Grilled Bananas

These easy grilled bananas are one of the best summer desserts. Not only are they super easy to make, but they are also a show stopper. Top the deliciously caramelized bananas with some melted peanut butter or chocolate and you have a dessert that is incredibly tasty. Trust me, you need to make these as soon as possible.

When it comes to healthy summer desserts, fruit is always at the top of the list. In fact, most nights after dinner, I put out a simple fruit plate and it always get gobbled up. However, when I want to step things up a bit, I take that same fruit and throw it on the grill. And bananas may just be the ultimate grilled fruit with their caramelized edges and soft tender inside. They are just so good. 

It also makes the perfect grilled meal. Start with some grilled chicken or salmon, add some grilled veggies, and then finished with these ridiculously good grilled bananas.  My family loves them so much, we have them at least once a week all summer. 

Everyone has their own favorite topping. I am partial to a little drizzle of peanut butter and chocolate and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. My girls love these with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt. My husband usually adds all three. All of us love adding some texture with chopped nuts. There are just so many good options. 

How to Grill Bananas

Grilling bananas may seem tricky, but it actually couldn't be easier. Here's what to do:

1. Preheat the grill to medium high heat. 
2. Start by carefully slicing the bananas in half. Leave the skin on. This makes the bananas easy to flip over and also ensures they stay together. 
3. Add flavor to the bananas with a quick sauce. This sauce needs two main components - fat and sugar. The fat ensures that the bananas won't stick to the grill. You can use butter, coconut oil, olive oil, ghee, or any other oil or fat source you like. Then you want to add something with sugar to help the bananas caramelize. Consider brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey. After that, you can add any seasoning or spices you like. Think cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger. 
4. Brush the bananas with the sauce and let them sit on the counter for about 10 minutes. This helps the bananas soak up the flavor. You can skip this step if you don't have time, but it deepens the flavor of the grilled banana.
5. Start grilling the banana with the flesh side down. Grill for 2-3 minutes until grill marks form and banana is slightly softened and caramelized. Turn over to the peel side and grill for about 1 minute. You know it’s done when the banana begins to pull away from the peel. 

Topping Ideas

This is where these grilled bananas get really fun. It's all about the toppings. Here are some favorites but get as creative as you like.

• Bananas and chocolate are an obvious pair so grab some chocolate sauce or melt your favorite chocolate and drizzle it right on top. No one would blame you for trying caramel sauce as well.
• Peanut butter is another natural choice. Place it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds first so it's easier to drizzle. 
• Flaky sea salt is a great way to bring out the flavor and create that sweet and salty flavor everyone loves so much.
• Grab a scoop of vanilla ice cream, frozen yogurt, or Greek yogurt for a hot and cool element.
• Use s'mores as an inspiration and top with a chocolate drizzle, mini marshmallows, and crumbled graham crackers. 
• For an easy option, just add some whipped cream and chopped nuts. 

Can I grill bananas wrapped in foil?

Another popular way to cook bananas on the grill is wrapped in foil. These are also delicious but lack the caramelization and grill marks of this version. To make these bananas in foil packs. start by slicing the bananas down the center, but make sure not to slice all the way through the peel. You want to make a banana boat.

Brush with the butter and sugar mixture, adding any other toppings you like. Then wrap in foil, leaving the top slightly open. Place on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes until banana is softened. 

How to make campfire bananas?

Campfire bananas are a classic camping treat made with bananas that are grilled with all different toppings, but most often with chocolate chips and marshmallows. Start by slicing the bananas in half, but not all the way through the peel. Create a banana boat. Then add chocolate chips, marshmallows, and any other toppings you like.

Close up the foil pack and place on the grill or the campfire. Cook for about 10 minutes until the bananas are softened and the toppings have melted. Serve immediately. 

More grilled fruits and vegetables

• Grilled Apples
• Grilled Watermelon
• Grilled Onions
• Grilled Cabbage
• Grilled Brussels Sprouts