Mexican Bananas
Sweet and smoky baked bananas with a hint of citrus, perfect as a comforting dessert or snack for fruit lovers seeking warm, caramelized flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove the skins from the bananas and save the skins.
- Dip the bananas in lemon juice.
- Sprinkle the bananas with sugar.
- Place the bananas back into their skins.
- Wrap each banana in foil.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until the skins are black.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, try using brown sugar instead of white for a richer taste. If you want to enhance the dish even more, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg before baking. If you have leftover lemon juice, it can be used in salad dressings or to brighten up other Mexican recipes. Ensure the bananas are ripe but not overly soft for optimal sweetness and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the warm Mexican Bananas as a delightful dessert or snack, perhaps alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast. They also pair well with a drizzle of caramel sauce or plain yogurt. For a festive touch, consider serving them with a side of South Of The Border Hot Salsa for a unique sweet and spicy combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover baked bananas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bananas mushy. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Bananas contains roughly 114 calories, with 2g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
While fresh bananas are ideal for this recipe, frozen bananas can be used if thawed and drained of excess moisture. However, the texture may be slightly mushy after baking, so it's best to use ripe, fresh bananas for the best results.
What can I do with leftover banana skins?
Banana skins can be composted or used in various ways, such as in smoothies for added nutrients. Alternatively, you can try drying them out and grinding them into powder to use as a natural fertilizer for your plants. It’s a great way to reduce waste.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan as it only uses bananas, lemon juice, and sugar. Ensure the sugar you use is vegan-friendly, as some may be processed with bone char. Enjoy this simple yet delicious dessert as part of your vegan recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).