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Maruya (Baked Filipino Banana Fritters)

Maruya is a cherished Filipino street food traditionally made by deep-frying battered saba bananas in hot oil. This modernized version features ripe saba bananas folded into a light, buttery batter, baked in a muffin tin, and finished under the broiler with a butter-sugar coating that creates a delightfully crispy crust – offering the same satisfying texture and flavor as the classic version but with a healthier preparation method.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings: 12 pieces
Calories: 165 kcal
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: Filipino

Ingredients

For the Batter:
  • 4 very ripe Saba bananas saging na saba, cut into small cubes
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour harina
  • ¼ cup cornstarch cornstarch
  • ¼ cup superfine sugar asukal
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder pampaalsa
  • 1 large egg room temperature (itlog)
  • ½ cup milk room temperature (gatas)
  • ¼ cup melted butter cooled (tinunaw na mantikilya)
For the Sugar Crust:
  • ¼ cup melted butter tinunaw na mantikilya
  • ¼ cup sugar asukal

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 12-cup muffin tin with baking spray. Set aside.
  2. Take a large bowl and mix together 1 cup flour, ¼ cup cornstarch, ¼ cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon baking powder. Whisk well to remove any lumps.
  3. In another bowl, combine 1 egg, ½ cup milk, and ¼ cup melted butter – make sure these are all at room temperature. Whisk until well mixed.
  4. Pour your wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a spatula just until combined. Some small flour streaks are okay – don't overmix.
  5. Cut 4 ripe saba bananas into small cubes. Fold them gently into your batter.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the 12 muffin cups.
  7. Bake at 375°F for 17 minutes until just cooked through.
  8. Remove from oven and turn on your broiler to 500°F.
  9. While the broiler heats, brush the tops of your Maruya generously with ¼ cup melted butter, then sprinkle with ¼ cup sugar.
  10. Place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully, until the tops turn golden brown and crispy.
  11. Take out of the oven and let rest in the pan for 5 minutes.
  12. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly for another 5 minutes.
  13. Serve warm, optionally with a drizzle of coco jam or a cup of hot chocolate or ginger tea.

Notes

  • Choose very ripe Saba bananas with black spots for maximum sweetness
  • Bringing ingredients to room temperature prevents curdling
  • Don't overmix the batter to keep it light and fluffy
  • Watch carefully during broiling as it can burn quickly
  • Tap muffin tin gently on counter before baking to remove air bubbles

Nutrition Information

Calories 165kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 23g (8%) Protein 2g (4%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g Monounsaturated Fat 0.1g Cholesterol 28mg (9%) Sodium 85mg (4%) Potassium 27mg (1%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 12g (24%) Vitamin A 16IU (0%) Calcium 34mg (3%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12pieces

Amount Per Serving

Calories 165

% Daily Value*

Calories 165kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 23g 8%
Protein 2g 4%
Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g 1%
Monounsaturated Fat 0.1g 1%
Cholesterol 28mg 9%
Sodium 85mg 4%
Potassium 27mg 1%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 12g 24%
Vitamin A 16IU 0%
Calcium 34mg 3%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.