Banco Popular's Sweet Plantain Empanadas

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy, golden empanadas filled with sweet mashed plantains, cinnamon, and a touch of nutmeg for a dessert-like treat. This puerto rican-inspired desserts ready in about 45 minutes layers large, ripe plantains, flour, eggs 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 240 calories and feeds 8, 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.

★ 4.0 (9 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves 8 Puerto Rican cuisine 240 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, mash 2 large ripe plantains until smooth. Stir in 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and 1/2 tsp salt. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: In another bowl, whisk 2 eggs, 1/2 cup milk, and 1/4 cup melted butter. Add 1 cup flour and mix until a thick batter forms.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Using a spoon, drop 1/4 cup of the plantain mixture into the skillet. Pour 2-3 tbsp of the batter around the edges to form a round shape. Repeat with remaining filling and batter.
  4. Step 4: Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels and serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Banco Popular's Sweet Plantain Empanadas take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (30 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 Banco Popular's Sweet Plantain Empanadas?

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 Banco Popular's Sweet Plantain Empanadas?

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 Banco Popular's Sweet Plantain Empanadas for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Banco Popular's Sweet Plantain Empanadas?

Puerto Rican desserts 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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