Grilled Bananas a La Mode

Grilled bananas is a dessert everyone will rave about! Flavored with maple, cinnamon and nutmeg, they’re even better topped with ice cream.

Got a grill? Then you absolutely must try the revelation that is grilled bananas! This grilled spin on the flavors of bananas foster is the perfect end to a dinner on the patio. Grill up some burgers or veggies, then throw on these bananas and you’ve got dessert waiting for you. Each tender bite is flavored with maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. It’s made even more perfect with a little melty vanilla ice cream: restaurant quality with very little effort! Alex and I were skeptical at first of this idea, but at first bite we were sold.

Ingredients for grilled bananas

There’s only a handful of ingredients you need for big flavor here! This grilled dessert is naturally sweet using pure maple syrup to make a sweetly spiced sauce. Here’s what you need to make grilled bananas:

Bananas: Make sure to use bananas that are ripe but still firm. If they’re overly ripe, they’ll become mushy after grilling (which is okay flavor-wise, just not as pretty to look at)
Maple syrup: Use pure maple syrup: you could also use honey if desired
Rum: Add in a splash of rum if you like! This channels the bananas foster vibe even more
Cinnamon
Ginger
Nutmeg
Vanilla ice cream: Topping with melty vanilla ice cream takes it to star status
Chopped pecans: Optional, but the toasting crunch adds a finishing touch

How to cut bananas for grilling (leave the peel on!)

Here’s the important part for grilling bananas! Well, two things. Here’s what to know:

Keep the peel on. You’ll grill the banana in the peel: so don’t peel them! The peel acts as a protective barrier, almost like a pan. It keeps the banana together and makes it easy to flip.
Slice lengthwise. Slice the banana in half lengthwise so that it forms two long boat-shaped pieces.

Tips on how to grill bananas

Once you’ve cut your bananas, keeping them in the peel, you’re ready to grill! All you need to know at this point is the grill temperature and approximate timing. Memorize that and then make them on repeat all summer! Here’s what you need to know (or jump right to the recipe):

Preheat a grill to medium high heat: that’s 375 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cut the bananas in half with the peel on. See the notes above.
Brush the tops with the maple syrup and spices.
Grill cut side down for 3 to 4 minutes, until you get those lovely char marks.
Flip and grill cut side up for 4 to 5 minutes. This finishes the cooking.
Use a spoon to scoop the bananas out of the peels. Garnish and enjoy!

Add toasted pecans or glazed pecans

Top these grilled bananas with vanilla ice cream for a showy, restaurant-style dessert! We also like using chopped pecans to add a satisfying crunch. You can use plain pecans for this. But if you’re looking for big wow factor, here are a few other options:

Toasted pecans: Simply heating pecans in a skillet for a few minutes brings out a beautiful nutty flavor. You can taste the difference! Go to How to Toast Pecans.
Maple glazed pecans: Even better, glaze your pecans with maple syrup so they have a sweet, crunchy coating. Go to Glazed Pecans.

Toppings for grilled bananas

Topping the grilled bananas is the fun part! While we loved it as specified, here are some more topping ideas:

Top with fluffy homemade whipped cream, or vegan whipped cream for plant-based.
Try rum-infused whipped cream for a boozy spin.
Sprinkle with maple pecan granola crumbles.
Top with glazed walnuts instead of pecans.
Or try toasted almonds.
Drizzle with caramel sauce.
Add sprinkles (why not?).

Two more tasty grilled desserts

Love grilled desserts? Us too! Here are two more that you should try after making these grilled bananas:

Grilled Apples a La Mode Apples are perfect grilled in a foil packet with sugar and spices until tender. Then top with ice cream!
Grilled Pineapple It’s so easy and comes out smoky and juicy! Serve this tropical dessert drizzled with honey and toasted coconut.

This grilled bananas recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free.