PREP TIME
15
MINS
IDLE TIME
N/A
HOURS
COOK TIME
10
MINS
PELLETS
Gold
BLEND
SERVES
4-6
PEOPLE
Can you smoke bananas on a pellet grill?
Yes. Bananas are an excellent fruit to smoke because their natural sugars caramelize while they absorb a light wood-fired flavor. Cooking bananas on a pellet grill softens the fruit, enhances its sweetness, and creates a rich dessert that's perfect on its own or served with ice cream, whipped cream, yogurt, or caramel sauce. Mild fruit wood pellets like apple or cherry complement bananas without overpowering their flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 hand of bananas
- Melted caramel
- 1 cup chocolate sauce
- Small chocolate chips
- Crushed graham crackers
- Small marshmallows
Jim Elser’s Sweet Smoked Bananas
Jim Elser of Sweet Smoke Q’s favorite pellet smoked treat. A simple recipe that turns out some of the best looking bananas you’ll ever see! If you’re looking for creative and delicious desert in a flash – look no further!
Directions
– Preheat your grill to 350 degrees.
– Cut the stem off of your bananas, and slice them down the middle. Don’t slice all the way through, just enough to have a lengthwise opening in the banana’s peel.
– Spread them open from the cut and squeeze in from the ends to create a pocket to fill with ingredients.
– Place small chocolate chips and marshmallows into the opened bananas, then wrap the banana in foil.
– Place foiled banana in the smoker for ~10 minutes until the chocolate and marshmallows are melted and the peel turns brown.
– Add graham crackers on top, then chocolate sauce, caramel, and anything else that’s to your liking.
Enjoy!
FAQs
How long do bananas take to cook on a pellet grill?
Bananas typically cook in 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the grill temperature and whether they’re cooked in the peel or sliced. They’re ready when soft, caramelized, and heated through.
What wood pellets are best for smoked bananas?
Apple, cherry, maple, and pecan pellets all pair well with bananas, adding a mild sweetness that enhances the fruit’s natural flavor without overpowering it.
Can you smoke bananas in the peel?
Yes. Leaving the peel on helps protect the fruit while it softens and caramelizes. Once cooked, simply split the peel open and enjoy the warm banana with your favorite toppings.
What toppings go well with smoked bananas?
Smoked bananas are delicious with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel sauce, chocolate, toasted coconut, chopped nuts, cinnamon, honey, or granola.
Can smoked bananas be made ahead of time?
Yes. Smoked bananas can be prepared ahead of time and gently reheated before serving, making them a convenient dessert for barbecues, family dinners, or outdoor gatherings.
