How to Make Banana Flan with Coconut Caramel – The Best Easy Tropical Dessert Recipe

Have you ever wondered what happens when the creamy lusciousness of a traditional flan meets the tropical sweetness of ripe bananas? The result is nothing short of magical! This banana flan recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dessert that will transport your taste buds straight to a tropical paradise. With its silky texture and the perfect balance of caramelized sweetness, this dessert is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

What makes this recipe truly special is the addition of coconut to the caramel, creating a unique tropical twist that complements the banana perfectly. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, this banana flan recipe promises to impress with minimal effort.

Ingredients List

Gather these simple yet transformative ingredients to create your tropical dessert masterpiece:

• For the Coconut Caramel:
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/3 cup coconut cream (substitute with heavy cream if unavailable)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• For the Banana Custard:
• 3 ripe bananas (preferably with some brown spots for maximum sweetness)
• 4 large eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup whole milk (or coconut milk for extra tropical flavor)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut for garnish (optional)

Timing

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time: 45-50 minutes

Cooling and chilling time: 4 hours (minimum)

Total time: Approximately 5 hours and 20 minutes

While this custard banana dessert requires patience due to the cooling period, the active cooking time is surprisingly efficient—about 25% less than traditional flan recipes. Most of the time is hands-off, allowing you to prepare other dishes or simply relax while your dessert sets to perfection.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Find a 9-inch round cake pan or a specialized flan dish. Have a larger baking dish ready for the water bath. Place a clean kitchen towel at the bottom of the larger dish to prevent the flan from sliding during baking.

Step 2: Create the Coconut Caramel

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Do not stir after this point! Allow the mixture to come to a simmer, swirling the pan occasionally until it turns a deep amber color (about 8-10 minutes). Remove from heat immediately.

Carefully add the coconut cream (it will splatter, so stand back). Return to low heat and stir until smooth. Add butter and salt, stirring until fully incorporated. Pour into your baking dish, tilting to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside to cool and harden slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Banana Custard

In a blender, combine the peeled bananas, eggs, egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon if using. Blend until completely smooth and no banana chunks remain, about 30-45 seconds.

For an extra smooth texture, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any fibrous banana bits. This step is optional but recommended for the silkiest result.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Gently pour the banana custard mixture over the hardened caramel in your baking dish. Place the dish in your larger baking pan, then carefully add hot water to the outer pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the flan dish.

Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle when gently shaken. The internal temperature should reach 175°F (79°C) for perfect doneness.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Remove from the oven and carefully lift the flan dish from the water bath. Allow to cool completely at room temperature (about 1 hour). Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to set completely.

Step 6: Unmold and Serve

Run a thin knife around the edges of the flan to loosen it. Place a serving plate with a rim (to catch the caramel) on top of the dish and quickly invert. Gently shake if needed to release the flan. The caramel will flow over and around the flan.

If using, sprinkle with toasted shredded coconut just before serving for an extra tropical touch and textural contrast.

Nutritional Information

This banana flan recipe yields approximately 8 servings with the following nutritional profile per serving:

Calories: 320
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 145mg
Sodium: 160mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 45g
Potassium: 380mg

The bananas in this recipe provide approximately 15% of your daily vitamin B6 requirements and 10% of your daily potassium needs per serving, making this dessert slightly more nutritious than traditional flan recipes.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

While this dessert is inherently indulgent, there are several modifications you can make to create a lighter version:

Replace the sweetened condensed milk with 1 cup of evaporated milk plus 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup to reduce refined sugar content by approximately 30%.

Use light coconut milk instead of coconut cream in the caramel for a reduction of about 15g of saturated fat in the entire recipe.

For a dairy-free version, substitute all milk products with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and coconut cream. This adaptation is perfect for lactose-intolerant guests while maintaining the tropical flavor profile.

Consider using coconut sugar in place of granulated sugar for the caramel. While still a sugar, it has a lower glycemic index and contains small amounts of nutrients not found in refined sugar.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your banana flan recipe with these creative serving ideas:

For a dramatic presentation, serve with a thin slice of caramelized banana and a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top. The contrasting textures create a multi-dimensional dessert experience.

Pair with a small scoop of coconut sorbet for a refreshing temperature contrast that enhances the tropical flavors.

Drizzle with a tablespoon of dark rum just before serving for an adult version that brings out the caramel notes.

Serve alongside a cup of strong coffee or espresso—the bitter notes complement the sweet flan beautifully, creating a balanced flavor profile that’s especially appealing after a spicy meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Stirring the caramel: Once the sugar and water are combined, avoid stirring as this can cause crystallization. Instead, gently swirl the pan to ensure even caramelization.
• Overcooking the flan: Baking too long results in a rubbery texture. Remember that the flan will continue to set as it cools. Remove from the oven when the center still has a slight jiggle.
• Using underripe bananas: Green or barely yellow bananas lack the necessary sweetness and will result in a bland flan. Speckled bananas with brown spots provide 15-20% more natural sugar and flavor compounds.
• Skipping the water bath: This crucial step ensures gentle, even cooking. Without it, the edges will overcook while the center remains liquid.
• Unmolding while warm: Patience is key! Attempting to unmold before properly chilled will result in a broken flan that lacks structural integrity.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This flan maintains optimal flavor and texture when stored properly. Keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The caramel will gradually absorb into the flan, intensifying the flavor profile over time—many connoisseurs actually prefer it on the second day!

For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the flan up to 2 days before serving. In fact, the setting time enhances the texture, making this an ideal dessert for busy hosts.

While freezing is not recommended for the finished flan (the texture becomes grainy upon thawing), you can prepare and freeze the banana custard mixture separately for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before proceeding with the baking steps.

If you have leftover slices, store them in individual airtight containers to prevent them from absorbing other flavors in your refrigerator.

Conclusion

This tropical banana flan with coconut caramel represents the perfect marriage of classic technique and exotic flavors. By combining the beloved silky texture of traditional flan with the sweet complexity of ripe bananas and coconut, you create a dessert that’s both familiar and excitingly new.

The recipe strikes a beautiful balance between impressive and accessible—while the results look and taste professionally crafted, the process is straightforward enough for home cooks of any skill level. Have you tried this delicious twist on a classic dessert? We’d love to hear about your experience or see photos of your creation! Share your results in the comments below or tag us on social media with #TropicalBananaFlan.