If you’re in the mood for something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this Easy Sweet Recipe for Afternoon Snack is a perfect choice. With just a handful of ingredients — all of which are likely already in your pantry — you can create a delicious homemade treat that is soft, flavorful, and irresistibly simple.
Bananas provide a natural sweetness and creamy texture, while cocoa powder adds a hint of chocolate richness. The sugar coating gives it a pleasant crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior. This treat is perfect for serving with coffee, tea, or as a quick energy boost in the middle of the day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- 6 ripe bananas
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For Coating
- ¼ cup (50 grams) sugar
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1 – Preparing the Bananas
Peel the ripe bananas and cut them into slices. Place them in a blender or food processor and blend until you get a smooth puree. This step is important for achieving the silky texture of the sweet.
Step 2 – Cooking the Mixture
- Transfer the banana puree to a medium-sized saucepan.
- Add the cocoa powder, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Place the pan over medium heat and stir continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula to prevent sticking.
- Keep cooking until the mixture thickens and starts pulling away from the bottom of the pan — this is a sign that it has reached the right consistency.
Step 3 – Shaping and Cooling
- Grease a glass dish or baking tray lightly with oil or butter.
- Pour the thickened banana mixture into the dish and spread it evenly using a spatula.
- Let it cool slightly, then refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours until it firms up completely.
Step 4 – Coating and Serving
- Once firm, cut the sweet into small squares or rectangles.
- Roll each piece in the sugar coating until fully covered.
- Arrange on a serving plate and enjoy your homemade sweet treat.
Storage Recommendations
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- If you prefer a chewier texture, you can leave the coated pieces at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Choose very ripe bananas – The sweeter the bananas, the better the flavor and texture.
- Adjust cocoa powder to taste – If you want a stronger chocolate flavor, add up to 2 tablespoons.
- Use a non-stick pan – This prevents burning and makes stirring easier.
- Experiment with coatings – Instead of just sugar, try rolling in coconut flakes, cinnamon sugar, or crushed nuts.
- Cut shapes for presentation – Use cookie cutters for fun shapes if serving to children or at a party.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe without cocoa powder?
Yes, you can skip the cocoa powder for a pure banana-flavored sweet or replace it with cinnamon for a different twist.
2. Can I use unripe bananas?
It’s best to use ripe or even overripe bananas, as they have more natural sweetness and mash more easily.
3. Can I freeze this sweet?
Yes, you can freeze the pieces in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
4. Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products.
5. Can I make it less sweet?
You can reduce the sugar by half if your bananas are very sweet. However, this may slightly change the texture.