Maple Cinnamon Bananas

Around the Campfire

Maple cinnamon bananas are a fast camp dessert that can also double as a pancake or French toast topping. They use durable ingredients and cook in minutes.

Why This Recipe Works

Gentle heat softens the bananas while maple, butter, and cinnamon create a warm glaze. Keeping the heat low prevents the sugars from scorching.

Quick Facts

• Serves: 4
• Heat zone: Low to medium-low
• Best for: Quick desserts, pancake toppings, kid treats
• Teaches: Gentle fruit cooking

Shopping List

• Bananas
• Maple syrup
• Butter
• Cinnamon

Home Prep

Portion cinnamon and keep maple syrup sealed. Keep bananas protected from bruising.

Cooler Packing

Bananas usually ride outside the cooler. Keep butter cold.

Equipment

• Blackstone griddle
• Spatula
• Spoon

Heat Zones

Use low to medium-low heat so the natural sugars caramelize without scorching.

Ingredients

• 4 medium bananas, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat the griddle on low to medium-low.
2. Slice 4 medium bananas thickly into 1/2-inch rounds.
3. Melt 2 tablespoons butter on the griddle and gently add the sliced bananas.
4. Cook bananas for 3–4 minutes, gently turning with a spatula until they’re warm and softened but not mushy.
5. Drizzle 1/4 cup maple syrup over the bananas and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in the final minute of cooking.
6. Toss lightly to coat, cook for 1 minute more, and serve warm.

Doneness

Bananas should be warm and softened but not collapsed.

Common Mistakes

• Cooking too hot.
• Using overripe bananas.
• Adding syrup too early.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over pancakes, French toast, oatmeal, pound cake, or yogurt.

Variations

• Add granola.
• Add chocolate chips at the table.
• Use honey instead of maple.

Dietary Adaptations

• Gluten-free: As written.
• Dairy-free: Use plant-based butter or oil.
• Vegan: Use plant-based butter.

Scaling

Cook bananas in batches and top each serving separately.

Weather Notes

This cooks quickly even in wind, but keep the heat gentle.

Leftovers

Best fresh, but leftovers can top oatmeal or pancakes.

Kid Helper Tasks

Kids can sprinkle cinnamon after cooking.

Dragonfly Tip

Maple is a finish. Let the bananas warm before the syrup hits the griddle.

Dragonfly Challenge

Try one serving over pancakes and one over French toast. Pick the better camp version.