If you’ve never tried Banana Lumpia (Filipino Turon) before, you’re in for a real treat!. This crispy, sweet little snack is one of the most irresistible Filipino banana desserts out there.
Ripe Saba bananas or plantains are coated in a cinnamon-brown sugar mixture, paired with sweet jackfruit, then wrapped in a crispy spring roll wrapper.
This banana lumpia recipe is quick, easy, and ready in under 30 minutes—making it the perfect sweet treat the whole family will love.
What is Banana Lumpia (Filipino Turon)?
Banana Lumpia (Filipino Turon) is a popular Filipino street food snack and dessert. It's simply ripe Saba bananas (or plantains, which are easier to find in grocery stores) and jackfruit wrapped in spring roll wrappers, fried until crisp, and coated with a caramel glaze.
This classic turon recipe combines sweetness and a crunchy texture that makes it so addictive.
If you’ve never had this before, think of it like a Filipino version of a fried banana roll—but with a sticky, caramelized finish that takes it over the top. It’s one of those treats that feels both nostalgic and completely unique at the same time.
Why You’ll Love Banana Lumpia (Filipino Turon)
- Easy to make: This banana lumpia recipe comes together in under 30 minutes with simple, easy-to-find ingredients.
- Crunchy and sweet: The crisp golden wrapper and sticky caramel glaze make every bite so delicious.
- Family-friendly: It’s a Filipino banana dessert that both kids and adults can’t stop eating!
- Versatile: You can easily customize the filling with different fruits or flavors.
- Special yet simple: Even though this turon recipe looks impressive, it’s quick and approachable enough for any home cook.
Ingredients
- Plantains or Saba bananas: These are the star of the recipe—sweet, soft, and perfect once fried. Make sure to use ripe ones!
- Jackfruit: Adds a fruity, floral note that balances the richness of the caramel. You can use canned jackfruit, which should be accessible and easy to find. If you still can't find these in stores, you can omit from the recipe.
- Brown sugar: Gives the filling a deep sweetness and helps caramelize the fruit.
- Cinnamon: A touch of warm spice that enhances the flavor of the bananas.
- Spring roll wrappers: Provide the crispy, golden shell that makes banana lumpia so irresistible. Make sure to use Spring Roll Wrappers as these are best for frying.
- Oil for frying: Needed to get that light, crunchy texture.
- Unsalted butter: Forms the base of the caramel sauce for richness.
- Brown sugar (for caramel): Sweetens and thickens the sauce for the final glaze.
- Water: Helps melt the sugar smoothly into caramel.
Customizations
- Banana swap: If you can’t find Saba bananas, plantains or even regular ripe bananas will work.
- Extra sweetness: Sprinkle chocolate chips inside before rolling for a fun twist.
- Flavor boost: Add shredded coconut to the filling for even more tropical flair.
How to Make Banana Lumpia (Filipino Turon)
Prep the Filling
Cut the plantains in half lengthwise and crosswise to make 12 pieces total. If using Saba bananas, just slice lengthwise to get 12 pieces.
Slice the jackfruit into thin strips. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl.
Assemble the Lumpia
Lay a spring roll wrapper flat in a diamond shape. Coat one piece of plantain in the sugar mixture and place it on the lower third of the wrapper. Add 2–3 strips of jackfruit on top.
Fold the bottom corner up, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly into a log. Seal the edge with water. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Fry Until Crispy
Heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F.
Fry the lumpia in batches for 1–2 minutes per side, turning until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
Coat in Caramel
In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add butter, brown sugar, and water.
Stir until it turns into a glossy caramel, about 2–3 minutes.
Turn off the heat and quickly dip the fried lumpia in the caramel to coat evenly. Place on parchment or a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.
Storage
Banana lumpia is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day.
Tips
- Work quickly: Spring roll wrappers can dry out fast, so cover them with a damp towel while assembling.
- Don’t overcrowd: Fry in batches to keep the oil hot and ensure banana lumpia (Filipino turon) stays crispy.
- Serve immediately: Banana lumpia tastes best while still warm and crunchy.
Related Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
- Taho (Filipino Silken Tofu Dessert)
- Caramelized Banana Crispy Rice Paper Rolls
- Caramelized Banana Sticky Rice
Banana Lumpia (Filipino Turon)
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
Banana Lumpia
- 3 ripe plantains or 6 Saba bananas preferred
- ½ cup canned jackfruit drained and rinsed
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 12 sheets spring roll wrappers
- Oil for frying
Caramel Sauce
- 3 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Cut the plantains in half lengthwise and crosswise to get 4 pieces per plantain (12 total). If using Saba bananas, slice them in half lengthwise for 2 pieces per banana (to get 12 total).
- Slice the jackfruit into thin strips. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- To assemble, place a spring roll wrapper on a flat surface in a diamond shape. Coat one piece of plantain in the sugar mixture and place it on the lower third of the wrapper. Add 2–3 strips of jackfruit on top. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly into a log. Seal the edge with a bit of water. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- In a pot, add about 2 inches of oil then heat to 350°F. Fry the lumpia in batches (do not overcrowd) for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
- In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add butter, brown sugar, and water. Simmer and stir until the sauce has thickened slightly into a caramel sauce, about 2-3 mins. Turn off the heat then quickly dip the fried lumpia into the caramel to coat all around. Transfer to a wire rack or parchment paper to cool slightly. Enjoy immediately.
Rosabel diaz says
Banana Lumpia (Filipino Turon)
Thank you so much for the recipe. I made them tonight for my family and they were absolutely delicious. My kids loved them!!!!
Herman says
This is one of my favs, glad the family liked this recipe!