Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Roasted Banana Smash is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The roasting process brings out the banana’s natural sugars, creating a rich, golden sweetness that’s far more complex than fresh bananas alone. Add your favorite toppings—like nut butter, yogurt, granola, or fresh fruit—and you’ve got a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Plus, it’s a fun and nutritious way to enjoy bananas while boosting your energy with potassium, fiber, and healthy fats.

Ingredients

For the Roasted Bananas:

2 ripe bananas (not overripe, to maintain structure)
1 tablespoon coconut oil (or olive oil for a neutral flavor)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Pinch of sea salt

Toppings (Choose Your Favorites):

2 tablespoons almond butter or peanut butter
2 tablespoons chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds
2 tablespoons granola
2 tablespoons plain or vanilla dairy-free yogurt
1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
Fresh fruit slices (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, or kiwi)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the bananas: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Peel the bananas and slice them lengthwise into halves. Alternatively, you can leave them whole for a chunkier texture.
Season the bananas: Place the bananas on the prepared baking sheet and brush them lightly with melted coconut oil. Sprinkle the bananas evenly with cinnamon, and add a tiny drizzle of vanilla extract, if using. Finish with a pinch of sea salt to enhance the sweetness.
Roast the bananas: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the bananas for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. For extra caramelization, broil the bananas for 1-2 minutes at the end, keeping an eye on them to avoid burning.
Smash the bananas: Remove the roasted bananas from the oven and let them cool for 2-3 minutes. Use a fork or the back of a spoon to gently smash the bananas, either on the baking sheet or in a serving dish, depending on your desired texture.
Add toppings: Drizzle almond or peanut butter over the smashed bananas for a creamy, nutty flavor. Sprinkle with chopped nuts, chia seeds, or flaxseeds for crunch and added nutrition. Add a dollop of yogurt for a tangy contrast and top with granola for crunch. Finish with fresh fruit slices for extra color and flavor, and drizzle with maple syrup or honey for added sweetness if desired.
Serve and enjoy: Serve your Roasted Banana Smash warm for the best texture and flavor. Pair it with coffee, tea, or your favorite plant-based milk for a complete experience.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Nut Butter Swirl: Mix almond butter directly into the smashed bananas for a richer flavor.
Tropical Style: Add shredded coconut, mango slices, and a sprinkle of lime zest for a refreshing tropical twist.
Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Drizzle with melted dark chocolate and top with cacao nibs for an indulgent treat.
Berry Bliss: Top with fresh or frozen mixed berries for a vibrant, antioxidant-packed addition.
Granola Crunch: Use a generous layer of crunchy granola as the base for added texture.
Apple-Cinnamon Medley: Add thinly sliced baked apples with extra cinnamon for a cozy fall-inspired version.
Spiced Pumpkin: Mix in a tablespoon of pumpkin puree and a pinch of pumpkin spice for a seasonal treat.
Matcha Delight: Sprinkle a light dusting of matcha powder over the smashed bananas for an earthy, energizing twist.
Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter and skip the nuts for a nut-free variation.
Protein Boost: Add a scoop of plant-based protein powder to the yogurt topping for an extra protein kick.

Storage/Reheating

Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Freezing: Roasted bananas can be frozen for up to 1 month. Smash them before freezing for easier use in smoothies, oatmeal, or baked goods.

FAQ

Can I use unripe bananas?

It’s best to use ripe bananas for this recipe because they have more natural sweetness and will roast better.

What if I don’t have coconut oil?

You can substitute olive oil or skip it entirely for a slightly drier texture.

Can I make this dish nut-free?

Yes! Use sunflower seed butter instead of almond or peanut butter and omit the nuts in the toppings.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Ensure that your granola or any toppings you add are certified gluten-free.

Can I skip the roasting step?

While roasting enhances the flavor, you can mash raw bananas if you’re short on time, but the flavor won’t be as deep.

How can I make this dish sweeter?

The natural sugars in the bananas are usually enough, but you can drizzle maple syrup or honey over the final dish if you want it sweeter.

Conclusion

Roasted Banana Smash is an incredibly simple yet flavorful dish that brings out the natural sweetness of bananas in a warm and comforting way. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a dessert, or as a snack, it’s a versatile and satisfying treat that’s easy to customize based on your preferences. With its caramelized richness and nutrient-packed toppings, it’s a delicious way to enjoy bananas in a whole new way. Try this recipe today and discover a new favorite!

Roasted Banana Smash: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

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Roasted Banana Smash transforms simple bananas into a sweet, caramelized treat. Roasting enhances the natural sweetness, and with customizable toppings, it’s a delicious and nutritious snack or breakfast option.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Category: Snack, Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Peel the bananas and slice them lengthwise into halves.
Place the bananas on the baking sheet and brush them with melted coconut oil. Sprinkle with cinnamon, and add a drizzle of vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt.
Roast the bananas in the oven for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly. For extra caramelization, broil for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye on them.
Let the bananas cool for 2-3 minutes, then use a fork to gently smash them in a serving dish or on the baking sheet.
Drizzle with almond or peanut butter, and top with chopped nuts, chia seeds, yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit. Optionally, drizzle with maple syrup or honey for added sweetness.
Serve warm and enjoy!