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You can't beat the irresistible allure of a warm, sweet, and gooey baked banana - a simple dessert, snack, or even breakfast. Loved by babies, kids, and adults alike.
If you happen to have an abundance of ripe bananas, we've got a variety of banana recipes for you, ranging from fruit-sweetened banana bread, banana egg muffins, and baby banana muffins to banana oatmeal cookies, banana French toast and banana chia pudding.
Yet, one of the easiest and most delightful ways to make use of them is through this simple baked banana recipe.
Baking bananas brings 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.
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Reasons to Love this Recipe
- Effortless: This is a simple recipe with simple ingredients and the best part is that the oven does all the work for you.
- Versatile: Make it uniquely yours by experimenting with various toppings. (suggestions listed below)
- Nutritious Indulgence: The perfect dessert to satisfy sweet cravings with added banana goodness.
- Waste Not, Want Not: Transform bananas destined for the bin into a delightful dessert.
Ingredient Information (and Alternative/Additional Suggestions)
The full list of ingredients and amounts can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post. This section gives information on each ingredient and suggests alternatives if required.
- Bananas: Opt for bananas with lots of brown spots for better results. Their softness, heightened sweetness, and superior flavour surpass what's achievable with yellow or green bananas, ensuring a much more delectable treat.
- Cinnamon: Add a pinch of cinnamon or more, depending on taste. You could try subbing for a pinch of cardamon or a drizzle of vanilla extract.
- Honey (Optional): Honey introduces a sweet caramelised effect for a more indulgent dessert. You can substitute it with maple syrup or a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of brown sugar. However, the extra sweetness really isn't necessary, especially if you're cutting back on sugar or serving to young children. The natural sweetness of the banana is often sufficient. Note: Omit honey if preparing for a baby, as it is not suitable for infants.
Step-by-Step Instructions (with Images)
This section features step-by-step photos for visual reference. The complete recipe can be found by scrolling to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Prepare the bananas: Cut the bananas in half, lengthways, leaving the skin on or off - it's entirely optional and depends on your serving preference.
I think it looks a little bit prettier with their skin on and my kids love scooping out the soft flesh from the skin. If you prefer you can also bake them in quarters or bite-size pieces. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. - Sweeten and Spice: Drizzle honey over the bananas (if using) and rub it in to cover the surface. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Bake until soft and golden brown on top, approximately 15 mins. The baking time will vary based on the banana's size, ripeness and desired softness.
- Serve: Enjoy them as they are or customise them with your favourite toppings.
Serving / Topping Suggestions
Toppings are a great way to add texture and flavour. Consider incorporating healthy fats and protein with options like nuts, nut butter, or yogurt, or indulge your sweet tooth with choices like chocolate or ice cream.
- Drizzle of peanut butter or almond butter
- Peanut butter dip
- Toasted coconut or desiccated coconut
- Yogurt
- Crushed nuts
- Chocolate chips
- A little maple syrup or honey
- A squeeze of orange juice, lime, or lemon juice for a citrus twist
- Ice cream
- Fresh fruit
- A little whipped cream
Recipe FAQs
As easy as it is to just peel and mash a banana to give a baby, baking it can take your banana puree to the next level.
Mash or puree the baked banana and serve it alone, or mixed with other fruit / oatmeal, 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.
Yes, you can and using the air fryer is a great idea if you are only making one banana. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. Arrange the banana halves, cut side up, in the air fryer basket. Cook at 200c/400f for around 10 mins or until browned and soft.
More Banana Recipes to Try
Looking for more healthy kid recipes?Sign up for my free recipe newsletter to get new family friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing more kid-friendly inspiration on Pinterest and Instagram.
Baked Banana
Ingredients
- 2 Bananas
- 2 teaspoons Honey Optional, do not add if making for a baby.
- ¼ teaspoon Cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200℃ / 400℉ and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Slice the bananas in half, lengthways, with the skin still on (see note 1).
- Place the bananas on the prepared baking tray and drizzle the honey evenly over the bananas. Sprinkle the cinnamon on top.
- Bake for 10 - 15 mins. (SEE NOTE 2)
Mary
Magnificent! So many ways to dress this up. Keep it simple or deck it out. I'm thinking some Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey after baking.
Amy
Perfect 🙂
Roma lane
Delicious and so simple to make
Amy
Thank you 🙂
Javad Mahdavi
Love the way the recipe is presented. Delicious, to the point and easy to follow
Amy
Thank you!
Cecilia
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
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
Cool recipe . I am going too try it one day for my little ones
Amy
Thanks, Tiffany. Make one for yourself too....they are good!
Thea
Thank you for this recipe! Can you bake a bunch of bananas at once and store them in the fridge or freezer?
Amy
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.
Terri Sidell
I do cook the bananas & freeze them. They taste better when they are cold, rather than warm.
Shirley
So glad I stumbled upon this. Perfect with a sprinkle of pistachio for some crunch! Can’t believe it’s guilt-free!
Amy
So glad you enjoyed it, Shirley. Pistachio is the perfect addition 🙂
Cagla Bazley
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
Thanks Cagla, so happy you like it 🙂
MarinaCroatia
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
So glad you enjoyed them, Marina 🙂 I haven't had these in a while, must make them again soon - so good!
L gie
Do you add the topping before baking
Amy
Hi, No, add the toppings after 🙂
Rosie
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
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
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
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
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
Sounds delicious! How was it?
Tricia
Sounds like Hazelnut Spread would be delicious with this, too!
Amy
Yes, that would be delicious!