Caramelized Banana Phyllo Cups with Tahini Cream
Crisp phyllo cups hold caramelized bananas and a nutty tahini cream for a warm dessert that comes together fast.
Prep: 15 · Cook: 20 · Total: 35 · Serves: 6 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.7/5 (69 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
This original dessert borrows the warm banana appeal of a skillet pudding and the tidy shape of a party pastry. Tahini cream adds a toasted, lightly savory note that makes each cup taste balanced.
Story
The first time I made these, I used bananas so ripe they collapsed into the pan and turned the phyllo cups soggy before anyone found a fork. Now I buy the yellow ones with freckles and cook them just until the edges shine. My four-year-old steals the pecans, so I keep sesame seeds nearby as backup. Warm fruit, crisp shell, cold cream. That is the whole argument.
By Casey
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, cold
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 3 medium bananas, sliced on the bias
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 12 frozen mini phyllo shells
- 2 tablespoons chopped toasted pecans
- 1 pinch flaky salt
Instructions
- Whip the cold cream, tahini, and powdered sugar in a bowl until soft peaks form; refrigerate while the cups bake.
- Heat the oven to 375 F and arrange the frozen phyllo shells on a small sheet pan.
- Bake the shells for 8 to 10 minutes until crisp and lightly browned, then cool for 5 minutes.
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, add the brown sugar and cinnamon, and stir until bubbling.
- Add the bananas and lemon juice and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, turning gently, until glossy and just tender.
- Spoon the warm bananas into the phyllo cups, top with tahini cream, pecans, and flaky salt, and serve.
Chef Tips
- Use bananas that are yellow with a few brown freckles, not very soft bananas.
- Keep the phyllo shells frozen until the oven is ready so they hold their shape.
- Make the tahini cream first and chill it while the cups bake.
- For a nut-free finish, use toasted sesame seeds instead of pecans.
Cook's Notes
- **Bananas:** Slightly firm fruit keeps its shape in the caramel.
- **Phyllo:** Bake the shells until truly crisp before filling.
- **Cream:** Tahini brands vary, so taste before adding more sugar.