Banana-Coconut Bake (Akwadu)
Submitted by jolie
Sliced bananas bake with citrus juices, brown sugar, and toasted coconut in this quick West African dessert that’s incredible with vanilla ice cream.
YIELD
6 servingsPREP
5 minCOOK
10 minREADY
15 minAkwadu transforms simple bananas into a tropical dessert in just 15 minutes, with caramelized edges and toasted coconut that smells like paradise.
Orange and lemon juices keep the bananas from browning while adding bright, tangy notes that balance the brown sugar’s molasses sweetness.
Shredded coconut toasts to golden perfection in the oven, adding nutty crunch to the soft, warm fruit.
This is the kind of dessert that comes together faster than you can preheat the oven, yet tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Pro Tips
- Use ripe but firm bananas; overly soft ones will turn mushy when baked
- Watch the coconut closely during the last few minutes to prevent burning
- Serve warm immediately for the best texture contrast
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts into the warm bananas for pure bliss
- Drizzle with rum or bourbon before baking for an adult version
Ingredients
Directions
Heat oven to 375℉ (190℃).
Cut bananas crosswise into halves.
Cut each half lengthwise into halves and arrange in greased 9-inch pie plate.
Dot with margarine and drizzle with orange and lemon juices.
Sprinkle with brown sugar and coconut.
Bake until coconut is golden, 8 to 10 minutes.
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