Easy Banana Caramel Dessert Recipe (Perfect Topping)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Banana Caramel Dessert is a rich and satisfying treat featuring soft, sweet bananas coated in a luscious homemade caramel sauce. Whether you serve it on ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or even toast, this topping is an instant upgrade for any dessert or brunch. It’s quick, uses minimal ingredients, and brings restaurant-level flavor to your home kitchen.

ingredients

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

ripe bananasunsalted butterbrown sugarsaltvanilla extractheavy creamcinnamon (optional)

directions

Peel and slice the bananas into thick rounds and set aside.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

Add the brown sugar and stir until it melts and combines with the butter, forming a smooth caramel base.

Stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Add the banana slices to the caramel and gently stir to coat them evenly. Cook for 1-2 more minutes, just until the bananas are warmed through and slightly softened.

Optional: Sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon for added warmth and depth.

Remove from heat and serve immediately over your favorite dessert or store for later use.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields enough topping for 4-6 servings.Preparation time: 5 minutesCooking time: 7-10 minutesTotal time: 12-15 minutes

Variations

Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch and a nutty twist.

Replace vanilla with rum or banana liqueur for an adult-friendly version.

Use plant-based butter and coconut cream for a vegan alternative.

Add a splash of lemon juice to balance the sweetness with a hint of tartness.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan or microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it stores well in the fridge and can be reheated just before serving.

Will the bananas turn mushy?

The bananas will soften slightly, but keeping the cooking time short helps preserve their shape and texture.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Fresh bananas work best for this recipe, as frozen ones tend to be too soft once thawed.

Is this caramel sauce overly sweet?

It’s rich and sweet, but the salt and optional cinnamon balance the flavors nicely.

Can I use white sugar instead of brown?

Brown sugar is preferred for a deeper caramel flavor, but white sugar can be used in a pinch.

Can I blend it for a smooth sauce?

Yes, you can blend the entire mixture for a creamy banana caramel sauce if desired.

Conclusion

This Easy Banana Caramel Dessert is the perfect quick fix for your sweet cravings and a fantastic topping for countless dishes. With its buttery caramel and naturally sweet banana flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Keep it in your recipe rotation for those moments when you need a fast, decadent treat.

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