Whenever I find myself craving a crunchy snack that’s both satisfying and wholesome, I turn to my homemade cinnamon-sugar banana chips. This recipe started as a simple way to rescue overripe bananas, but it quickly became one of my favorite kitchen traditions. I remember the very first batch I made—watching the bananas transform in the oven into crisp, golden chips sprinkled with sweet cinnamon sugar felt like magic. Since then, they’ve become a staple treat in my home, perfect for sharing with friends or keeping on hand for those midday snack attacks.
What I love most about this recipe is how it captures the natural sweetness of bananas and elevates it with just a touch of cinnamon and sugar. The aroma that fills the kitchen while they bake is heavenly—it smells like warm banana bread with a hint of spice, instantly making the space feel cozy. I’ve found that these banana chips bring joy not only to me but also to everyone who tries them. They’re the kind of snack that disappears quickly because it’s impossible to stop at just one chip.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it delivers on taste, texture, and simplicity. The banana chips are crunchy yet light, sweet yet not overwhelming. They strike the perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition. Unlike store-bought chips, these don’t come with additives or preservatives—you know exactly what goes into them. They’re also a wonderful option for anyone who wants a healthier alternative to processed snacks without sacrificing flavor.
These banana chips also make excellent lunchbox additions, after-school treats, or toppings for yogurt, oatmeal, and smoothie bowls. You can enjoy them guilt-free, knowing you’ve created something wholesome and homemade.
Versatile
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can adjust the sweetness level by increasing or decreasing the sugar, or even swap sugar for honey or coconut sugar if you prefer a natural alternative. For extra variety, try experimenting with spices such as nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom. These banana chips can be enjoyed on their own, crumbled over desserts, or even paired with savory dips for a creative twist.
Affordable
This recipe is incredibly budget-friendly. With just a few bananas and pantry staples like cinnamon and sugar, you can prepare a large batch of snacks without spending much. Overripe bananas, which are often discounted at grocery stores, work beautifully here, so you’re also cutting down on food waste while creating something delicious.
Ingredients for the Recipe
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4 ripe but firm bananas
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 teaspoon lemon juice (to prevent browning)
How to Prepare This Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
Making these irresistible cinnamon-sugar banana chips is easier than you might think. With only a few ingredients and some simple steps, you’ll have a crunchy, sweet snack that feels like a treat yet stays wholesome. The preparation is straightforward and doesn’t require fancy equipment, which makes it a recipe you can repeat often. Follow along and you’ll see how quick and enjoyable it is.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 225°F (110°C). A low baking temperature is essential because it helps the bananas dehydrate slowly and evenly. This gentle heat prevents them from burning and ensures that they crisp up perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This step is important because it prevents the banana slices from sticking and makes cleanup simple.
Step 3: Slice the Bananas
Peel your bananas and slice them into thin, even rounds—about 1/8 inch thick. Keeping the slices uniform ensures that all the chips cook at the same rate. If you cut some slices too thick and others too thin, you’ll end up with uneven textures. Take your time here to achieve consistency.
Step 4: Brush with Lemon Juice
Place the banana slices in a single layer on the baking sheets. Brush the tops lightly with lemon juice. This prevents browning during baking and helps keep the chips looking fresh and golden. The lemon also adds a subtle brightness to the flavor.
Step 5: Mix Cinnamon and Sugar
In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar together until well combined. This blend creates the warm, sweet coating that makes these chips irresistible. Adjust the cinnamon to your preference—if you love a stronger spice flavor, add a little extra.
Step 6: Sprinkle the Mixture Over the Bananas
Lightly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the banana slices. Try to cover each slice evenly without overloading them, as too much sugar can cause the chips to caramelize too heavily. A light dusting is enough to deliver great flavor.
Step 7: Bake Slowly
Place the trays in the preheated oven and bake for 1½ to 2 hours. Halfway through, carefully flip the banana slices to ensure they dry out evenly on both sides. Keep an eye on them toward the end, as the exact timing may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the slices. You’ll know they’re ready when they are crisp to the touch and golden brown.
Step 8: Cool the Chips
Once baked, remove the banana chips from the oven and let them cool on the tray for 10–15 minutes. They will continue to firm up as they cool, giving you that satisfying crunch.
Step 9: Store or Serve
Enjoy your banana chips immediately, or store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and crisp for up to a week, making them perfect for meal prep and snacking throughout the week.
Quick and Easy
This recipe is wonderfully quick and easy because it uses everyday ingredients and requires minimal effort. The oven does most of the work for you, leaving you free to relax while your kitchen fills with the sweet aroma of baking bananas and cinnamon. You don’t need to fuss with frying, oil, or complicated techniques—just slice, sprinkle, bake, and enjoy.
Customizable
One of the most appealing aspects of these banana chips is how easily you can customize them. If you’re aiming for a less sweet version, reduce the sugar or skip it altogether, relying on the natural sugars of the bananas. For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of sea salt to the cinnamon-sugar mixture, which creates a delightful sweet-and-salty balance. You could even drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled chips for a decadent variation.
Popular with Many People
Banana chips have universal appeal. Kids love them because they’re sweet, crunchy, and fun to eat. Adults appreciate them as a healthier alternative to processed snacks. They’re also a popular choice among guests when served in snack bowls at gatherings. These chips travel well, making them ideal for road trips, picnics, or office snacks. Since they’re naturally gluten-free and nut-free, they fit a wide variety of dietary preferences, which makes them a crowd-pleaser every time.
PrintIrresistible Cinnamon-Sugar Banana Chips Recipe for Crunchy Snacking!
These irresistible cinnamon-sugar banana chips are the perfect combination of crunchy texture and sweet flavor. They make an affordable, wholesome snack that you can easily prepare at home using just a few ingredients. With their warm cinnamon aroma and natural banana sweetness, they are a healthier alternative to store-bought chips.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 4 ripe but firm bananas
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Peel the bananas and slice them into thin, even rounds, about 1/8 inch thick.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets.
- Brush the banana slices lightly with lemon juice to prevent browning and to keep their fresh appearance.
- In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon until well combined.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the banana slices.
- Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 1½ to 2 hours, flipping the slices halfway through. Watch carefully toward the end to avoid burning.
- Remove the banana chips from the oven and let them cool for 10–15 minutes. They will crisp up as they cool.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week or enjoy immediately.
Notes
You can adjust the sweetness by reducing the sugar or using a natural sweetener such as coconut sugar.
For a variation, try adding a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar blend.
Make sure banana slices are uniform in thickness to ensure even baking.
FAQs
Can I make these banana chips without sugar?
Yes, you can skip the sugar completely if you want a purely natural snack. The bananas themselves have enough natural sweetness, especially if they are ripe.
How do I keep the banana chips from turning chewy?
The key is to slice the bananas thinly and bake them at a low temperature until completely dry. Allowing them to cool fully before storing also helps them stay crisp.
Can I use a dehydrator instead of an oven?
Absolutely. A dehydrator works perfectly for this recipe and often produces an even crunch. Simply follow the same steps and dehydrate at 135°F (57°C) for 6–8 hours.
What type of bananas are best for this recipe?
Firm, ripe bananas are ideal. Overripe bananas can turn mushy, while underripe ones may not deliver the desired sweetness. Look for bananas with a bright yellow peel and a few brown speckles.
How should I store homemade banana chips?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer freshness, place them in a sealed jar or a resealable bag with minimal air inside.
Can I add other flavors besides cinnamon?
Yes, you can experiment with spices such as nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger for a different flavor profile.