Spanish Caramelized Banana Dessert with Rum and Cinnamon Recipe
A warm dessert of banana slices caramelized in a pan with butter, sugar, a splash of rum and cinnamon is a quick sweet snack in Spanish style. In many homes it’s made spontaneously when very ripe bananas are left after lunch and there’s a craving for “something small and sweet”. The flavor is a bit like flambéed fruit known from French cuisine, but with simpler preparation and a Mediterranean touch of olive oil.
A simple, homely Spanish-style dessert that turns overripe bananas into an elegant treat with a caramelized crust, warm spices and a hint of rum, ready in just a few minutes.
Chef's tips
Use bananas that are very ripe and sweet but still hold their shape – they caramelize beautifully without falling apart. Don’t stir the slices too often; letting them sit in contact with the pan gives you a better caramelized surface. If the sauce thickens too much, loosen it with a splash of orange juice.
How to serve
Serve the bananas warm with vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt or whipped cream. For a more elaborate dessert, spoon them over pancakes, waffles or French toast and drizzle with the remaining sauce.
Ingredients
- banana ripe but not mushy, cut into thick slices - 3 pieces
- butter - 20 g
- olive oil adds a light Mediterranean aroma - 1 tablespoon
- brown sugar - 2 tablespoons
- rum optional, can be omitted - 30 ml
- ground cinnamon - 0.5 teaspoons
- orange juice freshly squeezed, about 3 tablespoons - 40 ml
- vanilla ice cream for serving, optional - 3 scoops
Preparation
- In a large pan, heat the butter with the olive oil over medium heat until the butter melts and starts to foam lightly.
- Add the brown sugar and stir for 1–2 minutes, until it starts to dissolve and form a thicker, gently bubbling sauce.
- Add the banana slices in a single layer. Fry for 2–3 minutes on one side without stirring, until the bottom is lightly browned and begins to caramelize.
- Carefully turn the banana slices to the other side. Sprinkle with cinnamon and fry for another 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in the orange juice and, if using, the rum. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. If you’re worried about flames, don’t ignite the rum; just let it evaporate in the pan.
- Serve immediately, arranging the bananas in bowls, drizzling with the pan sauce and adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you like.
Storage
No storage information available for this dish.
This is one of those “instant” desserts that I make when I want something comforting and warm without turning on the oven. The combination of caramelized banana, cinnamon and a touch of rum always feels a bit festive, even on an ordinary weekday.
