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African Banana Coconut Bake

Very simple and delicious recipe, we have had this for breakfast as well as for dessert! This is from Tunisian Desserts Cookbook. Hope you enjoy!

5.0 · 39 reviewsRecipe card by LeslieEditorial by recipesvibrant · Updated October 15, 2026
DessertCoconutTropical FruitsFruitNutsAfrican
African Banana Coconut Bake

Total time

10 min

Servings

6

Calories

189.2

Category

Breakfast

The African Banana Coconut Bake is a quick, caramelized breakfast treat that highlights the natural sweetness of roasted fruit. Perfect for busy mornings, this tropical-inspired bake creates a tender, golden-crusted dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Makes 6 servings

  • 5 bananas
  • 1 margarine
  • 1/3 lemon juice
  • 1 brown sugar

Method

  1. Heat oven to 375°F.

  2. Cut bananas crosswise into halves.

  3. Cut each half lengthwise into halves and arrange in greased 9-inch pie plate.

  4. Dot with margarine or butter and drizzle with orange and lemon juices.

  5. Sprinkle with brown sugar and coconut.

  6. Bake until coconut is golden, 8 to 10 minutes.

Cook's notes

  • Use bananas that are firm and just-ripe to ensure they hold their shape during the 10-minute bake without turning into mush.
  • For the best texture, use unsweetened shredded coconut, as it browns more evenly without the added sugar burning before the fruit is soft.
  • Arrange your banana pieces in a single layer in the pie plate to ensure the brown sugar melts into a consistent syrup across all fruit.
  • Keep a close eye on the oven; because of the high sugar content in both the fruit and the topping, the coconut can transition from golden to burnt in seconds.

Easy swaps

  • Instead of margarine, use melted coconut oilEnhances the tropical profile of the dish and keeps the recipe entirely plant-based.
  • Instead of brown sugar, use coconut sugarOffers a deeper, more complex caramel flavor that complements the toasted coconut perfectly.
  • Instead of lemon juice, use fresh lime juiceProvides a slightly zestier, more authentic citrus brightness to balance the caramelized sugar.
  • Instead of shredded coconut, use flaked coconutProduces a crunchier, more substantial texture if you prefer a bite to your topping.

Frequently asked

Can I make this bake ahead of time?

You can prep the bananas and citrus juice in the dish, but wait to add the brown sugar and coconut until just before baking to prevent the topping from becoming soggy.

What should I serve with this banana bake?

It pairs beautifully with dairy-free coconut yogurt or a side of toasted nuts to add a contrasting crunch.

Will the bananas get too mushy?

As long as you stick to the 8 to 10-minute baking window, the bananas will soften and caramelize while retaining their integrity.

Is this dish very sweet?

The sweetness is primarily driven by the bananas themselves, balanced by the acidity of the lemon juice, making it a balanced breakfast option.

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