Description
This homemade banana syrup turns ripening bananas into a thick, glossy caramel syrup with warm undertones of cinnamon and nutmeg, perfect for pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large ripe but firm bananas, peeled and sliced into 1 cm rounds
- 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 240ml (1 cup) water, divided
- 100g (0.5 cup, packed) light brown sugar
- 5ml (1 teaspoon) ground cinnamon
- 2.5ml (0.5 teaspoon) ground nutmeg
- 0.5ml (0.125 teaspoon) ground cardamom
- 15ml (1 tablespoon) fresh lemon juice
- 5ml (1 teaspoon) alcohol-free vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Bananas: Peel the bananas and slice them into uniform 1 cm rounds. Set them aside while you prepare the syrup base.
- Make the Caramel Base: In a medium-heavy bottomed saucepan, add the granulated sugar. Heat over medium-low heat without stirring until the sugar begins to melt and turn amber around the edges (about 5-7 minutes). Gently swirl or stir until all the sugar is dissolved and a deep, even amber caramel forms.
- Dissolve the Caramel and Add Spices: Carefully pour 120ml (0.5 cup) of the water into the hot caramel. It will bubble up vigorously; continue to stir gently until the caramel has fully dissolved into the water. Add the remaining 120ml (0.5 cup) water, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and lemon juice to the saucepan and stir until the brown sugar is fully dissolved. Increase the heat to medium.
- Simmer the Bananas: Add the sliced bananas to the spiced caramel syrup. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The bananas will soften and release their natural sugars, causing the syrup to thicken to a glossy, pourable consistency.
- Finish the Syrup: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the alcohol-free vanilla extract. Allow the banana syrup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight jar.
- Serving Suggestion: Gently warm the desired amount of this banana syrup before serving for the best texture and flavor. Drizzle generously over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.
Notes
To achieve a thick, pourable consistency, ensure the syrup cools completely before use, as it thickens further as it rests. For a richer flavor profile, dark brown sugar can be used as a substitute for light brown sugar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: General
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
- Calories: 180 calories
- Sugar: 40 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: banana syrup, caramel, cinnamon, nutmeg, breakfast topping, pancakes, waffles, easy recipe, stovetop