Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy dessert
Naturally sweet and flavorful
Perfect for grilling season
Uses simple ingredients
Great for outdoor entertaining
Customizable with endless toppings
Kid-friendly and fun to make
Ready in minutes

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 ripe but firm bananas
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional Toppings

Vanilla ice cream
Chocolate sauce
Caramel sauce
Chopped pecans or walnuts
Toasted coconut
Honey
Whipped cream

Directions

Preheat a grill to medium heat.
Leave the banana peels on and slice each banana lengthwise through the peel.
Gently open the bananas without separating them completely.
Brush the exposed banana flesh with melted butter.
Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
Place the bananas on the grill, peel-side down.
Grill for 5–8 minutes until the bananas are soft and the sugar begins to caramelize.
Carefully remove the bananas from the grill.
Open them slightly wider and transfer to serving plates.
Add desired toppings and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5–8 minutes
Total Time: 10–13 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Grilled Bananas: Add chocolate chips before grilling.
Peanut Butter Bananas: Spread peanut butter inside before grilling.
Tropical Version: Top with toasted coconut and pineapple.
S’mores Bananas: Add mini marshmallows and chocolate pieces.
Maple Cinnamon Bananas: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup.
Nutty Bananas: Add chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts.
Rum Banana Dessert: Drizzle with a small amount of rum-flavored sauce after grilling.

Storage/Reheating

Storage

Grilled bananas are best enjoyed immediately, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating

Warm gently in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a low-temperature oven until heated through.

FAQs

What type of bananas work best for grilling?

Ripe but firm bananas are ideal because they soften without becoming mushy.

Do I need to remove the peel?

No. The peel helps protect the banana while grilling and makes serving easier.

Can I cook them indoors?

Yes. A grill pan or even an oven can be used if an outdoor grill is unavailable.

How do I know when they’re done?

The bananas should be soft, warm, and lightly caramelized.

Can I make these without butter?

Yes. Coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative can be used.

What toppings pair best with grilled bananas?

Ice cream, chocolate sauce, caramel, nuts, coconut, and whipped cream are all excellent choices.

Can I use very ripe bananas?

Very ripe bananas may become too soft, so moderately ripe bananas work best.

Are grilled bananas healthy?

They can be a nutritious dessert, especially when served with minimal added sugar.

Can I prepare them ahead of time?

It’s best to grill them just before serving for optimal texture and flavor.

What can I serve with grilled bananas?

They pair beautifully with ice cream, pancakes, waffles, yogurt, or grilled pound cake.

Conclusion

Grilled Bananas are an easy and flavorful dessert that turns simple ingredients into a warm, caramelized treat. With their naturally sweet flavor, creamy texture, and endless topping possibilities, they’re perfect for barbecues, family gatherings, or quick desserts at home. Whether served with ice cream, chocolate, or fresh fruit, these grilled bananas are a delicious way to end any meal.

Grilled Bananas

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Grilled Bananas are a warm, caramelized dessert that transforms ripe bananas into a naturally sweet treat with a soft, creamy texture. Perfect for cookouts, family gatherings, or quick desserts, they pair beautifully with ice cream, chocolate, or nuts.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat a grill to medium heat.
Leave the banana peels on and slice each banana lengthwise through the peel.
Gently open the bananas without separating them completely.
Brush the exposed banana flesh with melted butter.
Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
Place the bananas on the grill, peel-side down.
Grill for 5–8 minutes until the bananas are soft and the sugar begins to caramelize.
Carefully remove the bananas from the grill.
Open them slightly wider and transfer to serving plates.
Add desired toppings and serve immediately.

Notes

Use ripe but firm bananas for the best texture.
Coconut oil can be substituted for butter.
Chocolate chips, peanut butter, or mini marshmallows can be added before grilling.
Best enjoyed immediately after grilling.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and gently reheated.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 banana
Calories: 150 kcal
Sugar: 20 g
Sodium: 5 mg
Fat: 3 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 8 mg