If you are craving a sweet, fluffy treat that bursts with tropical flavor, this Plantain Puffs Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These delightful fried bites marry the natural sweetness of ripe plantains with a warm hint of cinnamon, creating a Caribbean-inspired dessert that is utterly irresistible. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these puffs are perfect for enjoying any time of the day, whether as a snack, dessert, or a charming addition to your brunch spread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, everyday ingredients come together here to create the magic of Plantain Puffs. Each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and that delicate golden color that makes these bites so inviting.
- Ripe plantains: Using ripe plantains ensures natural sweetness and a tender texture perfect for blending.
- Eggs: These bind the batter while adding richness to the overall flavor.
- Melted butter: Adds a subtle, creamy taste and helps keep the puffs moist.
- Granulated sugar: Enhances the sweetness and caramelizes slightly during frying for a beautiful crust.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic note that complements the plantain perfectly.
- All-purpose flour: Creates structure for the puffs without overwhelming their delicate softness.
- Baking powder: Gives the puffs a light, airy lift during frying.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies the other flavors.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a subtle spice that pairs wonderfully with the tropical fruit.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Essential for achieving a crisp, golden exterior.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: A sweet finishing touch that makes these puffs look as good as they taste.
How to Make Plantain Puffs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Plantain Base
Begin by peeling and chopping two large ripe plantains into smaller pieces and placing them in a food processor. Blend until smooth, creating a thick, creamy base that will give your puffs that signature plantain flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Add two large eggs, three tablespoons of melted butter, two tablespoons of granulated sugar, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract to the pureed plantains. Blend again until all the wet ingredients are well incorporated, resulting in a lush, slightly sweet batter.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together half a cup of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of baking powder, a quarter teaspoon of salt, and half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon. These dry ingredients will give your puffs structure and a hint of warm spice.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet plantain batter and stir gently but thoroughly. You want a thick batter that holds its shape, perfect for frying into delicious little puffs.
Step 5: Fry the Puffs
Heat about two inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until it reaches roughly 350°F. Carefully drop spoonfuls or use a small cookie scoop to fry five to six puffs at a time. Cook each batch for about two to three minutes, turning occasionally so they brown evenly on all sides.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Using a slotted spoon, remove the golden brown puffs and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. While still warm, dust them with powdered sugar for that classic sweet finish that makes these treats simply irresistible.
How to Serve Plantain Puffs Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar is a classic choice, but you can also sprinkle toasted shredded coconut for an extra tropical flair or add a drizzle of honey or caramel sauce to make the presentation a bit more decadent.
Side Dishes
Plantain Puffs are wonderful on their own, but pairing them with fresh tropical fruits like mango slices or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate the experience. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that feels like a celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these delightful puffs in small dessert bowls or on pretty plates garnished with mint leaves for a pop of color. For a party twist, arrange them on wooden skewers alternating with fruit pieces to create a playful and shareable treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Plantain Puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps them maintain their crisp exterior, although they are always best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cooled puffs in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen puffs keep well for up to one month and make for a quick treat whenever you like.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-fryer crispy texture, reheat the puffs in an air fryer or a conventional oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warm and crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy and less appealing.
FAQs
Can I use green plantains instead of ripe ones?
Green plantains are much starchier and less sweet, so they will change the flavor and texture drastically. For this Plantain Puffs Recipe, ripe plantains are key to achieving the natural sweetness and fluffiness you expect.
Is it possible to bake these instead of frying?
Baking is an option, but frying gives them that signature golden, crispy exterior. If baking, brush the puffs with melted butter and bake at 375°F until golden, keeping in mind that the texture will be slightly different.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative?
Yes, you can try using a gluten-free flour blend, but be aware that it may alter the texture slightly. You might need to adjust the amount to get the batter consistency just right.
How sweet are these Plantain Puffs?
They have a balanced sweetness thanks to the natural sugars in the ripe plantains paired with a hint of added sugar. The powdered sugar dusting enhances the sweetness but doesn’t overpower the flavor.
What is the best oil to use for frying?
Vegetable oil with a high smoke point works best, as it allows the puffs to fry evenly without burning. You can also use canola or peanut oil if preferred.
Final Thoughts
This Plantain Puffs Recipe is truly a little slice of Caribbean sunshine on your plate. The combination of sweet plantains, warm spices, and that crispy golden crust makes each bite a joyful experience. I can’t recommend it enough—once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Print
Plantain Puffs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 puffs
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Caribbean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Plantain Puffs are a delightful Caribbean dessert featuring ripe plantains blended into a smooth batter and fried until golden and crispy. These sweet, fluffy bites are flavored with cinnamon and a hint of vanilla, dusted with powdered sugar for an irresistible tropical treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large ripe plantains, peeled and chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Blend Plantains and Wet Ingredients: Place the chopped plantains in a food processor and blend until smooth. Add the eggs, melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract to the processor and blend again until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Prepare Dry Mix: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon ensuring even distribution of the dry ingredients.
- Combine Batter: Add the dry mixture to the blended plantain mixture and stir gently until a thick batter forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light texture.
- Heat Oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet and heat over medium heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C), ideal for frying.
- Fry Plantain Puffs: Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, carefully drop 5 to 6 dollops of batter into the hot oil. Fry for about 2 to 3 minutes per batch, turning occasionally to ensure even golden brown coloring on all sides.
- Drain and Cool: Remove the cooked puffs with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve: Dust the warm plantain puffs with powdered sugar before serving for a sweet finish. Best enjoyed warm, with reheating possible in an air fryer for a few minutes to re-crisp.
Notes
- For a tropical twist, stir 1/4 cup shredded coconut into the batter before frying.
- These puffs are best served warm but can be reheated in an air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
- Use ripe plantains with yellow skins and black spots for the sweetest flavor and best texture.
