Relive the nostalgia of the 70s and 80s with this beloved and simple dessert. These banana and biscuit balls are easy to make and incredibly delicious. Follow this step-by-step guide to recreate this forgotten classic treat.
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas
- 300 grams of cornstarch biscuits (or any plain, crisp biscuits)
- Grated coconut, cocoa powder, or chocolate sprinkles for coating
Instructions:
- Prepare the Bananas:
- Start by peeling the three ripe bananas.
- Cut the bananas into round slices and transfer them to a large bowl.
- Mash the banana slices very well until a smooth mixture forms. The mixture should be free of lumps and have a creamy consistency.
- Prepare the Biscuit Crumbs:
- Place 300 grams of cornstarch biscuits in a food processor.
- Crush the biscuits until they become fine, crumbly crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, you can place the biscuits in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Transfer the biscuit crumbs to the bowl with the mashed bananas.
- Mix the ingredients together until they are well combined. If mixing with a spoon becomes too difficult, use your hands to ensure everything is evenly incorporated. The mixture should hold together well when pressed into a ball.
- Shape the Dessert Balls:
- Take a portion of the mixture in your hands and shape it into a ball, roughly the size of a walnut. Repeat this process until all the mixture is used up. Make sure to press the mixture firmly to ensure the balls hold their shape.
- Coat the Dessert Balls:
- Roll each ball in your choice of coating. You can use grated coconut, cocoa powder, or chocolate sprinkles. Ensure each ball is evenly coated. This adds both flavor and texture to the dessert balls.
- Chill and Serve:
- Once all the balls are coated, place them on a tray or plate.
- Chill the dessert balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps them firm up and enhances the flavors. Chilling also makes them easier to handle.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the chilled banana and biscuit balls as a delightful snack or dessert. They are perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a sweet treat at home. Their bite-sized nature makes them convenient for any occasion.
Tips and Variations:
- Additional Flavors: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the banana mixture for extra flavor. You can also experiment with other spices like nutmeg or allspice.
- Nutty Variation: Mix in some finely chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for added crunch and flavor. This not only enhances the texture but also adds a nutritional boost.
- Chocolate Dip: For an indulgent treat, dip the balls in melted chocolate before coating them with your desired topping. You can use dark, milk, or white chocolate depending on your preference.
- Healthier Options: Use whole grain or gluten-free biscuits to make the recipe healthier. You can also reduce the sugar content by choosing biscuits with less sugar or opting for natural sweeteners.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Bananas: Rich in potassium, vitamins B6 and C, and fiber, bananas provide natural sweetness and nutritional benefits. They also contain antioxidants and can help support digestive health.
- Cornstarch Biscuits: These add a satisfying crunch and help bind the mixture together. Depending on the type of biscuits used, they can also add various nutrients.
- Coconut and Cocoa: Both options offer additional flavors and textures, along with health benefits like antioxidants from cocoa and healthy fats from coconut. Cocoa also contains flavonoids that can improve heart health.
Detailed Process Explanation:
- Choosing the Right Bananas:
- Ensure that the bananas you choose are ripe, as they are sweeter and easier to mash. Overripe bananas work best for this recipe as they blend smoothly and add a rich sweetness to the dessert.
- Creating the Perfect Mixture:
- When mashing the bananas, make sure to mash them thoroughly to avoid any lumps. A smooth mixture will combine better with the biscuit crumbs.
- When mixing the biscuit crumbs with the mashed bananas, do so gradually to ensure even distribution. This helps in achieving a consistent texture throughout the mixture.
- Shaping the Balls:
- Wetting your hands slightly before shaping the balls can help prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.
- Press the mixture firmly when shaping the balls to ensure they hold their shape and don’t fall apart.
- Coating for Extra Flavor:
- Rolling the balls in grated coconut, cocoa powder, or chocolate sprinkles not only adds flavor but also makes the dessert visually appealing.
- You can also mix and match coatings for a variety of flavors and textures in one batch.
- Chilling for Best Results:
- Chilling the dessert balls helps them set and firm up, making them easier to handle and enhancing their flavor.
- If you’re in a hurry, you can place them in the freezer for a shorter period, but be careful not to freeze them solid.
Serving Suggestions:
- Festive Presentation: Arrange the coated balls on a decorative plate or tray. You can even use cupcake liners to serve each ball individually, adding a festive touch.
- Pairing: Serve these dessert balls with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful snack. They also pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert.
This classic banana and biscuit dessert is a delicious and easy-to-make treat that brings back memories of simpler times. The combination of mashed bananas and biscuit crumbs creates a flavorful and satisfying dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you coat them in coconut, cocoa powder, or chocolate sprinkles, these dessert balls are sure to be a hit.
Share Your Experience:
I hope you enjoy making and eating these delightful banana and biscuit dessert balls. Share this recipe with friends and family, and let me know how it turned out for you. If you have any favorite variations or tips, I’d love to hear about them. Enjoy this nostalgic and easy dessert, and see you in the next recipe adventure!
Thank you so much for following along. See you next time!
