Chocolate Banana Manjar Recipe

I absolutely adore this Chocolate Banana Manjar recipe because it brings back a wave of nostalgia with every spoonful, reminding me of cozy evenings indulging in sweet treats with friends. Plus, the combination of ripe bananas and cocoa powder creates a rich, luscious dessert that’s both comfortingly familiar and irresistibly decadent, making it perfect for satisfying my chocolate cravings in the most guilt-free way! 🍌🍫

I cherish how Chocolate Banana Manjar blends the wealth of cocoa with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Four bananas and a cup of sugar create a dessert that’s as healthful as it is delicious.

Whole milk adds creaminess, and a pinch of salt intensifies the flavor. Though I make mine in a saucepan, it sets up quite beautifully in a bowl.

Ingredients

Ripe Bananas:
Inherently sweet due to the fructose content, high in potassium and fiber.

Granulated Sugar:
Contributes sweetness; counterbalances the cocoa’s bitterness.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder:
Packed with antioxidants; serves up an intense chocolate burst.

Whole Milk:
Delivers smoothness; an origin of protein and calcium.

Unsalted Butter:
Enriches; enhances texture and flavor.

Vanilla Extract:
Enhances taste; works in harmony with chocolate and banana flavors.

Salt:
Sweetness enhancement; flavor balancing.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 ripe bananas
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Take the bananas and strip off their skins, then proceed to mash the fruit very thoroughly in a large mixing bowl.

2. A medium saucepan should be used to combine the bananas that have been mashed and the granulated sugar, which should be stirred in over medium heat.

3. Once the combination starts to simmer, sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder and keep stirring until completely combined and smooth.

4. Slowly add the whole milk, stirring all the while to guarantee a lump-free, smooth mixture.

5. Add the unsalted butter, and keep cooking the mixture until the butter is completely melted.

6. Let the combination reach a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer, stirring now and then, for roughly 15–20 minutes, or until it achieves a thickness that could be likened to pudding.

7. Incorporate the vanilla extract and a tiny amount of salt, mixing them well to improve the flavor.

8. Take the saucepan off the heat and let the Chocolate Banana Manjar cool a bit.

9. The serving bowls or jars are the destination for the mixture. Awaiting the mix inside are bowl or jar forms cool to room temperature. The mixture’s waiting period inside its forms must last until the contents reach a temperature of around 72 degrees Fahrenheit before proceeding to the refrigerator.

10. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to ensure it sets correctly and to improve the taste. Serve it up as a delectable dessert or snack!

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Fork or potato masher
3. Medium saucepan
4. Sifter or fine mesh strainer
5. Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
6. Measuring cups and spoons
7. Stove
8. Serving bowls or jars
9. Refrigerator

FAQ

• Can I use a milk substitute for the whole milk?Certainly, using almond milk or oat milk in place of dairy milk makes an acceptable, though not identical, dairy-free alternative. Nonetheless, it should be noted that flavor and texture may be affected to some extent.
• Can I reduce the sugar content?To make a less sweet version, you can use only 3/4 cup of sugar, or you can use any number of sugar substitutes that would give you the equivalent sweetness without the sugar. One of my favorite sugar substitutes is coconut sugar; it also has a lower glycemic index than cane sugar. Don’t forget to taste your batter on the way to make sure it’s to your liking!
• What if my bananas aren’t ripe?Unripe bananas can be placed in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for approximately 15-20 minutes to soften and sweeten them.
• Can this recipe be made vegan?Indeed, you can make the recipe vegan by using a margarine made from plants instead of butter and a milk substitute that is not derived from animals.
• How should I store the Chocolate Banana Manjar?An airtight container is the only kind that can hold the manjar in a refrigerator for a week at most.
• Can I use a different extract instead of vanilla?Certainly, almond or coconut extract can be used for a flavor profile that’s solely their own, but they do change the overall taste.
• How can I serve Chocolate Banana Manjar?It is tasty when spread on toast; as a pancake or waffle topping, or even as a cake and pastry filling, it could be said to be outstanding.

Substitutions and Variations

Use 1 cup of honey or 1 cup of maple syrup as a natural sweetener instead of granulated sugar.
If you lack unsweetened cocoa powder, use 1/2 cup carob powder instead.
To make a version that doesn’t use dairy, substitute the 2 cups of whole milk with almond or coconut milk.
You can use 1 tablespoon of either coconut oil or vegan butter in place of unsalted butter.
Almond extract can be used in place of vanilla extract to create a different flavored profile in baked goods. It can be used in an equal amount to vanilla extract, and it will not be able to tell that vanilla was not used in a recipe; it has a sufficient flavor to stand alone or to complement without being overpowering.

Pro Tips

1. Ripe Bananas Ensure the bananas are very ripe, with plenty of brown spots. This will not only make them easier to mash but also enhance the sweetness and flavor of the dish.

2. Sifting Cocoa Powder When sifting in cocoa powder, do it gradually and continue stirring to prevent lumps. You can use a whisk for a smoother texture.

3. Milk Addition Warm the milk slightly before adding it to the saucepan. This will help integrate it into the mixture more smoothly and avoid shocking the hot mixture, which can create lumps.

4. Simmering Consistency Keep an eye on the mixture while it’s simmering. Stir frequently to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom and develop an even consistency. If you prefer a thicker manjar, simmer a little longer until it reaches your desired thickness.

5. Flavor Enhancements For additional depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a small dash of espresso powder with the cocoa. These can complement the chocolate and banana flavors nicely.