Sweet, ripe plantains are a staple in many Caribbean and Latin American cuisines. While they’re often enjoyed as a savory side dish or used in savory recipes, their natural sweetness makes them a perfect candidate for desserts! In this article, we’ll explore 20 delicious sweet plantain recipes that will satisfy your sweet tooth and add some excitement to your dessert game.
From classic pairings like caramelized sweet plantains with vanilla ice cream to innovative creations like sweet plantain and chocolate chip muffins, these recipes showcase the versatility of sweet plantains in the world of desserts. Whether you’re a fan of rich and decadent treats or light and refreshing bites, there’s something on this list for everyone.
So grab your ripe plantains and get ready to indulge in some sweet and satisfying desserts!
Caramelized Sweet Plantain with Vanilla Ice Cream
Transform ordinary sweet plantains into a decadent dessert by caramelizing them to perfection and serving them with creamy vanilla ice cream. This sweet treat is perfect for warm weather or any time you need a little indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 ripe sweet plantains
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt to taste
– 1 pint vanilla ice cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the plantains into 1-inch thick rounds and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and salt. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the plantain slices.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the plantains are caramelized and tender.
5. Serve warm caramelized plantains with scoops of vanilla ice cream.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet Plantain and Coconut Milk Pudding
This creamy pudding combines the natural sweetness of ripe plantains with the richness of coconut milk, perfect for a warm-weather dessert. This sweet treat is easy to prepare and can be served chilled or at room temperature.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 ripe plantains
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Peel the plantains and slice them into 1-inch pieces.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the plantain slices, coconut milk, sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the plantains are tender (about 15-20 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Sweet Plantain with Honey Drizzle
Sweet plantains are a tropical delight when grilled to perfection and drizzled with warm honey. This simple recipe brings out the natural sweetness of the plantains, pairing them with the richness of honey for a delicious dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 ripe sweet plantains
– 1/4 cup honey
– Salt (optional)
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Slice the plantains into 1-inch thick rounds.
3. Brush both sides of each round with cooking spray or oil, and sprinkle with salt if desired.
4. Grill the plantain slices for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they develop a caramelized exterior and a tender interior.
5. While the plantains are grilling, warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat.
6. Once the plantains are cooked, drizzle with warmed honey and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Sweet Plantain and Chocolate Chip Muffins
Sweet Plantain and Chocolate Chip Muffins: A Tropical Twist on a Classic Treat
These moist and flavorful muffins combine the natural sweetness of ripe plantains with the richness of dark chocolate chips. Perfect for a breakfast or snack treat, these muffins are sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe plantains, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed plantains, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Yield: 12 muffins
Sweet Plantain Fritters with Cinnamon Sugar
Sweet Plantain Fritters with Cinnamon Sugar: A Delicious Treat
These sweet plantain fritters are a delightful twist on traditional fried dough, infused with the natural sweetness of ripe plantains and a crunchy cinnamon sugar coating.
Ingredients:
• 3-4 ripe plantains
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Cinnamon sugar mixture (see below)
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Peel the plantains and cut them into 1-inch pieces.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder.
3. Add the beaten egg to the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth batter forms.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
5. Dip plantain pieces into the batter, then fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6. Remove fritters from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. Mix cinnamon sugar mixture and sprinkle evenly over warm fritters.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes
Sweet Plantain and Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Sweet Plantain and Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: A tropical twist on a classic dessert, this moist and flavorful cake combines the natural sweetness of ripe plantains with the tanginess of pineapple rings.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe plantains, sliced
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add sliced plantains and cook until caramelized, about 5 minutes per side.
3. Arrange pineapple rings on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together sugars, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add flour, baking powder, and remaining butter; mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter over pineapple rings and smooth top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Sweet Plantain Pancakes with Maple Syrup
Start your day off right with these fluffy, sweet pancakes made with ripe plantains and topped with a drizzle of pure maple syrup. Perfect for breakfast or brunch!
Ingredients:
– 2 large plantains, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– Maple syrup (for serving)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add mashed plantains, milk, egg, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Whisk until smooth.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
4. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
6. Flip pancakes and cook for another minute.
7. Serve warm with maple syrup drizzled on top.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Sweet Plantain and Nutella Stuffed French Toast
Start your day with a twist on the classic breakfast treat by adding sweet plantains and rich Nutella to the mix. This recipe combines crispy, caramelized plantains with gooey Nutella and fluffy bread for a decadent breakfast experience.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of Challah bread
– 2 ripe plantains, sliced into 1-inch rounds
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
– 2 tablespoons of Nutella
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup of milk
– Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs and milk.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
3. Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Cook the French toast for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
5. Meanwhile, cook the plantain slices in the same skillet for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized.
6. Spread a tablespoon of Nutella onto each cooked French toast slice, then top with a few pieces of caramelized plantain.
7. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
8. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet Plantain and Banana Bread
A delicious twist on traditional banana bread, this recipe adds natural sweetness from ripe plantains and bananas to create a moist and flavorful treat.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 2-3 ripe plantains, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix mashed bananas, sliced plantains, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Sweet Plantain and Walnut Brownies
These rich and fudgy brownies get a boost of tropical flavor from sweet plantains, paired with the earthy goodness of walnuts. Perfect for a special treat or dessert party.
Ingredients:
– 1 large ripe plantain, mashed
– 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (200g) sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup (120g) chopped walnuts
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed plantain, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
4. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Stir in chopped walnuts and melted butter.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sweet Plantain and Cream Cheese Pastries
Sweet Plantain and Cream Cheese Pastries Recipe
These flaky pastry pockets filled with caramelized sweet plantains and tangy cream cheese are a delightful twist on traditional pastries. Perfect as a snack or dessert, they’re sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 2 ripe plantains, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into squares, about 3 inches per side.
3. In a pan over medium heat, caramelize plantain slices with sugar and salt until golden brown.
4. Spread a tablespoon of cream cheese onto each pastry square, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges.
5. Place a few caramelized plantain slices on top of the cream cheese.
6. Fold pastry squares into triangles by bringing two opposite corners together to form a point. Press edges to seal.
7. Brush tops with beaten egg and place on prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Sweet Plantain and Dulce de Leche Empanadas
Sweet Plantain and Dulce de Leche Empanadas Recipe
Treat yourself to a delicious fusion of sweet plantains and caramel-like dulce de leche wrapped in flaky empanada dough. These tender pastries are perfect for a snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 package of empanada dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup dulce de leche (caramel sauce)
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out empanada dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Place a plantain slice in the center of each dough circle.
4. Drizzle dulce de leche over the plantain, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Fold the dough over the filling, forming a half-moon shape, and press edges to seal.
6. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
7. Bake empanadas for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet Plantain and Coconut Flan
This tropical dessert combines the natural sweetness of ripe plantains with the creamy richness of coconut flan, creating a unique and delicious treat. Perfect for warm weather or as a special occasion dessert.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 ripe plantains
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel the plantains and slice into 1-inch rounds.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, coconut, heavy cream, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
4. Arrange the plantain slices in a baking dish and pour the flan mixture over them.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
6. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Sweet Plantain and Almond Tart
Sweet Plantain and Almond Tart Recipe
A classic French dessert gets a tropical twist with this sweet plantain and almond tart recipe. The caramelized plantains add natural sweetness, while the almonds provide a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe plantains
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel the plantains and slice them into 1-inch pieces.
3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the plantain slices and cook until caramelized, about 5-7 minutes per side.
4. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
5. Arrange the cooked plantain slices on one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
6. Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the plantains.
7. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling and press the edges to seal.
8. Brush with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.
10. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Sweet Plantain and Caramel Cheesecake
Experience the perfect blend of tropical flavors with this innovative cheesecake recipe, featuring sweet plantains and a rich caramel sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 3 large eggs
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 ripe plantains, sliced into 1-inch rounds
– Whipped cream and chopped pecans for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Prepare crust by mixing crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press mixture into a 9-inch springform pan.
3. Beat eggs, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until smooth.
4. Arrange plantain slices on top of the cheesecake batter.
5. Drizzle caramel sauce over the plantains.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
7. Let cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Sweet Plantain and Rum Glazed Donuts
Sweet Plantain and Rum Glazed Donuts: A tropical twist on classic donuts, these sweet treats combine the natural sweetness of plantains with the richness of rum glaze.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
– Rum glaze (see below)
Donut Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add mashed plantains, yeast, milk, and melted butter; mix until smooth.
4. Pipe into donut shapes and fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Drain on paper towels.
Rum Glaze:
1. Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons rum (or to taste), and 2 tablespoons water.
2. Dip warm donuts in glaze and let excess drizzle off.
3. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet Plantain and Berry Crumble
A tropical twist on the classic crumble, this dessert combines caramelized sweet plantains with a mix of juicy berries and a crunchy oat topping. Perfect for a warm evening or as a unique dessert option.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe sweet plantains
– 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel the plantains and slice into 1-inch pieces.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add plantain slices and cook until caramelized, about 5 minutes per side.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together berries and granulated sugar. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow juices to release.
5. In another bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
6. Assemble the crumble by layering plantains, berry mixture, and oat topping in a baking dish.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Sweet Plantain and Chocolate Fondue
Sweet Plantain and Chocolate Fondue Recipe
Treat your taste buds to a delightful combination of sweet plantains and rich chocolate with this indulgent fondue recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 2 ounces high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, sugar, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
2. Remove from heat and add in the chocolate chips. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until melted and smooth.
3. Add the sliced plantains to the fondue and toss to coat.
4. Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy with your favorite dippers, such as strawberries, bananas, or marshmallows.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Sweet Plantain and Pistachio Baklava
Sweet Plantain and Pistachio Baklava: A Twist on a Classic
This sweet and nutty take on traditional baklava combines the natural sweetness of plantains with the crunch of pistachios, creating a unique and delicious dessert perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains
– 1 cup chopped pistachios
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Peel and slice the plantains into thin rounds. Place them on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
3. In a small bowl, mix together sugar, flour, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the plantain slices.
4. Drizzle the melted butter over the plantain mixture. Top with chopped pistachios.
5. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3 mm). Place it on top of the plantain mixture.
6. Brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg and fold the pastry over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Sweet Plantain and Spiced Chai Cupcakes
Elevate your baking game with these moist and aromatic cupcakes, featuring the sweetness of plantains and the warmth of spiced chai. Perfect for a unique dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe plantain, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup chai tea syrup (or brewed chai)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed plantain, butter, eggs, chai tea syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
7. Allow cupcakes to cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a world of sweet treats with these 20 mouthwatering sweet plantain recipes! From classic desserts like caramelized sweet plantain with vanilla ice cream and sweet plantain and chocolate chip muffins, to creative twists like grilled sweet plantain with honey drizzle and sweet plantain and rum glazed donuts, there’s something for every sweet tooth. Explore a variety of flavors and textures in this collection of sweet plantain desserts that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
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