Sweet crispy taco shells stuffed with bananas nuts airy whipped cream and glossy caramel sauce make this dessert hard to resist when you want something impressive but need it fast These tacos are a hit at parties and perfect for those moments when everyone craves something nostalgic and playful yet genuinely delicious
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Takes just fourteen minutes for start to finish
Uses basic pantry and fridge ingredients
Customizable with different nuts and sauces
No special equipment required
Kids and adults both love assembling and eating these
You will not believe how quickly these disappear I first put them out as a last minute treat at a birthday and now they have become our go to party dessert
Ingredients
Crispy taco shells: Six needed for the perfect crunchy base Choose sturdy shells that hold their shape after warming
Ripe bananas: Three bananas provide creamy sweetness Look for yellow bananas with just a few brown spots for best flavor
Whipped cream: One cup brings cool lightness Use freshly whipped for best results or high quality store bought
Chopped nuts: Half a cup of walnuts pecans or peanuts adds nutty crunch Toast them for extra aroma and flavor
Caramel sauce: Half a cup plus a little more for drizzling Lush caramel binds everything try to select a thick rich sauce or make your own
Optional garnishes: Chocolate sauce for a hint of bitterness Crushed cookies for extra texture
Instructions
Warm the Taco Shells:
Arrange six crispy taco shells on a baking tray and place in a preheated three hundred fifty degree oven Let them heat for three to four minutes This quick warming makes the shells extra crunchy and removes any stale taste Do not let them burn
Add the Bananas:
Slice three ripe bananas into thick coins and nestle them lengthwise along the base of each taco shell This layer is what will hold up the rest of your filling and gives you the sweet creamy foundation
Pile on the Whipped Cream:
Fill a piping bag or use a large spoon to generously top the bananas with one cup of whipped cream Make sure to cover all the bananas for a luxurious creamy bite in every taco
Top with Nuts:
Sprinkle half a cup of your chosen chopped nuts all over the whipped cream This step adds depth with crunch and a nutty balance to the sweet banana and caramel
Finish with Caramel:
Drizzle half a cup of caramel sauce over each taco You are looking for a glossy finish that ties all of the flavors together and makes these tacos totally irresistible
Garnish Creatively:
Add swirls of chocolate sauce or a light dusting of crushed cookies if you like This is where you can get creative and match flavors to your mood
A plate of banana and chocolate cream filled tacos.
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A plate of banana and chocolate cream filled tacos. |
You Must Know
Good for a crowd or make ahead
Naturally vegetarian and easy to adapt for dairy free
Fun way to get fruit into a dessert
Caramel sauce is my personal star it pulls together everything and reminds me of childhood ice cream sundaes My little cousin once tried to double fill her taco shell with caramel she loved it so much which quickly turned into a sticky but joyful memory
Storage Tips
Store any unassembled components separately Taco shells should stay at room temperature in an airtight bag Bananas and whipped cream go in the fridge Wait to fill the tacos until just before serving to avoid sogginess If you absolutely need to store assembled tacos keep them chilled and eat within a couple of hours
Ingredient Substitutions
Try almond or hazelnut for a new twist Use sliced peaches instead of bananas if you want something tangier If dairy is an issue coconut whipped topping is a great swap Maple syrup or honey can step in for caramel though you will miss that dense caramel richness
Serving Suggestions
Place tacos on a platter and drizzle caramel right at the table for drama For parties set up a taco bar with little bowls of each ingredient so guests can build their own I sometimes add a scoop of vanilla ice cream beside each taco for an ultra indulgent plate
Cultural Context
Dessert tacos are a playful American twist on standard tacos blending favorite flavors and formats into something both familiar and unique They borrow from ice cream sundae traditions and classic street food creating a snack that feels festive and utterly satisfying
A plate of banana and walnut tacos with caramel drizzle.
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A plate of banana and walnut tacos with caramel drizzle. |
Pro Tips
Always warm the shells right before filling for maximum crunch and flavor
Toast the nuts slightly if you have time to amplify their aroma
Use ripe but not mushy bananas so your tacos stay neat and easy to eat
Build these tacos just before serving for the best texture and color Get creative with toppings and enjoy every crunchy creamy bite
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I use different nuts in this dish?
Absolutely! Try walnuts, pecans, peanuts, or even a mix for added flavor and crunch.
→ Is it necessary to heat the taco shells first?
Warming the shells helps them get extra crispy and enhances their texture for this sweet variation.
→ What type of caramel sauce works best?
Both store-bought and homemade caramel work well. Choose your favorite for ideal richness and taste.
→ Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
It’s best assembled just before serving to keep the shells crisp and fresh.
→ Are there alternative toppings I can use?
Definitely! Add chocolate drizzle, crushed cookies, or even berries for extra texture and flavor.
→ Is whipped cream essential, or can I substitute?
Whipped cream adds lightness, but you can try yogurt or mascarpone for a unique twist.
Caramel Banana Nuts Tacos
Crispy tacos loaded with bananas, nuts, whipped cream, and luscious caramel for a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
4 Minutes
Total Time
14 Minutes
By: Merry
Category: Desserts
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Yield: 6 Servings (6 dessert tacos)
Dietary: Vegetarian
Ingredients
→ Taco Shells
6 crispy taco shells
→ Fruit
3 ripe bananas, sliced
→ Dairy
240 ml whipped cream
→ Nuts
60 g chopped walnuts, pecans, or peanuts
→ Sauces
120 ml caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
→ Garnishes (optional)
Chocolate sauce
Crushed cookies
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 175°C. Arrange taco shells on a baking tray and heat for 3 to 4 minutes, or until crisp.
Fill each warmed taco shell with an even layer of sliced bananas.
Pipe or spoon whipped cream generously over the bananas in each taco shell.
Sprinkle chopped nuts over the whipped cream and finish with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce.
Enhance with chocolate sauce or crushed cookies as desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Warm the taco shells just before assembly to maintain optimal crispness.
Tools You’ll Need
Oven
Baking tray
Piping bag or spoon
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
