Baked Bananas
Sweet baked bananas drizzled with a lemon-infused syrup offer a comforting yet vibrant dessert. The caramelized fruit pairs beautifully with the tangy lemon and rich butter, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or elegant gatherings. A simple, flavorful treat that highlights ripe bananas with a citrus twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, water, salt, and lemon juice.
- Bring to a boil and cook briefly until syrupy.
- Add lemon zest to the syrup.
- Lightly butter a Pyrex baking dish.
- Split bananas in half lengthwise and place them cut side down in the dish without overlapping.
- Pour the syrup over the bananas immediately.
- Bake for a total of 30 minutes.
- After 10 minutes of baking, baste the bananas with the syrup.
- Repeat the basting after another 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the syrup. If you don't have brown sugar, white sugar can be used, but it may lack the depth of flavor. You can also substitute the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Ensure the bananas are ripe for the best sweetness and texture, as under-ripe bananas won't caramelize as well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked bananas warm, drizzled with the syrup from the baking dish. They pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for a delightful contrast. For an extra treat, drizzle with 1 - 2 - 3 Chocolate Sauce for a decadent finish. You can also enjoy them as a topping for pancakes or waffles, adding a sweet twist to your breakfast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover baked bananas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish and warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quick warm-up, but they may become mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Bananas contains roughly 312 calories, with 1g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 505mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
It's best to use fresh bananas, as frozen bananas can become mushy and lose their structure when baked. However, if you only have frozen bananas, thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before using them, but expect a different texture.
What can I do with leftover syrup?
Leftover syrup can be refrigerated and used as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or ice cream. It can also be drizzled over yogurt or oatmeal for added sweetness. Just remember to reheat it before serving to restore its syrupy consistency.
Can I add nuts or other toppings?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can be sprinkled on top of the bananas before baking for added crunch and flavor. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream when serving for an indulgent dessert experience.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).