Caramelized Banana Buñuelos with Cinnamon Sugar
Crispy fried Mexican buñuelos topped with caramelized bananas and a dusting of cinnamon sugar for a festive treat. This mexican-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers (250 g) all-purpose flour, baking powder, 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 320 calories and feeds 6, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup (180 ml), warm milk
- for frying, about 4 cups vegetable oil
- 2 medium, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds ripe bananas
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- for dusting powdered sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt. Stir in 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter and 3/4 cup warm milk gradually until a soft dough forms. Knead briefly until smooth and elastic, about 3 minutes.
- Step 2: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 3: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 6-inch circles using a large cookie cutter or bowl.
- Step 4: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the dough circles in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until golden and puffed. Drain on paper towels.
- Step 5: In a medium skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 2 sliced bananas, 3 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon. Cook, stirring gently, for 3-4 minutes until the bananas caramelize and sauce thickens.
- Step 6: Serve the buñuelos warm topped with the caramelized bananas and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caramelized Banana Buñuelos with Cinnamon Sugar take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (40 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 Caramelized Banana Buñuelos 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 Caramelized Banana Buñuelos 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 Caramelized Banana Buñuelos with Cinnamon Sugar 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 Caramelized Banana Buñuelos with Cinnamon Sugar?
Mexican 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.
