Heavenly Bananas
Heavenly Bananas feature ripe bananas layered with a creamy cinnamon cheese mixture, baked until golden. A luscious dessert perfect for fruit lovers and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet.
- Peel the bananas and slice each one lengthwise.
- Brown the bananas quickly over high heat.
- Place half of the banana slices on the bottom of a buttered pie plate.
- Cream the cream cheese until soft.
- Add sugar and cinnamon to the cream cheese, beating until light and smooth.
- Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the bananas in the pie plate.
- Place the remaining bananas on top of the first layer.
- Spread the remaining cream cheese mixture over the bananas.
- Pour heavy cream on top.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes or until the top is lightly brown and most of the cream is absorbed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you don't have heavy cream, you can substitute it with evaporated milk or a mixture of milk and butter. To enhance the dish, add a splash of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Make sure to slice the bananas evenly to ensure even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Heavenly Bananas dish warm, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat. It pairs beautifully with Berry Pudding Squares for a delightful dessert spread. A sprinkle of chopped nuts can also add a nice crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bananas mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Heavenly Bananas contains roughly 825 calories, with 5g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 84g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (49% 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?
While fresh bananas are recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen bananas. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the layers in advance and assemble them in the pie plate. Cover and refrigerate before baking. Just add an extra few minutes to the baking time if taking it straight from the fridge to the oven.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese as a substitute for cream cheese. Both will provide a creamy texture while reducing the calorie count.
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).