Pan-Fried Plantains with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze
Sweet ripe plantains pan-fried until golden and caramelized, then coated in a warm cinnamon sugar glaze for a delightful dessert or snack. This Latin American-inspired recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, layers ripe plantains (black-spotted skin), unsalted butter, brown sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 medium ripe plantains (black-spotted skin)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp fine sea salt
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel 3 ripe plantains and slice them diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until melted and foamy.
- Step 3: Add plantain slices in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until edges are deeply golden and caramelized.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/8 tsp fine sea salt.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the plantains in the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, gently tossing to coat each slice until the sugar melts into a glaze.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and serve warm as a sweet side or dessert.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Plantains with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Plantains with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Plantains with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Fried Plantains with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pan-Fried Plantains with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze?
Latin American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
