Last Updated on March 4, 2023 by Ed Joven

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

Crispy Maruya: A Sweet and Delicious Filipino Dessert

Crispy Maruya, also known as crispy banana fritters, in the Visayas region called “Pinaypay,” is a popular snack in the Philippines that many locals and tourists enjoy. It is a sweet and delicious treat made from sliced bananas coated in a batter and deep-fried until golden brown. The snack is often served with a sprinkle of sugar on top or drizzled with honey or caramel syrup.

The origins of the Maruya dessert are unclear, but it is believed to have been brought to the Philippines by Chinese traders. Over time, the recipe has been adapted to suit local tastes and ingredients, resulting in the beloved snack that we know today. Now, Maruya is enjoyed not only in the Philippines but also in other parts of Southeast Asia. This dessert is often served as a midday snack or merienda, especially during summer.

Food Advertisements by

How to cook Crispy Maruya:

To make Maruya, ripe bananas are peeled and mashed with a fork or potato masher until smooth. The mashed bananas are mixed with flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt to batter. Some variations of Maruya include adding grated coconut, vanilla extract, or even jackfruit.

Once the batter is mixed, it is dropped by spoonfuls into hot oil and fried until golden brown. The finished product is crispy on the outside and soft and sweet on the inside, with a subtle banana flavor.

Crispy Maruya is commonly served with a sprinkle of sugar on top or drizzled with caramel sauce. Some people also like to dip their Maruya in condensed milk or chocolate syrup for an extra sweet treat.

Ingredients and Procedure of Crispy Maruya :

Crispy Maruya Recipe

Ed Joven

Crispy Maruya Recipe, also known as banana fritters and called "Pinaypay" in Visayas, is a popular Filipino dessert made from mashed ripe bananas coated in a batter mixture and deep-fried until golden brown. It is commonly sold as a street food snack and is enjoyed by many Filipinos, young and old.

4 from 3 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 16

Cook Time 12

Total Time 28

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Filipino

Servings pcs

Calories 376 kcal

Food Advertisements by

Ingredients

BANANA FRITTERS INGREDIENTS:

7-10 pcs. Saba or Plantain ripe

BATTER:

¾ cup All-Purpose Flour
¼ cup Corn Starch
1 cup Water
2 drops Orange/Yellow Food Color
1½ cups Oil for frying
½ cup Refine Sugar for dusting

Instructions

~ How to Prepare ~

Peel & cut banana like this to create a fan pattern
Maruya or Pinaypay (It resembles a fan pattern.)
7-10 pcs. of not overly ripe Saba / Plantains

~ Maruya Batter ~

In a bowl mix 1/4 cup Flour, 1/4 cup Corn Starch and 1 cup Water
Add water gradually and mix until no lumps
Add 2 drops Orange or Yellow Food Color
Mix until well blended.

~ Let's Fry ~

Pour 1 1/2 cups of Vegetable Oil in a frying pan and heat on a medium low
Dip banana into a batter to coat and shake to remove extra batter.
Fry banana in batches until light brown.
Flip Bananas & fry the other side.
Remove Maruya and let it cool slightly in a cooling rack.
Double dip Maruya in the batter & fry again.
Fry until turns into a light or golden brown.
Transfer into a cooling rack to remove the oil.

~ Serve ~

Dust Maruya with sugar and serve while it's hot & crispy.
Masarap na Pinaypay na Saging.
Perfect na Meryenda at pwedeng gawing Negosyo!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 376kcalCarbohydrates: 66gProtein: 7gFat: 15gCholesterol: 43mgPotassium: 567mgFiber: 5gSugar: 34g

Keyword Banana Recipes, Filipino Desserts, Pinoy Desserts

Tried this recipe?Like us on FB @PinoyRecipeAtIbaPa or tag #PinoyRecipeAtIbaPa!

Aside from being a delicious snack, Crispy Maruya is also quite versatile. It can be served as a dessert, breakfast item, or a side dish to accompany a main meal. It is also a popular item to bring to potlucks and gatherings.

Although Maruya is a traditional Filipino dessert, its popularity has spread beyond the Philippines, with many Filipinos worldwide enjoying this sweet treat. Its simple ingredients and easy preparation make it a popular dish for those who want to experience a taste of the Philippines.

In addition to being delicious, Maruya is also quite nutritious. Bananas are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are also known to help regulate digestion and improve heart health. However, it is essential to enjoy Maruya in moderation as it is still a fried food and can be high in calories and fat.

This Crispy Maruya Recipe is a beloved Filipino dessert that has stood the test of time. Its sweet and crispy texture makes it a popular snack, while its versatility allows it to be enjoyed in various ways. So whether you’re a Filipino living abroad or someone who loves trying new desserts, our Maruya Recipe is worth a try.

Maruya Serving Suggestions:

Serve as a wonderful dessert after a meal or as a sweet treat for the morning.
Warm Maruya fritters can be enjoyed a la mode by adding ice cream and whipped cream on top.
Skip the sugar coating and serve the maruya with chocolate or caramel syrup for dipping instead for variety.
Sprinkle them with grated quick-melt cheese and condensed milk for a sweet and salty flavor.

How to Store Maruya:

Although maruya tends to become soggy over time (though they’re still delicious), eating them right away is best.
Keep the banana fritters warm and crispy in a 200 F oven if you will not eat them immediately.