For years, I tried to replicate a recipe my grandmother used to make when I was a child. But no matter how many times I attempted it, the taste and texture were always off.
Only recently did I realize why: I was using bananas when I should have been using plantains. To be fair, they do look quite similar—and as a kid, I definitely couldn’t tell the difference.
So finally, after years of guessing, I’ve figured it out. These Cinnamon Sugar Plantains are exactly what I was trying to recreate: warm, sweet, and comforting. They’re soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the edges, and full of that cozy cinnamon flavor I remembered from childhood.
This is more of a guide than a strict recipe—so feel free to adjust the sugar, cinnamon, and butter to your taste. It’s quick, adaptable, and perfect for a simple, nostalgic treat.

You will need:
- 1 ripe plantain (the riper, the better)
- 1 tablespoon butter (plus extra if needed)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Extra sugar + cinnamon mixture for dusting
- Optional: Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Note: Make sure you’re using ripe plantains. If they’re not ripe, they’ll be starchy and not sweet—and that’s not what we’re going for here.
Instructions
- Mix cinnamon sugar in a small bowl; set aside.
- Peel and slice the plantain lengthwise.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat; add a little sugar.
- Fry plantains 2–3 minutes per side until golden and tender.
- Dust with cinnamon sugar while hot.
- Serve warm—with vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling extra!

A Taste of Childhood
This little recipe is proof that sometimes the simplest things are the most nostalgic. Whether you’re making it as a quick dessert or an afternoon treat, I hope it brings you as much joy as it brings me—and maybe even a few sweet memories of your own.


How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Plantains
Equipment
- nonstick skillet
Ingredients
- 1 ripe plantain black spots or fully black is perfect
- 1 tbsp butter plus more if needed
- 1 tsp sugar for the pan
- 2 tbsp sugar for dusting
- ½ tsp cinnamon or more according to taste
- Optional: Vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp sugar with ½ tsp cinnamon. Set aside.2 tbsp sugar, ½ tsp cinnamon or more according to taste
- Peel and slice the plantain lengthwise into even quarters (lenghtwise)1 ripe plantain
- Melt 1 tbsp butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tsp sugar to help with browning.1 tbsp butter, 1 tsp sugar
- Add the plantain slices to the skillet in a single layer. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden and softened.
- Remove from the pan and immediately sprinkle or dip in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Optional but recommended: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.Optional: Vanilla ice cream
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