Costa Rican
⭐ Highly Rated
35 minmedium
Costa RicanDessert
Recipe Story
origins & traditionsQueque de Banano is a beloved Costa Rican banana bread that graces many Tico tables during coffee time or merienda. Unlike its North American counterpart, this version is typically less sweet and more cake-like in texture, reflecting the Costa Rican preference for subtly flavored desserts. The recipe relies on overripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture, combined with warm cinnamon and vanilla. Traditionally baked in a loaf pan and served in thick slices, this queque represents the comfort food culture of Costa Rica, where homemade baked goods are a point of pride. The bread keeps well for several days, actually improving in flavor as the spices meld together. Many Costa Rican families have their own variations, sometimes adding coconut or chocolate chips, but the classic version remains the most popular.
Instructions
step by step0/12 done
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth with only small lumps remaining.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using a hand mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add the mashed bananas and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, stirring until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula, mixing just until no flour streaks remain. Do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Turn out onto a cooling rack and cool completely before slicing.
Slice into thick pieces and serve at room temperature.
Queque de Banano
4.6 (20)
A moist and tender Costa Rican banana bread featuring ripe bananas, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla. This traditional homestyle dessert is perfect with coffee or as an afternoon snack.
easy
1h 10m
8 servings
Ingredients
0 of 8 checked
wet ingredients
- 4 pieces banana, very ripe, mashed
- 8 tablespoons butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 pieces eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla-extract
- 6 tablespoons honey
dry ingredients
- 2 cups flour, all-purpose
- 1 teaspoons cinnamon, ground
- 1/2 teaspoons salt
Chef Tips
expert advice•The key to perfect queque de banano is using very ripe bananas - the skins should be heavily spotted or even black.
•This ensures maximum sweetness and banana flavor.
•For a more traditional Costa Rican texture, avoid overmixing the batter once you add the flour; this keeps the crumb tender rather than tough.
•If you prefer a sweeter version, you can increase the sugar by 2-3 tablespoons.
•Some Costa Rican cooks add a tablespoon of sour cream to the batter for extra moisture.
•The queque actually tastes better the next day as the flavors develop, so consider making it ahead.
•For variation, try adding half a cup of chocolate chips or shredded coconut.
•Toast slices lightly in a skillet with butter for breakfast.
