Grilled Bananas

These easy Grilled Bananas are one of the best summer desserts. Not only are they super easy to make, but they are also a show-stopper. Top the deliciously caramelized bananas with melted peanut butter or chocolate, and you have an incredibly tasty dessert. Trust me, you need to make these as soon as possible.

When it comes to healthy summer desserts, fresh fruit is always at the top of the list. Most nights after dinner, I put out a simple plate with our favorite fruits, which always get gobbled up.

However, when I want to step things up a bit, I take that same fruit and throw it on the grill. And bananas may just be the ultimate grilled fruit with their caramelized edges and soft, tender inside. They are just so good!

It also makes the perfect grilled meal. Start with some grilled chicken or salmon, add some grilled veggies, and then finish with these ridiculously good grilled bananas. My family loves them so much that we have them at least once a week all summer. We love other grilled fruit too like Grilled Pears, Grilled Pineapple, and Grilled Apples.

Everyone has their own favorite topping. I am partial to a little drizzle of peanut butter, chocolate, and flaky sea salt. My girls love these with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt. My husband usually adds all three. All of us love adding some crunch with chopped nuts. There are just so many good options to choose from!

Ingredients and Easy Swaps

Here is everything you need to make these healthy grilled banana recipe:

• Banana: We want to start with firm, ripe bananas to ensure they don't get too soft and mushy after grilling.
• Butter: Use unsalted melted butter to help the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere to the bananas. You can also use other fats like olive oil, ghee, or avocado oil.
• Brown sugar and cinnamon: The sugar dissolves and caramelizes beautifully to golden brown. And, of course, cinnamon for that classic cozy flavor. Always a great combo!

Have more bananas on your counter? Make some Healthy Cinnamon Banana Bread, Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes, or Chocolate Banana Muffins for an easy dessert!

How to Grill Bananas

Grilling bananas may seem tricky, but it couldn't be easier. We're also leaving the peels on, simplifying the process even more. Here's what to do:

1. Preheat the grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Prep the bananas: Start by carefully slicing the large bananas in half. Leave the skin on. This makes the bananas easy to flip and ensures they stay together.
3. Make the sauce: Add flavor to the bananas with a quick sauce. This sauce needs two main components - fat and sugar. The fat ensures that the bananas won't stick to the grill grate. You can use butter, coconut oil, olive oil, ghee, or any other oil or fat source you like. Then, you want to add something with fat to help the bananas caramelize. Consider brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey. After that, you can add any seasoning or spices you like. Think cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger.
4. Season the bananas: Brush the cut sides with the sauce and let them sit on the counter for about 10 minutes. This helps the bananas soak up the flavor. You can skip this step if you don't have time, but it deepens the flavor of the grilled banana.
5. Grill: Start grilling the banana with the flesh side down. Grill for 2-3 minutes until grill marks form and the banana is slightly softened and caramelized. Turn over to the peel side and grill for about 1 minute. You know it’s done when the banana begins to pull away from the peel.

Can I grill bananas wrapped in foil?

Another popular way to cook bananas on the grill is wrapped in foil, especially for camping. These are also delicious but lack this version's caramelization and grill marks. To make these bananas in foil packs, start by slicing the bananas down the center, but make sure not to cut all the way through the peel. You want to make banana boats.

Brush with the butter and sugar mixture, adding any other toppings you like. Then wrap in foil, leaving the top slightly open. Place on the grill and cook for 10 minutes until the bananas soften.

Grilled Banana Dessert Topping Ideas

This is where these grilled bananas get fun. It's all about the toppings. Here are some favorites, but get as creative as you like:

• Chocolate: Bananas and chocolate are an obvious pair, so grab some chocolate sauce or melt your favorite chocolate and drizzle it right on top. No one would blame you for trying caramel sauce as well.
• Peanut butter: Nut butter is another natural choice. To make it easier to drizzle, place it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds first.
• Sea salt: Flaky sea salt is a great way to bring out the flavor and create that sweet and salty flavor everyone loves.
• Ice cream: Grab a scoop of vanilla ice cream, frozen yogurt, or Greek yogurt. They are perfect for an ice cream sundae - grilled banana splits, yum!
• Smores: Use s'mores to inspire and top the warm bananas with a chocolate drizzle, mini marshmallows, and crumbled graham crackers.
• Nutty: Add some whipped cream and chopped nuts for an easy option.

How to make campfire bananas?

Campfire bananas are a classic camping treat made with bananas grilled with all different toppings, but most often with regular or dark chocolate chips and marshmallows. Start by slicing the bananas in half, but not all the way through the peel. Create a banana boat. Then add chocolate chips, marshmallows, and any other toppings you like.

Close the foil pack and place it on the grill or the campfire. Cook for about 10 minutes until the bananas are softened and the toppings have melted. Serve immediately.

Storage and Reheating

Grilling bananas is the best thing you can do for a simple, delicious dessert. It's easy to make a large batch, so you always have a sweet treat on hand!

• To store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• To reheat: Pop the bananas in the oven at 350 degrees F and heat for 4-5 minutes until warm.