These easy Filipino Banana Fritters (Maruya) are made with ripe saba bananas, flour, egg, milk, and a few simple ingredients. Fried until golden and lightly crisp, they’re soft, sweet, and banana-filled inside. Perfect for a quick Filipino merienda, especially when served warm with coffee or your favorite drink.
Mash the bananas: Place the ripe saba bananas in a bowl and mash them, leaving a few small pieces for texture.
Add sugar: Mix the sugar into the mashed bananas until well combined.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Make the batter: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture. Add the milk, vanilla extract, and beaten egg. Mix until just combined.
Heat the pan: Heat a pan over low to medium heat and lightly grease with oil or butter.
Fry: Scoop portions of batter into the pan and flatten slightly. Cook until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side until golden and cooked through.
Drain: Transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to remove excess oil.
Serve: Sprinkle with granulated sugar and serve warm with coffee, hot chocolate, tea, or a cold drink.
Notes
Use ripe saba bananas for the best sweetness and banana flavor.
Do not overmix the batter to keep the fritters tender.
Cook over low to medium heat so the outside does not brown before the center is cooked.
You can leave small banana pieces in the batter for a more rustic texture.
For a variation, try adding cinnamon, grated cheese, raisins, or shredded coconut.