Banana “churros” made from banana slices rolled in cinnamon and sugar, then caramelized for a sweet, low-calorie Mexican-inspired dessert. Only 157 calories per banana!
These banana “churros” were originally shared as the finale of a Cinco-themed series of low-calorie Mexican recipes. The photos and presentation have been refreshed, but the recipe remains the same — simple, quick, and delicious.
This dessert delivers all the comforting cinnamon-sugar flavor of a churro with far fewer calories. It’s a great way to use ripe bananas and enjoy a sweet finish without undoing a healthier meal plan.
BANANA “CHURROS”
157 calories per banana
Fruit-based desserts are convenient because fruit brings natural sweetness, often needing only a small enhancement to become dessert-worthy. This recipe is an easy way to use ripe bananas you might not want to eat plain but don’t want to waste. It’s comparable to roasted fruit recipes but quicker — you only need a skillet and a few minutes on the stove.
How do I choose bananas?
- Look for vibrant yellow bananas with a touch of green on the ends if you want them firmer; more yellow indicates ripeness and sweetness.
- Pick bananas that feel firm and have intact stems and peels.
- Green bananas need a few days to ripen; fully yellow bananas are ready to eat within a day or two.
- Avoid heavily browned or bruised bananas. Light brown speckling is fine and signals sweetness.
How do I store bananas until I’m ready for them?
- Keep bananas at room temperature out of direct sunlight; hanging them can prevent bruising, or place them in a bowl on the counter.
- Leave bananas attached to the bunch while storing to slow ripening.
- Wrapping the stems with plastic wrap reduces ethylene release and slows ripening.
- Storing bananas next to unripened fruit can balance ripening: the bananas help ripen other fruit while the unripened fruit can slightly slow the bananas’ ripening.
How do I make these banana “churros”?
Combine 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl and mix well. Heat a skillet over medium heat and spray lightly with cooking spray — a cast iron skillet works well since the sugar will caramelize and get sticky.
Slice 2 bananas into rounds and place them in the preheated, sprayed skillet. Allow the slices to cook for 2 minutes, then sprinkle with half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Cook for another minute and flip the slices. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar on the other side and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the bananas are soft and caramelized. Serve immediately.
Description
Banana slices rolled in cinnamon and sugar and caramelized until tender — a sweet, low-calorie dessert with a Mexican flavor profile. Approximately 157 calories per banana.
Ingredients
- 2 bananas
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Mix 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.
- Heat a skillet (cast iron recommended) over medium heat and coat with cooking spray.
- Slice 2 bananas into rounds and arrange in the skillet.
- Cook for 2 minutes, then sprinkle with half the cinnamon-sugar and cook 1 more minute.
- Flip the slices, add the remaining cinnamon-sugar, and cook another 2 minutes until soft and caramelized.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
See the storage and selection tips above for picking the best bananas and keeping them fresh until you’re ready to cook.
Recipe adapted from Dizzy Busy and Hungry.
What did you think of this recipe? Did it make the cut or would you do something differently? Leave a comment to share your experience.
