Smoked Bananas

Smoked Bananas are the dessert that you never knew you were missing. With just one ingredient needed, this just might be the healthiest way to end dinner each and every night. 

Since this recipe has such simple ingredients (literally, one) it's safe to say that this might be the easiest smoker recipe, ever.

Delicious recipes like this are what make the smoking game so much fun. People often think of meats and vegetables to put inside their smoker but they're missing out on gems like this. The way that the essence of smoke pairs with the texture and creamy flavor of the banana is the best part.

I much prefer this to Bananas Foster or other recipes that require a bit more cooking and detail. If you're ready for minimal prep with the only thing remaining is the banana's peel, this simple dessert in the smoker recipe is perfection.

Ingredients

Bananas - Yep, just good ol' bananas for this simple recipe. Make sure that they're ripe bananas but not mushy ripe. You want the best looking bananas you can find. Yellow bananas with tiny brown specks are the way to go.

How To Make Smoked Bananas

Step One: Preheat the smoker.

Step Two: Remove the peel and then place the bananas in the smoker. We place them right on the grill grate but you can put them in a cast iron pan or on a cookie sheet or sheet pan, if you prefer.

Step Three: Smoke the bananas, remove and enjoy.

How To Serve Bananas Cooked in the Smoker

This is where you can have some fun and add in all the toppings and flavors that you want. Some topping suggestions could be:

• Dark Chocolate syrup or chocolate sauce - this is the family favorite around here.
• Chocolate chips, melted and drizzles on top or just small chocolate chips sprinkles on top. White chocolate chips are great too.
• Cinnamon and sugar - either white sugar or brown sugar.
• Caramel - if you love bananas foster this is amazing.
• Add graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows for over the top banana smores.

You can also make this in layers by adding pudding or vanilla ice cream into a small bowl as well. Slice up the banana pieces and layer them in between everything. Or layer in a loaf pan, freeze, and cut slices for a delightful treat.

Make a traditional banana pudding by layering with banana pudding and wafer cookies.

Many people enjoy eating with cookies and custard, too. I'm a huge fan of adding on some whipped cream for a balance of sweet and banana flavor.

Since this recipe serves one, you can easily make it again and try out all the different tastes and flavors.

Common Questions

Can I add liqueur?

If you want to add some more of that banana flavor, you can drizzle on some banana liqueur which is basically a combination of alcohol, sugars, and banana flavoring. It's typically used in desserts or in a lot of various cocktails, too. Try it in our Malibu Rum Punch.

Can you make this banana dessert on the charcoal grill?

You can. Just spray the grill grate with nonstick spray and add the bananas. You'll want to keep it at that same low and slow temperature and be sure to flip them about halfway through.

If you don't have a smoker or grill handy, this can be made in a saucepan as well for a quick treat, but it'll lack that smokey flavor. Just add a bit of butter into the pan and cook the banana up that way.

Can you store and reheat for later?

This banana dessert is best served fresh and warm. Since it's so fast and simple and can make a small portion, make it up when the craving strikes.

If for some reason you do have to store it for later, an easy way to do so would be to mash it up and make it more of a pudding texture at that point. It would still have a great taste and flavor and just be easier to not have to worry about losing its texture in the whole banana form.

How do I keep the banana warm until ready to eat?

I get it. Sometimes I get ahead of myself when it comes to smoking foods and I make things too early and am worried that they'll cool down.

The best way to retain the heat is to create a pocket with aluminum foil. Remove the banana from the smoker, place it inside the foil, and close it up. Leave it sitting on the counter or table until you're ready to eat.

Can I leave on the banana's peel and smoke it?

You can, but I wouldn't. The banana peel is actually pretty thick and will end up being a barrier to that smoky flavor and taste.

We just covered dessert. Here are some other great smoker recipes that are easy and delicious.

• Smoked Cream Cheese
• Smoked Oysters
• Smoked Chicken Legs
• Smoked Pineapple
• Smoked Tri Tip

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Recipe

Originally Published on January 26, 2022. Revised and Republished on July 25, 2024.