Banana Leaf Griddled Corn Cakes with Cinnamon Sugar

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

Sweet flat corn cakes cooked on a griddle wrapped in banana leaves, dusted with cinnamon sugar for a comforting treat. This latin american-inspired snacks ready in about 30 minutes layers (from about 2 ears) fresh corn kernels, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. 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: 15 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a blender or food processor, pulse 2 cups fresh corn kernels until coarsely ground but still chunky.
  2. Step 2: Transfer corn to a bowl and stir in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 cup milk and 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter to the corn mixture, stirring until combined into a thick batter.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a griddle or large nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter.
  5. Step 5: Spoon about 1/3 cup batter onto a banana leaf sheet, fold the leaf to enclose the batter like a flat packet.
  6. Step 6: Place the packet on the hot griddle and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through, flipping carefully.
  7. Step 7: Remove cakes from griddle, unwrap banana leaves, and sprinkle each cake with 1 tsp ground cinnamon mixed with 1 tbsp sugar before serving warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Banana Leaf Griddled Corn Cakes with Cinnamon Sugar take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Banana Leaf Griddled Corn Cakes with Cinnamon Sugar?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Banana Leaf Griddled Corn Cakes with Cinnamon Sugar?

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 Banana Leaf Griddled Corn Cakes with Cinnamon Sugar for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Banana Leaf Griddled Corn Cakes with Cinnamon Sugar?

Latin American snacks 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.

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