Baked Ripe Plantain Arepas with Butter and Milk

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sweet ripe plantains blended with precooked corn flour create soft, tender arepas baked to golden perfection and enriched with butter and milk. This caribbean-inspired breakfast ready in about 40 minutes combines precooked corn flour (masarepa), whole milk, melted unsalted butter into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 6, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 150 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a blender, combine 2 medium peeled and chopped ripe plantains with 1/2 cup whole milk and blend until smooth and creamy.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the plantain mixture to a large bowl and stir in 1 cup precooked corn flour, 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter, and 1/4 tsp salt until a soft dough forms; let it rest for 5 minutes to hydrate.
  4. Step 4: Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and shape each into a flat disc about 1/2-inch thick, placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Step 5: Bake the arepas for 20-25 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and firm to the touch, then remove and serve warm.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Ripe Plantain Arepas with Butter and Milk take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

How do I store leftover Baked Ripe Plantain Arepas with Butter and Milk?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Ripe Plantain Arepas with Butter and Milk?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Ripe Plantain Arepas with Butter and Milk for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Ripe Plantain Arepas with Butter and Milk?

Caribbean breakfast like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes