Veering away from the ordinary, many people are introduced to the incredible world of plantain desserts through the culinary traditions of Cuba, the Caribbean, or East Africa. These regions have a rich history of using plantains in their sweets, and it’s no wonder that this type of banana is also widely popular in other parts of the world, including Ghana, Cameroon, Haiti, Hawaii, and many others. Why not give them a try?
Plantains are often misunderstood due to their unique flavor profile, which can be both intriguing and confusing at the same time. While they may resemble bananas in appearance, they lack the sweetness that we typically associate with bananas. However, when cooked, plantains transform into a sweet delight that’s hard to resist. For those who want to delve deeper into the world of plantains versus bananas, there are plenty of resources available.
But for those eager to get started, check out these mouth-watering sweet plantain desserts!
Plantain Bread
Observantly, one could say that plantain bread is an alternative to traditional banana bread, boasting a lighter, moister texture and a slightly reduced level of sweetness. Both breads rely on similar ingredients, incorporating nutmeg, sugar, and vanilla into their recipes, yet the flavor profiles differ significantly due to the distinct characteristics of each main ingredient.
While plantain bread may not be as sweet as banana bread, it’s by no means insipid; the presence of sugar, vanilla, butter, milk, and sour cream ensures a subtle sweetness that complements its inherent earthiness. The addition of plantains and sour cream balances out the sweetness, resulting in a delightful harmony of flavors. Ultimately, when paired with a warm cup of tea or coffee, this soft, heavenly bread will transport you to a world of culinary bliss.
Sweet Fried Plantains
Creating a dessert that’s both sweet and indulgent can be a challenge, but with sweet fried plantains, the result is always well worth it. Made with an array of ingredients including brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and coconut oil, these fried plantains are undeniably incredibly sweet. The combination of flavors and textures not only makes them a delight to eat, but also a sticky mess that’s impossible to resist.
The key to truly enjoying them is to serve them straight from the pan when they’re still hot, allowing the syrup glaze to be slightly crispy around the edges. For those looking for a taste of the tropics, these sweet fried plantains are truly a treat.
Plantain Cake
Achieving perfection in a dessert is not always easy, but with plantain cake, you can be sure that your efforts will pay off. This cake has a unique texture that’s both dense and moist at the same time, without being overly sweet. The addition of ripe plantains adds a tender element to the dish, while the lemon juice and zest provide a welcome burst of citrus flavor.
Meanwhile, the cinnamon adds a touch of warmth and spice, blending seamlessly with the other flavors to create a truly harmonious taste experience.
Plantain Brownies
First off, let’s talk about the star ingredients in these vegan-friendly brownies – they’re packed with flavor and are some of the fudgiest treats you’ll ever indulge in. What’s more impressive is that they can be whipped up in just 10 minutes using a mere six key components: overripe plantains, oat flour, cacao powder, coconut sugar, baking powder, and non-dairy milk.
These brownies are not only delicious, but also a great source of fiber – and despite their rich chocolatey taste, they’re surprisingly low in unhealthy fats.
Chocolate Chip Plantain Cookies
Not only do these vegan-friendly and paleo-compliant chocolate chip plantain cookies offer a delicious twist on traditional treats, but they can also be prepared and baked in under 30 minutes. Their crispy exteriors give way to soft, gooey centers that are sure to melt in your mouth the moment they’re savored. These cookies are lightly sweet and feature generous chunks of dark chocolate for added depth and flavor.
The combination of rich flavors and a subtle sweetness is enough to make them nearly impossible to resist, especially when enjoyed with a cup of black coffee.
Plantains Foster
Rewinding to the classic bananas foster recipe, we find its tropical island counterpart in this plantain dessert. Rather than using actual bananas, this treat utilizes the starchy yet delicious plantains, which seem to embody the essence of a tropical paradise. Rounding out the flavors, you’ll season the plantains with butter, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, orange zest, a splash of dark rum, and a pinch of salt.
This harmonious blend of ingredients creates a truly exceptional flavor experience that will leave your taste buds craving more. Rendering it complete, top these spiced plantains with a scoop of traditional vanilla ice cream for a sweet and indulgent treat that’s sure to become a repeat favorite.
Plantain Muffins
Combining the rich flavors of plantains, cranberries, and cinnamon creates a unique taste experience that is both lightly sweet and mostly tart in these deliciously chewy and crumbly muffins.
Sweet Plantain Fritters
Paired with sweet toppings like berries, whipped cream, or syrup, these filling fritters are softer and lighter than most people expect. They’re often mistaken for crunchy potato fritters, but in reality, they’re more akin to fluffy pancakes – a gentle contrast to the crispy treats we usually imagine. Their sweetness is subtle, much like pancakes, and it’s not until you add those aforementioned toppings or perhaps a drizzle of honey that their flavor truly comes alive.
A pinch of nutmeg adds just a hint of warmth without overpowering the dish. The result is a light yet satisfying treat that many people enjoy pairing with eggs and breakfast meats in the morning. Whether savored for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert, these fritters are sure to fill you up more quickly than you’d anticipate, making them a delightful addition to any meal time.
Plátanos Asados con Coco (Coconut-Baked Plantains)
Undoubtedly, one of the most beloved Colombian side dishes makes a sweet appearance in this recipe. Unusually, its sweetness level is relatively low compared to other desserts, making it a great option for those seeking natural sweetness without additives. Understandably, coconut-baked plantains will be a hit with anyone who enjoys desserts that are light on sugar and heavy on flavor.
Under no circumstances do you need to go shopping for exotic ingredients; simply gather plantains, butter, cinnamon, coconut milk, and shredded coconut to get started. The combination of coconut flakes adds a delightful sweetness and texture to the softer, milder plantains, making it an irresistible treat. Unsurprisingly, cinnamon is once again a key player in this recipe, its warm and aromatic flavor elevating the dish to new heights.
Sweet Caramel Cinnamon Baked Plantains
Sprinkled throughout Latin American cuisine are various recipes for cooking plantains, and here’s another attempt at making them paleo-compliant and vegan-friendly. Simply combining sliced or chopped plantains with a few select ingredients can yield an incredibly easy dish that only requires 35 minutes to prepare. The necessary components include plantains, coconut oil, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and sea salt, resulting in sweet fried-like plantains without the stickiness and excessive sweetness.
The addition of cinnamon brings a delightful and invigorating flavor, while the sea salt contributes a pleasant balance of sweet and salty notes. These plantain treats can be enjoyed on their own or paired with whipped cream for dipping, creating an indulgent experience that’s both decadent and delectable.
10 Sweet Plantain Dessert Collection
Instructions
Taking advantage of the numerous delicious recipes available, you can create a mouthwatering plantain treat quickly and easily. This involves selecting your preferred recipe and gathering all the necessary ingredients beforehand. With a bit of preparation, you can have a scrumptious plantain dish ready in 30 minutes or less, perfect for those with busy schedules or looking to indulge in a tasty snack.
