If you’re searching for an irresistible way to transform humble bananas into a craveable, shareable treat, look no further than these Cinnamon Sugar Banana Chips. Ultra-crispy, naturally sweet, and dusted with just the right amount of fragrant cinnamon, these chips are utterly delightful whether you snack on them straight from the jar or use them to jazz up your yogurt and desserts. They’re a lifelong favorite of mine for the way they straddle the line between wholesome and indulgent, with a texture that’s satisfyingly crunchy and flavors that make both kids and adults reach for just one more handful. Best of all, they’re easy enough for anyone to make—no special gadgets needed!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe has a purpose, working together to create the perfect Cinnamon Sugar Banana Chips. You’ll find the lineup refreshingly simple, but don’t underestimate how much each one impacts the flavor and overall crunch factor!
- Bananas: Choose ripe but still firm bananas for natural sweetness and the ideal chip texture.
- Lemon Juice: A splash keeps the bananas from browning and adds a subtle brightness.
- Granulated Sugar: This gives your chips a beautifully caramelized, sweet finish.
- Ground Cinnamon: Just the right amount of spice, warmth, and that classic cinnamon aroma.
- Coconut Oil: Brings a hint of richness and helps the chips baked up golden and crisp.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Banana Chips
Step 1: Prep Your Equipment
Begin by preheating your oven to 225°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This low-and-slow baking method, plus a nonstick surface, sets the stage for truly crispy Cinnamon Sugar Banana Chips without any burned edges or sticky clean-up later.
Step 2: Slice the Bananas
Peel your bananas and carefully slice them into rounds about 1/8-inch thick. A uniform thickness is key—too thick and they’ll be chewy, too thin and they’ll be fragile. Taking a few extra moments with this step ensures even baking and the signature chip crispness we’re after.
Step 3: Coat with Lemon and Coconut Oil
In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice and melted coconut oil. Gently toss the banana slices until each one gets a light coating. This layer locks in moisture while amping up the natural sweetness and protects those pretty pale banana slices from turning brown.
Step 4: Arrange and Sprinkle
Lay the coated banana rounds in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not overlapping. In a separate bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Then, sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the sliced bananas, so every chip ends up sparkling and flavorful.
Step 5: Bake and Flip
Slide your baking sheet into the oven and bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. At the halfway point, gently flip each banana slice—this helps both sides crisp up evenly and develop that golden, caramelized hue. Don’t rush; slow baking is what gives Cinnamon Sugar Banana Chips their spot-on crunch!
Step 6: Cool and Crisp Up
Once the chips look deep golden and feel nicely dry, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. As they cool, they’ll become even crispier, making it impossible not to sneak a taste or two as you wait.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Banana Chips
Garnishes
A little extra flourish goes a long way! Try sprinkling your Cinnamon Sugar Banana Chips with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a pinch more cinnamon for color and added spice. They’re also gorgeous teamed with a little sea salt for a sweet-salty finish.
Side Dishes
Serve these crunchy banana chips alongside creamy Greek yogurt, a fruit salad, or your favorite homemade granola for a power breakfast or snack plate. If you’re in the mood for a real treat, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dip like peanut butter for something special.
Creative Ways to Present
Pack them into jars or cellophane bags tied up with ribbon for an easy homemade gift—trust me, these never last long! You can also layer Cinnamon Sugar Banana Chips in parfait glasses between dollops of yogurt or custard at brunch, or use them as an edible “spoon” for scooping up chocolate hummus or sweet dips.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Cinnamon Sugar Banana Chips are fully cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Just make sure they’re completely dry to keep them crisp—any lingering moisture can lead to soggy chips.
Freezing
While these chips are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftover chips if needed. Place them in a zip-top freezer bag, press out as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best texture, thaw them briefly at room temperature and pop them in a low oven if you need to crisp them up again.
Reheating
If your Cinnamon Sugar Banana Chips lose a bit of crunch, simply spread them on a baking sheet and reheat in a 250°F oven for 10 minutes. Let them cool again—they’ll crisp right back up and taste just like new!
FAQs
Can I make Cinnamon Sugar Banana Chips without added sugar?
Absolutely! Just skip the granulated sugar and add a touch more cinnamon to enhance the natural sweetness of the bananas. You’ll still get flavorful, satisfying chips with a naturally sweet and spicy finish.
Can I use a dehydrator instead of an oven?
Yes, a dehydrator works beautifully for Cinnamon Sugar Banana Chips. They’ll come out extra crispy and you can control the drying time more precisely. Refer to your dehydrator’s guidelines for fruit chips, usually around 6-12 hours.
How do I prevent the banana chips from sticking to the parchment?
Coating the banana slices with coconut oil helps, but it’s also important to give the slices some space so air circulates around them. If you find any sticking after baking, let the chips cool completely—they’ll release more easily.
Can I make these banana chips with other spices?
Definitely! Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or even a dash of cayenne if you like some heat. The base recipe for Cinnamon Sugar Banana Chips is really versatile, so feel free to experiment until you find your favorite combination.
Are Cinnamon Sugar Banana Chips healthy?
They’re definitely a healthier alternative to fried chips or sugary snacks! Made with just a handful of wholesome ingredients and slowly baked, they’re vegan, gluten-free, and satisfyingly sweet without being over the top.
Final Thoughts
These Cinnamon Sugar Banana Chips tick every box: easy, delicious, naturally sweet, and a little bit addictive. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and see just how fun and rewarding homemade fruit chips can be—let them become a new favorite in your own snack rotation!
PrintCinnamon Sugar Banana Chips Recipe
These homemade Cinnamon Sugar Banana Chips are a delightful and healthy snack option. Crispy, sweet, and bursting with flavor, these baked fruit chips are easy to make and perfect for satisfying your snack cravings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Ingredients
Banana Chips:
- 3 ripe but firm bananas
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp coconut oil, melted
Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 225°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Bananas: Peel bananas and slice into 1/8-inch rounds.
- Coat with Oil: In a bowl, mix lemon juice and melted coconut oil; toss banana slices in this mixture.
- Arrange and Sprinkle: Lay banana slices on the baking sheet; combine sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the bananas.
- Bake: Bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
- Cool and Store: Let cool completely for maximum crispness; store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Notes
- For a sugar-free version, omit the granulated sugar and increase the cinnamon slightly.
- You can use a dehydrator for a crispier texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg