Introduction
When you think of baklava, images of crunchy phyllo layers, sweet nuts, and dripping honey come to mind. This iconic Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dessert is loved across North Africa, especially in Morocco, where it’s often flavored with orange blossom water and served on festive occasions.
But what happens when you give this classic dessert a tropical Moroccan twist?
Enter: Banana Baklava Rolls — a fusion of traditional Moroccan sweetness and the creamy richness of ripe bananas.
These rolls are stuffed with mashed bananas, toasted nuts, cinnamon, and honey, all wrapped in crispy phyllo and baked to golden perfection. It’s a dessert that’s exotic, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍌 Sweet, creamy banana filling
- 🥮 Crunchy and golden phyllo crust
- 🍯 Lightly scented with honey and orange blossom
- 🌿 A blend of Moroccan tradition and tropical flavor
- 🍽️ Perfect for Ramadan, Eid, or an elegant dinner party dessert
Ingredients
This recipe makes about 10–12 rolls.
For the Filling:
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or almonds, toasted
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp orange blossom water (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (prevents banana from darkening)
- Pinch of salt
For the Baklava Rolls:
- 8–10 sheets of phyllo pastry, thawed if frozen
- 4 tbsp melted butter (or a mix of butter and oil)
- ¼ cup honey, for drizzling after baking
- Sesame seeds or crushed pistachios, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
🥣 Step 1: Prepare the Banana Filling
- In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth but still slightly chunky.
- Add the chopped nuts, cinnamon, brown sugar, orange blossom water, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Mix well and set aside.
🍌 Tip: You can make the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 1 day.
🧈 Step 2: Assemble the Rolls
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- On a clean surface, lay out 1 sheet of phyllo dough.
- Brush it lightly with melted butter.
- Place a spoonful of the banana-nut filling at one end of the sheet and roll it up tightly like a spring roll or cigar.
- Seal the edge with a dab of water.
- Place on the tray and repeat with remaining sheets and filling.
💡 Double layer the phyllo if it’s too thin or tears easily.
🔥 Step 3: Bake the Baklava Rolls
- Brush the tops of the rolls with more melted butter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
- While still warm, drizzle with warm honey and sprinkle sesame seeds or crushed pistachios on top.
Flavor Variations
| Variation | What to Add or Change |
|---|---|
| Chocolate Banana Rolls | Add chocolate chips to the filling |
| Coconut Twist | Mix shredded coconut into the banana mixture |
| Caramel Baklava | Drizzle with salted caramel instead of honey |
| Nut-Free | Replace nuts with granola or toasted oats |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm or at room temperature
- Pair with mint tea, spiced chai, or Turkish coffee
- Add a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream
- Drizzle with chocolate sauce or rose syrup for a modern touch
Cultural Inspiration
This recipe takes inspiration from Moroccan baklava, often filled with ground nuts and sweetened with floral syrup. By adding banana, we bring in a tropical flavor that complements the Moroccan base, creating a dish that’s both familiar and refreshing.
In Moroccan cuisine, bananas are sometimes used in tagines and desserts, making this pairing authentic in spirit — even if not traditional.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispiness.
- Avoid refrigerating — it can make the pastry soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these rolls in advance?
Yes! Prepare and freeze them before baking. When ready, bake directly from frozen (add 5–7 extra minutes to bake time).
Can I use puff pastry instead of phyllo?
Yes, but the texture will be heavier and more buttery — more like a banana strudel.
Can I skip the honey?
Yes. You can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a date syrup drizzle.
Nutrition (Per Roll – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 kcal |
| Fat | 7g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 17g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 2g |
Conclusion
Banana Baklava Rolls are a fun, tropical update to the beloved Moroccan treat. They’re easy to make, beautiful to serve, and absolutely unforgettable in flavor. Whether you’re honoring tradition or exploring new fusions, this dessert is guaranteed to delight your senses.
So next time you’re craving something sweet, exotic, and crispy — roll with it… literally!
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Banana Baklava Rolls: A tropical twist on Moroccan dessert. Filled with mashed banana, nuts, and cinnamon, wrapped in phyllo, and drizzled with honey.
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