I’ve noticed that when Dr. O goes out of town, I still make an effort to cook for myself, but I tend to make simpler food. It might be a bit healthier, too! 🙂 Today’s dessert – Cinnamon-Baked Bananas – is no exception. I tore this recipe out of Shape magazine months and months ago… It seemed like a great way to treat myself with minimum effort using ingredients that I pretty much always have on hand.
Leaving the banana in its peel, I cut through the fruit lengthwise, leaving the bottom peel intact. I also made two small horizontal slits at the top to make opening the fruit a bit easier. I pulled the sides of the banana apart, dotted it with 1/2 teaspoon of butter, and then sprinkled it with 1/2 teaspoon of brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon.
To cook it, I closed the banana and wrapped it in foil. I put the foil packet directly on my center oven rack and baked it at 400F until it was hot and soft (10 minutes). I (carefully) removed the foil, opened the banana, and enjoyed my treat!
Yum-my! This was so simple but so delicious. If you’re trying to “be good,” this is a great way to trick your body into thinking you’re eating something more extravagant. The banana was hot and soft, and the butter-cinnamon-sugar combination is so comforting. The only change I’d make is that I might cook the banana just a bit longer next time. The recipe said 10 – 15 minutes, so I went with 10; 12 might be just right. I can’t wait to make this again to find out!
TIPS: “Dotting” something with butter just means cutting the butter into small pieces and placing the pieces randomly (or not so randomly!) on or in the dish.
Recipe link: Cinnamon-Baked Bananas
(This link has the original version of the recipe and the lighter version; I used the lighter version.)
Sweet and Saucy 
Yum! We just tried these out for dessert and they were delicious. Thanks for the great recipe, it’s a new favorite.
Glad you enjoyed them, Jasmine!
Awesome, Next time i might put a scope of ice cream over it!
we tried this over a camp fire and they were great!! Added a little non-fat whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon for the kids.
Instead of brown sugar, you could also use vanilla sugar. Goes really well with cinnamon. Adding chocolate pieces would probably taste good too!
Awesome recipe, I’m a simple cooker too so this is going in the oven in about 20 minutes1 Thank you1
Reblogged this on My Big Chop Journey: 3inches To 24 Inches and commented:
Great easy recipe 😀