I will bet that Caramelized Banana Sticky Rice with a sweet coconut milk sauce is the dessert you didn't know you wanted!

I remember when I was traveling to Singapore and had the best banana wrapped in a sticky rice leaf sold at a local market. I want to recreate something similar with this recipe.

I couldn't stop thinking about how delicious this banana sticky rice was and how I could make it even better - this is how caramelized banana sticky rice was born!

What is Banana Sticky Rice?

Banana Sticky Rice is a popular Southeast Asian dessert made with sweet glutinous rice, ripe bananas, and coconut milk, often wrapped in banana leaves and steamed or grilled.

The sticky rice absorbs the rich, creamy coconut flavor, while the banana adds natural sweetness and a soft, jammy texture. It’s commonly enjoyed in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, sometimes topped with sesame seeds or served with extra coconut sauce for added richness.

For my recipe, I opted to caramelize the banana for extra flavor!

Why you'll love this recipe

I love caramelized banana sticky rice because it combines the smooth, sweet flavor of caramelized bananas with the creamy, chewy texture of sticky rice.

Caramelizing the bananas adds a delicious depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the rice.

Plus, you can adjust the sweetness to your liking. I recommend using bananas that aren’t too ripe, so they hold their shape and add just the right amount of sweetness.

It’s a unique and satisfying dessert that’s comforting and indulgent, and since bananas are available year-round, you can enjoy it anytime!

Ingredients

Glutinous Rice - Also known as "sweet rice", this type of rice becomes sticky when cooked, providing the essential chewy texture that pairs well with the smooth caramelized bananas.
Unsweetened Coconut Milk - Adds a creamy, rich flavor to the rice, complementing the sweetness of the bananas and caramel.
Sugar - Sweetens the coconut milk and rice. Sometimes I use a sugar alternative like monkfruit sugar as a healthier option to reduce the calorie content without sacrificing sweetness.
Salt - Enhances the overall flavor by balancing the sweetness and adding a slight savory note.
Banana - Provides a natural sweetness and smooth texture. Using a not-too-ripe banana ensures it holds its shape during caramelization.
Butter - Adds richness and helps caramelize the bananas, giving them a smooth and buttery finish.
Cornstarch - Thickens the coconut milk mixture, creating a creamy sauce that coats the rice and bananas. Make sure to mix it with a a bit of water to create a slurry first before thickening the coconut milk.
Sesame Seeds - Adds a nutty flavor and slight crunch, providing a contrast to the creamy and sticky textures.
Brown Sugar - Used for caramelizing the bananas, it adds a deeper, more complex sweetness and color to the dish.

How to Make Caramelized Banana Sticky Rice

Prepare the Sticky Rice

Rinse the rice thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice for at least 4 hours, or for the best texture, soak it overnight in the refrigerator.

Once the rice has soaked, cook it in a rice cooker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Make the Sweet Coconut Milk

While the rice is cooking, heat 1 cup of coconut milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add ¼ cup of sugar and a pinch of salt, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.

Once fully combined, remove the saucepan from the heat and keep the mixture warm.

When the sticky rice is done, transfer it to a bowl and gently fold in the sweet coconut milk mixture. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes so the rice can absorb the flavors.

Make the Coconut Sauce

In a separate saucepan, add the remaining ½ cup of coconut milk along with 2 tablespoons of sugar and a small amount of diluted cornstarch.

Let it simmer gently for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Transfer the sauce to a small bowl and let it cool.

Caramelize the Bananas

Cut the bananas in half lengthwise.

In a clean saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir until it melts and begins to simmer—this takes about 2-3 minutes.

Gently add the banana halves to the caramel mixture and cook until they turn golden brown and caramelized, about 4-6 minutes, flipping occasionally to coat them evenly.

Assemble and Serve

To serve, plate the sticky rice, top it with the caramelized bananas, and drizzle the coconut sauce over the rice.

Finish by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. Enjoy!

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave until the rice is warm and sticky.