You can’t beat a warm, sweet and gooey baked banana. A perfect dessert for babies, kids and adults.
When I was a child, my favourite dessert was fried banana from our local Chinese restaurant. Banana in a delicious batter, deep fried and smothered in syrup. Utter heaven!
This baked version is guilt free and can be enjoyed as a healthy snack or even at breakfast.
Baking bananas bring out the natural sweetness of the fruit and turns them golden with a soft, gooey texture. They taste amazing all on their own or you can dress them up with a range of toppings and accompaniments.
What to Bake Bananas With
I like to bake bananas will a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of cinnamon. I find the natural sweetness of the banana more than enough and it keeps the dessert healthy.
You could try switching the lime juice for orange juice and adding a pinch of cardamom with a drizzle of vanilla.
If you are looking for something more indulgent and dessert like, then you can add some honey or maple syrup. This will make the baked banana deliciously caramelised.
And one just for the adults…. try adding a tablespoon of rum along with some maple syrup. Delicious!
Baked Banana Topping Ideas
Add some texture and flavour with some of these topping ideas
- Peanut butter (pictured)
- Toasted Coconut (pictured)
- Desiccated Coconut (pictured)
- Yoghurt (pictured below)
- Crushed Nuts
- Cacao Nibs
- Chocolate Chips
- Honey / Maple Syrup
- Ice-cream
How to Bake Bananas
I love to bake bananas in their skin. I think it looks prettier and my kids love to scoop out the soft flesh.
Rory, my 3yr old, is at that stage where if his food breaks or is cut in the wrong way then it is the end of the world! The banana skin keeps the banana in one piece and he is in control of eating it the way he wants!
If you prefer, you can bake them without the skin. Just peel and half lengthways. Alternatively, you can bake in quarters or bite-size pieces.
Bake the bananas for 10 to 15 minutes. This will vary, depending on how ripe your bananas are and how soft you wish them to be.
Baked Banana for Babies
As easy as it is to just peel and mash a banana to give a baby, roasting it can take your banana puree to the next level!
Mash or puree the baked banana and serve it alone, or mixed with other fruits, for an irresistible baby puree.
If you are doing baby-led weaning then the baked banana will probably be too soft for your baby to pick up and take to his/her mouth. This may result in frustration and a lot of mess! Instead, your baby may prefer to pick up loaded spoons of the banana.
Looking for other banana recipes? Why not try
Strawberry, Mango Banana Bread
Have you tried this recipe? I’d love to know what you think. Please rate and leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram or Facebook.
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Baked Banana Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Bananas
- 1/2 Lime (juice of)
- 1/4 tsp Cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200c / 400f and line a baking tray with baking paper or foil.
- Slice the bananas in half, lengthways, with the skin still on (see note 1)
- Place the bananas on the prepared baking tray and squeeze the lime juice evenly over the bananas. Sprinkle the cinnamon on top.
- Bake for 10 - 15 mins. (SEE NOTE 2)
Cecilia says
I thought my 10-year-old might be a little too old for this but she totally loved it! Our family recently went sugar-free ( although we still enjoy honey) and your website has been such a help for finding sugar-free sweet treats. It’s been a real inspiration- we would never be able to stick to our motive.
Amy says
Thanks Cecilia, so happy your 10 yr old enjoyed this recipe and that you are finding the website useful. Thanks for taking the time to leave feedback.
Tiffany says
Cool recipe . I am going too try it one day for my little ones
Amy says
Thanks, Tiffany. Make one for yourself too….they are good!
Thea says
Thank you for this recipe! Can you bake a bunch of bananas at once and store them in the fridge or freezer?
Amy says
Hi Thea, I don’t think they would freeze well, I think the texture would be a little gloopy after defrosting. I haven’t tried though so can’t say for sure.
Shirley says
So glad I stumbled upon this. Perfect with a sprinkle of pistachio for some crunch! Can’t believe it’s guilt-free!
Amy says
So glad you enjoyed it, Shirley. Pistachio is the perfect addition 🙂
Cagla Bazley says
I made it for me and my hubby last night and it turned out delicious. Leaving the skin is great idea. I topped mine with honey and tahini and his with honey and dried coconut. Thank you
Amy says
Thanks Cagla, so happy you like it 🙂
MarinaCroatia says
Made this last night for my family!They were so good!I left the skin on and I think that that is the reason they din’t dry out and I seemed almost like I poured syrup over them. I put them over skyr jogurt and sprinkle of granola-perfect!
Amy says
So glad you enjoyed them, Marina 🙂 I haven’t had these in a while, must make them again soon – so good!
L gie says
Do you add the topping before baking
Amy says
Hi, No, add the toppings after 🙂
Rosie says
I’m going to try this tonight – it sounds delicious. However, I think it would have been much more helpful to put the recipe and instructions at the top – I had to scroll down for ages, through information I didn’t really want, in order to get to the actual recipe.
Amy says
Hi Rosie, I hope you enjoyed it :). At the top of each recipe post is a “jump to recipe” button. Press this and you will skip all the extra recipe info and suggestions for adapting.
Gia says
I just found your blog tonight and I’m so excited to make this tomorrow! So many simple and healthy ideas for my little boys! Thank you for your blog and hard work! I also love the photos with your children’s hands holding the food. SO sweet
Amy says
Thanks so much, Gia. I hope you enjoy the recipes. My time is limited with the hand photos, I miss those chubby little hands!
Tabitha says
I put instant hazelnut coffee on mine. I wonder how it will turn out? It will be fine. Everything with bananas and coffee is delicious
Amy says
Sounds delicious! How was it?
Tricia says
Sounds like Hazelnut Spread would be delicious with this, too!
Amy says
Yes, that would be delicious!