Banana-Based Dessert Ideas That Are As Easy As Peeling Fruit
Image Credit: PEXELS

BANANA-BASED treats have a special place in the hearts of dessert enthusiasts, combining the natural sweetness of ripe fruit with the satisfaction of a delectable dish. These simple yet indulgent desserts have become a staple in households across India, offering a guilt-free option to satisfy your sweet tooth. Dive into the world of banana-based desserts as we uncover some truly delicious recipes!

Banana Fritters

One of the most beloved banana-based desserts is the classic Banana Fritters. These crispy wonders boast a perfect balance of sweetness and crunchiness, making them an irresistible treat for all occasions. 

Ingredients:

- Ripe bananas (2-3)

- All-purpose flour (1 cup)

- Rice flour (2 tbsp)

- Turmeric powder (½ tsp)

- Pinch of salt

- Water (as needed)

- Oil (for frying)

Method:

1. In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour, rice flour, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt.

2. Gradually add water and whisk until you achieve a smooth, thick batter.

3. Peel the ripe bananas and slice them lengthwise or into rounds.

4. Dip each banana slice into the batter, ensuring it's evenly coated.

5. Heat oil in a pan for frying. Once hot, carefully place the coated banana slices into the oil.

6. Fry until golden brown and crispy, then remove and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

7. Sprinkle powdered sugar over the fritters and serve them warm.

Banana and Honey Parfait

For a dessert that's as visually stunning as it is delicious, the Banana & Honey Parfait takes the cake. This layered beauty is a perfect marriage of health and indulgence, combining the creaminess of yogurt with the sweetness of ripe bananas and the richness of honey. 

Ingredients:

- Ripe bananas (2-3)

- Greek yogurt (1 cup)

- Honey (¼ cup)

- Granola (½ cup)

- Chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, etc.)

- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)

Method:

1. Slice the ripe bananas into thin rounds.

2. In serving glasses or bowls, layer Greek yogurt, banana slices, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of granola.

3. Repeat the layers until the glasses are filled, finishing with a dollop of yogurt, a final drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts.

4. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a burst of colour and fragrance.

5. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful layers of sweetness and creaminess.

Velvety Banana Custard

No discussion of banana-based desserts is complete without mentioning the evergreen Banana Custard. This velvety treat offers a comforting embrace of warm, creamy custard infused with the delightful essence of ripe bananas. 

Ingredients:

- Ripe bananas (2-3)

- Milk (2 cups)

- Custard powder (3-4 tbsp)

- Sugar (¼ cup)

- Vanilla extract (1 tsp)

- Chopped bananas (for garnish)

Method:

1. Dissolve custard powder in a small amount of milk to form a smooth paste.

2. Heat the remaining milk in a saucepan and add sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

3. Gradually pour the custard paste into the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

4. Continue stirring over medium heat until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

5. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract. Let it cool slightly.

6. Peel and mash the ripe bananas, then fold them into the custard mixture.

7. Pour the banana custard into serving bowls, cover with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming, and refrigerate until chilled.

8. Garnish with chopped bananas before serving.

Banana Crumble

When you're in the mood for a dessert that marries the sweetness of bananas with the delightful crunch of crumble, the Banana Crumble is the answer. This dessert boasts a harmonious blend of soft, baked bananas topped with a buttery, crispy crumble layer.

Ingredients:

- Ripe bananas (2-3)

- Plain flour (1 cup)

- Rolled oats (½ cup)

- Brown sugar (½ cup)

- Butter (½ cup, softened)

- Cinnamon (1 tsp)

- Vanilla ice cream (for serving, optional)

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. 

2. Peel the ripe bananas and slice them into rounds. Place them in a baking dish.

3. In a bowl, combine plain flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, softened butter, and cinnamon. Use your fingers to rub the mixture together until it resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the bananas in the baking dish.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden and the bananas are soft and caramelised.

6. Allow the banana crumble to cool slightly before serving.

7. For an extra indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

These banana-based desserts offer a delightful spectrum of flavours and textures. Whether you're aiming for a quick and crispy treat or a more elegant, layered confection, let bananas prove their versatility as a star ingredient in creating unforgettable desserts.