Grilled Banana and Coconut Skewers with Brown Sugar Glaze

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

Sliced bananas grilled on skewers and brushed with a caramelized brown sugar glaze for a sweet Filipino street food treat. This filipino-inspired desserts ready in about 25 minutes layers large ripe saba bananas, brown sugar, water 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel 4 large saba bananas and cut each into 1-inch thick diagonal slices.
  2. Step 2: Thread 5 banana slices onto each of 8 wooden skewers.
  3. Step 3: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves, then simmer for 3-4 minutes until syrup thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Brush banana skewers lightly with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
  5. Step 5: Preheat a grill pan over medium heat. Grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, brushing occasionally with the brown sugar glaze, until bananas are caramelized and grill marks appear.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and serve warm with any remaining glaze drizzled on top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Banana and Coconut Skewers with Brown Sugar Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Grilled Banana and Coconut Skewers with Brown Sugar Glaze?

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 Grilled Banana and Coconut Skewers with Brown Sugar Glaze?

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 Grilled Banana and Coconut Skewers with Brown Sugar Glaze 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 Grilled Banana and Coconut Skewers with Brown Sugar Glaze?

Filipino 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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