Why You’ll Love This Dessert
Crisp + creamy + crunchy in every bite
Crispy taco shells cradle ripe banana slices, airy whipped cream (or similar filling) and crunchy chopped nuts—all tied together with sticky caramel drizzle. The contrast in textures makes each bite exciting.
Super fast & fun to assemble
With only a handful of ingredients and ~10 minutes prep, this dessert is perfect for spontaneous treats, parties or whenever you want something playful and delicious.
Ingredients
-
6 – 8 sturdy taco shells (store‑bought; corn or flour as your preference)
-
3 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced into ~¼‑inch coins
-
~1 cup whipped cream or sweetened whipped topping
-
½ cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts, pecans, or peanuts), lightly toasted if desired
-
~½ cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
-
Optional toppings: chocolate sauce drizzle, crushed cookies, sea salt flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Warm the taco shells
Pre‑heat oven to ~ 175 °C (≈ 350 °F). Place taco shells on a baking sheet and warm for about 3–4 minutes until they feel hot and slightly crisp. This refreshes the shells so they hold filling well.
Step 2: Prepare the banana and filling
Slice the bananas into coins. Have your whipped cream or whipped topping ready.
Step 3: Assemble the tacos
-
Place the warmed taco shells on a serving tray or plate.
-
Fill each shell with a layer of banana slices, distributing evenly.
-
Spoon or pipe whipped cream into each shell on top of the bananas.
-
Sprinkle chopped nuts over the whipped cream.
Step 4: Drizzle caramel & finish
Drizzle caramel sauce generously over each taco. If using, add optional chocolate sauce, crushed cookies or a light sprinkle of sea salt.
Step 5: Serve immediately
These are best served right after assembly to maintain the shell’s crispness and contrast of textures.
Tips for Success
-
Use ripe but firm bananas—slightly speckled gives best flavour without getting mushy.
-
Warm shells just before filling; if they sit too long, they may soften.
-
Toasting the nuts gives extra flavour and crunch.
-
For extra indulgence, drizzle a little extra caramel at the table just before serving.
Variations
-
Nut swap: Use hazelnuts, almonds or macadamia nuts instead for different crunch and flavour.
-
Shell alternatives: Use mini taco shells or even waffle taco shells for fun variation.
-
Topping changes: Add mini chocolate chips, crushed graham crackers or shredded coconut.
-
Fruit swap: Replace bananas with mango slices or strawberries for alternate flavour.
-
Vegan option: Use dairy‑free whipped topping, caramel sauce and non‑dairy shells.
Ingredient Substitutions
-
Taco shells → corn tortillas baked until crisp or even waffle shells.
-
Whipped topping → homemade whipped cream (heavy cream + sugar) or coconut whipped cream.
-
Caramel sauce → homemade or store‑bought. If you don’t have caramel, a thick honey or maple syrup can work.
-
Nuts → seed mix for nut‑free version (e.g., pumpkin or sunflower seeds).
Storage & Serving Suggestions
These tacos are best assembled and served immediately. If you prepare ahead, keep shells separate and assemble just before serving to keep crispness. Leftovers may lose crunch.
Serve on a platter with extra caramel sauce on the side and maybe ice cream for an extra treat.
What to Serve With These Tacos
-
A scoop of vanilla bean or caramel ice cream.
-
A hot beverage like coffee or espresso to balance sweetness.
-
Fresh fruit or berries on the side for light freshness.
-
For a party setting: set up a DIY taco dessert bar with different toppings, nuts and sauces.
Nutrition Facts (approximate per taco)
~ 320 calories, ~12 g fat, ~45 g carbs, ~4 g protein. (Values vary based on portion size & exact ingredients.)
FAQs
Q: Can I make these in advance?
A: You can prepare banana slices and toppings ahead, but fill shells just before serving to keep the crisp texture.
Q: Can I use different shells?
A: Yes—corn or flour shells, or even waffle taco shells work. Just ensure the shell is sturdy.
Q: How can I keep shells from getting soggy?
A: Serve immediately after assembly, warm the shells just before filling, and avoid over‑filling with wet ingredients.
Related Recipes
-
Banana Pudding Tacos
-
Caramel Apple Éclair Cake
-
Banana Split Dessert Tacos
Conclusion
These Caramel Banana Nuts Tacos are a playful, irresistible dessert offering the count‑on comfort of bananas and caramel with the crisp fun of a taco shell and the crunch of nuts. They’re quick to assemble, impressive to serve and perfect for sharing. Grab your shells, slice your bananas, drizzle the caramel—and enjoy every crunchy‑creamy bite!
