Grilled Honey-Cinnamon Bananas with Ice Cream
Indulge in the sweet and smoky flavors of Grilled Honey-Cinnamon Bananas, a delightful dessert that caramelizes the natural sugars of ripe bananas on the BBQ. This easy-to-make dish combines the warm, gooey goodness of honey-drizzled bananas with a sprinkle of brown sugar and a hint of fragrant cinnamon, finished with creamy vanilla ice cream. Perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy evening at home, this dessert is sure to impress your guests—or even satisfy your own sweet tooth!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bananas
2 (Medium, split down the middle)
Honey
4 teaspoons (Slightly warmed for easy pouring)
Brown Sugar
1 teaspoon (To sprinkle on the bananas)
Vanilla Ice Cream
100 g (2 frozen squares, thaw slightly before serving)
Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (To sprinkle on top before serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your barbecue to a medium heat, ensuring the grill grates are clean.
2
While the grill is heating, split the bananas down the middle without cutting all the way through.
3
Spoon one teaspoon of warmed honey onto each split banana, and then sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of brown sugar atop the honey.
4
Carefully place the prepared bananas on the barbecue grill, cut side up, and grill for three minutes.
5
Gently flip the bananas and grill for an additional three minutes until they are caramelized and soft.
6
While the bananas are still warm, scoop a portion of vanilla ice cream into the bottom of serving bowls.
7
Top the ice cream with the grilled bananas, allowing the warm fruit to melt into the ice cream slightly.
8
Finally, sprinkle with cinnamon for an aromatic finish. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious creation!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Grilled Honey-Cinnamon Bananas?
Grilled Honey-Cinnamon Bananas are a warm, caramelized BBQ dessert made by grilling split bananas topped with honey, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then served with vanilla ice cream.
What ingredients are required for this recipe?
You will need 2 medium bananas, 4 teaspoons of honey, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, 100g of vanilla ice cream, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon.
How should I prepare the bananas?
Split the bananas down the middle lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through the fruit.
What temperature should the barbecue be set to?
Preheat your barbecue to a medium heat and ensure the grill grates are clean before cooking.
How long do the bananas need to be grilled?
Grill the bananas for a total of six minutes: three minutes with the cut side up and three minutes on the opposite side.
Do I need to warm the honey first?
Yes, warming the honey slightly makes it easier to pour and spread evenly over the split bananas.
Can I make this recipe if I don't have a BBQ?
Yes, you can use a stovetop grill pan on medium heat to achieve a similar caramelized effect.
What is the best type of ice cream to pair with these bananas?
Vanilla ice cream is recommended to complement the warm honey and cinnamon flavors.
How do I know when the bananas are finished cooking?
The bananas are ready when they are soft to the touch and the sugars have visibly caramelized.
Can I substitute brown sugar with something else?
You can use coconut sugar or white sugar as a substitute, though brown sugar provides a richer caramel flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
To make it vegan, replace the honey with maple syrup and use a plant-based vanilla ice cream.
Should I leave the peel on the bananas while grilling?
Yes, leaving the peel on helps the banana hold its shape and prevents it from falling through the grill grates.
How many people does this recipe serve?
Based on using 2 bananas, this recipe typically serves two people.
Can I use overripe bananas?
It is best to use ripe but firm bananas; overripe bananas may become too mushy on the grill.
Can I substitute maple syrup for honey?
Yes, maple syrup is an excellent alternative to honey for this grilled dessert.
When should I add the cinnamon?
Sprinkle the cinnamon over the bananas and ice cream just before serving for an aromatic finish.
Can I add toppings like nuts?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds would add a delicious crunch to this dish.
Is this dessert gluten-free?
The primary ingredients are gluten-free, but always check the label on your vanilla ice cream to be sure.
Can I prepare this in advance?
This dish is best served immediately while the bananas are hot and the ice cream is cold.
What other spices work well with this recipe?
A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can be added along with the cinnamon for extra flavor depth.
Should the ice cream be completely frozen when serving?
The recipe suggests thawing the ice cream slightly so the warm bananas can melt into it more easily.
How do I prevent the bananas from sticking?
Ensure your grill grates are very clean and well-heated before placing the fruit down.
Can I use a charcoal grill?
Yes, a charcoal grill will work perfectly and adds a nice smoky flavor to the bananas.
What size bananas are best for this?
Medium-sized bananas are ideal as they fit well on the grill and provide a standard serving size.
Can I add chocolate to this?
Yes, adding a few chocolate chips into the split banana before grilling creates a 'banana boat' style dessert.
Does this recipe work with plantains?
Plantains can be used but they require longer cooking times and are starchier than standard bananas.
Can I grill these in the oven?
You can use the oven's broiler setting for a few minutes, though you will miss the smoky BBQ char.
What makes the bananas caramelize?
The combination of the banana's natural sugars, the honey, and the brown sugar reacts with the heat to create caramelization.
Is this a healthy dessert choice?
While it contains fruit, the addition of sugar, honey, and ice cream makes it a sweet treat best enjoyed in moderation.
Can I use frozen bananas?
No, frozen bananas will lose their structure when thawed and grilled; fresh bananas are required.