Sweet Plantain Tamales Wrapped in Banana Leaves

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

Soft, sweet tamales made from mashed ripe plantains mixed with masa dough, steamed in banana leaves for a traditional Guatemalan dessert. This latin american-inspired desserts ready in about 90 minutes layers large ripe plantains, masa harina, baking powder 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 280 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.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 60 min Serves 6 Latin American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and boil 3 large ripe plantains in water for 15 minutes until very soft. Drain and mash until smooth.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups masa harina, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Stir in mashed plantains, 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, and 1 cup whole milk until a soft dough forms.
  3. Step 3: Cut softened banana leaves into 6 squares (about 10x10 inches). Spoon about 1/3 cup of the dough onto the center of each leaf square and spread into a 4-inch circle.
  4. Step 4: Fold the banana leaves over the dough to enclose, folding the sides and ends tightly to form tamales.
  5. Step 5: Arrange tamales in a steamer basket and steam over boiling water for 1 hour, checking occasionally to add water as needed.
  6. Step 6: Remove tamales from heat and let cool slightly before unwrapping and serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sweet Plantain Tamales Wrapped in Banana Leaves take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (30 min prep + 60 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 Sweet Plantain Tamales Wrapped in Banana Leaves?

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 Sweet Plantain Tamales Wrapped in Banana Leaves?

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 Sweet Plantain Tamales Wrapped in Banana Leaves 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 Sweet Plantain Tamales Wrapped in Banana Leaves?

Latin American 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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