Description
A simple, campfire-friendly dessert featuring ripe bananas caramelized with brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan, offering a quick and delicious treat that requires minimal prep and cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 ripe bananas (yellow with brown speckles)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (or dairy-free coconut oil for vegan option)
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons crushed nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional)
Instructions
- Wash bananas thoroughly. If grilling in a skillet, peel them and slice in half lengthwise without cutting all the way through. If using the foil method, leave them unpeeled.
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract until a thick paste forms.
- Spread the sugar mixture generously over the cut sides of the banana halves (or on top of the peel for the foil method).
- Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes. Add a tiny bit of butter to prevent sticking.
- Place bananas cut-side down in the hot skillet. Press gently with a spatula.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sugar melts, bubbles, and the bottom is golden brown.
- Carefully flip the bananas and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
- Transfer to plates, spoon remaining caramel sauce over the top, and serve immediately with ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
Use ripe bananas with brown spots for best caramelization. Avoid green bananas as they lack sugar. Do not overcook or bananas will become mushy. For the foil method, wrap unpeeled bananas with topping in foil and cook on coals for 10-15 minutes. Serve immediately for best texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 banana half
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 2
Keywords: grilled bananas, campfire dessert, easy dessert, vegan dessert, gluten-free dessert, outdoor cooking, caramelized bananas, quick dessert