Learn how to make Bananas Brûlée at home with just a few ingredients and a blow torch for that perfect caramelized crunch. Perfect as a topping for banana bread, pancakes, or even to elevate your morning oatmeal!
Bananas Brûlée is one of those quick, simple recipes that can completely transform a dish! With just a sprinkle of sugar and a quick pass of a blow torch, you can take an ordinary banana to the next level, creating a crunchy, caramelized topping that adds both flavor and texture - a dream.
It’s a wonderful way to upgrade your breakfast or dessert recipes and can be used as a topping for everything from pancakes and cream of wheat to overnight oats and even your favorite banana bread. This golden, sugary crust balances the soft, creamy banana beneath it, giving you a mix of sweet and smoky notes with every bite!
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This simple recipe is ready in minutes and only needs a few ingredients.
- Versatile Topping: Bananas Brûlée can enhance almost any dish, from breakfast to dessert.
- Impressive Presentation: A caramelized, crunchy topping that makes any dish look and taste gourmet.
- Naturally Sweet with a Caramel Crunch: Ripe bananas offer the perfect balance of sweetness, while the brûlée adds a delightful texture.
🍴Ingredients
If you can believe it, you only have to grab two ingredients for this recipe - here's what you'll need!
- Bananas: Look for ripe bananas that are still firm to the touch, so they hold their shape after caramelizing.
- Granulated Sugar: This is the key ingredient to get that beautiful, caramelized topping with the help of a kitchen torch. Sprinkle it evenly over the bananas for the best result.
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
⏲️ Substitutions & Variations
- Brown Sugar: Swap granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like caramelization.
- Cinnamon Sugar Blend: Mix a bit of cinnamon with the sugar before sprinkling for a warm, spiced twist.
- Vanilla-Infused Sugar: Use vanilla sugar to add an aromatic hint of vanilla as the bananas brûlée.
- Alcohol Flambé: If you're feeling adventurous, drizzle a small amount of rum or bourbon over the bananas and light it for a flaming effect before torching.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
📖 Step by Step Instructions
- Slice and Prepare Bananas: Slice the bananas in half lengthwise and arrange them cut-side up on a heatproof surface or a baking sheet.
2. Sprinkle the Sugar Evenly: Generously sprinkle granulated sugar over the cut side of the bananas, making sure the entire surface is evenly covered.
3. Torch to Caramelize: Use a culinary blow torch to gently caramelize the sugar on top of the bananas. Hold the torch a few inches above the surface and move it slowly back and forth until the sugar melts, bubbles, and turns a golden brown.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Once the bananas are brûléed to your desired level of caramelization, allow them to cool for just a minute before serving warm. They're best enjoyed fresh, while the caramel topping is still crunchy.
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
- Use Firm, Ripe Bananas: If the bananas are too soft, they'll become mushy when you torch them, so opt for ripe but firm ones.
- Be Generous with the Sugar: A good layer of sugar ensures a thick, crunchy brûlée, so don't be afraid to cover the surface completely.
- Move the Torch Consistently: Keep the torch moving in slow circles to evenly melt and caramelize the sugar without burning any spots.
- Serve Immediately: The caramelized topping will stay crisp for a short while, so it's best to serve the bananas right away while they still have that beautiful crunch.
No bananas in your kitchen to make banana bread? No problem!
Best Substitutes for Bananas in Baking
Discover how to keep your baking recipes deliciously moist and flavorful even when you've run out of bananas or need a banana replacement. Explore some favorite substitute for bananas in baking that perfectly captures the texture and taste you crave!
💭 Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can place the sugared bananas under a broiler for a couple of minutes, but be careful as they can burn quickly.
If you're worried about sticking, place the bananas on parchment paper or a silicone baking mat before brûléeing.
Absolutely! Mix in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even finely grated citrus zest for an extra pop of flavor.
They make a perfect topping for pancakes, waffles, ice cream, yogurt bowls, or a slice of brown butter banana bread with softly whipped cream.
More Fall Recipes You'll Love
If you try this recipe for Bananas Brûlée, please leave a 🌟 review and share your creation with me on social media! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube and Pinterest - for more delicious recipes sent straight to your inbox, sign up for my newsletter! 📧
Bananas Brûlée
Equipment
- Kitchen Torch
Ingredients
- 2 Bananas, relatively ripe
- 3 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar
Instructions
- Slice each banana in half lengthwise. Add granulated sugar to each flat side of banana until fully covered.2 Bananas, 3 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar
- Using a blow torch, brulee until each banana is caramelized.
- The caramelized topping will stay crisp for a short while, so it's best to serve the bananas right away while they still have that beautiful crunch!
Video
Notes
- Use Firm, Ripe Bananas: If the bananas are too soft, they'll become mushy when you torch them, so opt for ripe but firm ones.
- Be Generous with the Sugar: A good layer of sugar ensures a thick, crunchy brûlée, so don't be afraid to cover the surface completely.
- Move the Torch Consistently: Keep the torch moving in slow circles to evenly melt and caramelize the sugar without burning any spots.
- Serve Immediately: The caramelized topping will stay crisp for a short while, so it's best to serve the bananas right away while they still have that beautiful crunch.
Lauren
The perfect topping!! Though I could honestly just eat these by the handful!!