prep time: 5 minutes – This includes peeling and slicing the bananas, and gathering the other ingredients. The recipe is designed for speed and ease, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dessert cravings.
Cook time: 5-7 minutes – The cooking process is quick, involving melting butter, caramelizing bananas, and glazing them with honey and spices. The short cooking time ensures that the bananas remain tender and flavorful without becoming mushy.
Total time: 10-12 minutes – From start to finish, this delightful dessert is ready in just about 10 minutes, making it an incredibly fast and satisfying treat. It’s an ideal option when you need a sweet fix without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

How to Serve

Honey glazed bananas are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways to suit different occasions and preferences. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

As a Warm Dessert: Serve them immediately after cooking while they are warm and the honey glaze is still glistening. This is the most classic and satisfying way to enjoy them, allowing the warm, caramelized flavors to shine.
With Ice Cream or Yogurt: Pair warm honey glazed bananas with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt, or frozen yogurt. The contrast of warm and cold, creamy and soft, creates a delightful textural and temperature experience. Consider using different flavors of ice cream like caramel, cinnamon, or banana for complementary tastes.
Over Pancakes or Waffles: Elevate your breakfast or brunch by topping pancakes or waffles with honey glazed bananas. The warm, sweet bananas add a gourmet touch to these breakfast staples and create a more decadent and flavorful meal.
As a Topping for Oatmeal or Granola: Add a spoonful of warm honey glazed bananas to your morning oatmeal or granola for a naturally sweet and flavorful boost. This is a healthy and delicious way to start your day with a touch of sweetness and added nutrients.
With Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle chopped toasted nuts like walnuts, pecans, almonds, or pistachios over the honey glazed bananas for added crunch, nutty flavor, and visual appeal. Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and texture.
With Whipped Cream or Coconut Cream: Top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or coconut cream for a light and airy touch of richness. Coconut cream provides a dairy-free option and adds a subtle tropical flavor.
With Fresh Berries: Serve alongside fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. The tartness of the berries complements the sweetness of the bananas and adds a refreshing element.
With a Drizzle of Chocolate Sauce or Caramel Sauce: For a more indulgent dessert, drizzle with chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or both! This elevates the sweetness and adds a richer, more decadent flavor profile, perfect for special occasions.

Additional Tips for Perfect Honey Glazed Bananas

Choose the Right Bananas: The key to perfect honey glazed bananas is using bananas that are ripe but still firm. Overripe bananas will become mushy and lose their shape during cooking, while underripe bananas won’t caramelize properly and may be starchy. Look for bananas that are yellow with a few brown spots but still firm to the touch.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the banana slices, ensure you don’t overcrowd the skillet. Overcrowding will steam the bananas instead of allowing them to caramelize and brown beautifully. Cook them in batches if necessary to ensure each slice has enough space to cook properly.
Use a Non-Stick Skillet: A non-stick skillet is highly recommended for this recipe. It prevents the bananas and honey glaze from sticking to the pan and burning, making cooking and cleanup much easier. If you don’t have a non-stick skillet, use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet and ensure there’s enough butter to prevent sticking.
Adjust Heat as Needed: Monitor the heat throughout the cooking process. Medium heat is generally recommended for caramelizing the bananas, but you may need to adjust it slightly depending on your stovetop and skillet. If the bananas are browning too quickly, reduce the heat to medium-low. If they are not browning enough, increase the heat slightly.
Experiment with Spices: While cinnamon is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other spices to customize the flavor profile. Nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, or a pinch of cloves can add a warm and interesting twist. You can also use a combination of spices to create your own unique blend.
Try Different Types of Honey: Different types of honey will impart different flavors to the glaze. Clover honey is mild and sweet, wildflower honey has a more floral and complex flavor, buckwheat honey is darker and more robust. Experiment with different types of honey to find your favorite flavor combination. Raw honey can also be used for its potential health benefits and richer flavor.
Add a Splash of Citrus: For a touch of brightness and to balance the sweetness, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or orange juice to the skillet along with the honey. The citrus will enhance the flavors and add a refreshing note.
Make it Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. Both work well and provide a similar richness and flavor. Ensure you use a plant-based yogurt or ice cream for serving if you want to keep the entire dish vegan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

A: While technically you can use frozen bananas, it’s not recommended for optimal results. Frozen bananas tend to release a lot of moisture when thawed, which can make them mushy and harder to caramelize properly. Fresh, ripe but firm bananas are ideal for this recipe to maintain their shape and texture during cooking. If you do use frozen bananas, thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before cooking.

Q2: How do I store leftover honey glazed bananas?

A: Honey glazed bananas are best enjoyed immediately after cooking. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the texture of the bananas may soften slightly upon refrigeration. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for a short period. They might not be as perfectly caramelized as when freshly made, but they will still be delicious.

Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: It’s not recommended to make honey glazed bananas completely ahead of time because they are best served warm and fresh. However, you can prepare the banana slices ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply proceed with the cooking and glazing steps. This can save you a few minutes of prep time, especially if you’re making them for a larger group.

Q4: Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?

A: Yes, you can substitute honey with other sweeteners if you prefer. Maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar are good alternatives. Maple syrup will impart a slightly different flavor, while agave nectar is a vegan option with a neutral sweetness. Brown sugar will create a richer, more caramel-like flavor. Adjust the amount of sweetener to your preference, as some sweeteners are sweeter than honey.

Q5: Can I add alcohol to the glaze?

A: Yes, for an adult version of this dessert, you can add a tablespoon of rum, bourbon, or brandy to the skillet along with the honey. The alcohol will add depth of flavor and a warm, boozy note to the glaze. Add it after the bananas are caramelized and simmer for a minute to allow the alcohol to cook off slightly while retaining its flavor.

Q6: What are some variations I can try?

A: There are many delicious variations you can try to customize this recipe. Consider adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom along with the cinnamon. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract for extra flavor. For a richer dessert, drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel sauce after cooking. Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans during the glazing process will also add texture and flavor.

Q7: Are honey glazed bananas healthy?

A: Honey glazed bananas can be considered a relatively healthier dessert option compared to many processed sweets. Bananas are naturally nutritious, providing potassium, fiber, and vitamins. Honey, while a sugar, has some antioxidant properties and may be a slightly better choice than refined sugars. However, it’s still a dessert and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. You can make it even healthier by reducing the amount of honey or pairing it with yogurt or fruit for a more balanced snack.

Q8: Can I grill the bananas instead of pan-frying?

A: Yes, grilling honey glazed bananas is a fantastic option, especially during the summer months. Preheat your grill to medium heat. You can either grill the banana slices directly on the grill grates (make sure they are well-oiled to prevent sticking) or place them in a grill basket or on a sheet of foil. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, then drizzle with honey, cinnamon, and salt, and continue grilling for another minute to glaze. Grilled bananas will have a lovely smoky flavor and slightly charred edges, adding a unique dimension to the dessert.