Electrolux #splits: Banana Turon Split

It’s summer. It’s hot. I have a craving. I deserve a treat. All valid causes for ice cream. But today, my version of a banana split actually is for a good cause. Foodbuzz is supporting Electrolux and Kelly Ripa in their effort to increase awareness of…

Electrolux #splits: Banana Turon Split

It’s summer. It’s hot. I have a craving. I deserve a treat.

All valid causes for ice cream.

But today, my version of a banana split actually is for a good cause.

Foodbuzz is supporting Electrolux and Kelly Ripa in their effort to increase awareness of and raise money for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) by sponsoring a posting challenge and Top 9 Takeover. For every Featured Publisher that creates and writes a post on a Banana Split, Foodbuzz will donate $50 to the OCRF, and they will be considered for a special Top 9 Takeover on Monday, July 19th. You too can help out by building your own virtual Banana Splits for a Cause at Kelly Confidential.

On a personal level, I just had to make a Banana Split for a Cause. Both my parents had cancer; one survived, one did not. I lost an aunt to ovarian cancer. This post is for them.

So, I know what you’re thinking. Where’s the banana? Oh, it’s in there. And it’s split!

Banana-Turon-Splits-5

When I thought about this challenge, I couldn’t help but call to mind all the tropical flavors of classic Philippine desserts. One of these is the Turon, a fantastic cross between a strudel and an egg roll, filled with sugar sweet ripe plantains and jackfruit. Not to be confused with the Spanish Turrón or Italian torrone, this is a different delicacy altogether, often sold by street vendors for an afternoon merienda (snack), or in my family’s case, as a dessert at gatherings. Although traditionally made with plantains, it can also be made with bananas, and this is exactly what I did today, since the plantains I bought for this split took maddeningly long to ripen. I will give you instructions on how to prepare Turon later in this post.

As for the rest of this shockingly colorful Banana Turon Split, I couldn’t resist using Magnolia Ice Cream, a treat that used to required a plane ride to Manila. These days, it can be found in your local Asian market, and I love its light and creamy texture, as well as its tropical flavors. I chose Coconut, Mango, and the purple Ube, or Taro flavors and  topped it with ribbons of macapuno, a Philippine variety of coconut. The crunchy, caramelized bananas and jackfruit, creamy coconut and ube, and the sweet tang of mango served up giant spoonfuls of nostalgia…that did not require a plane ticket.

Banana Turon

Makes 18-20 pieces.

Ingredients

6 medium bananas or 3 very ripe plantains*
1 can/jar Drained Jackfruit**
⅛ teaspoon brown sugar (for each turon)
egg roll or lumpia wrappers

Instructions

Cut banana in half, and split lengthwise (if too thick, consider cutting each half into three pieces). If using plantains, cut in half, then cut each half into 3 slices . Place on top of lumpia wrapper and top with 2 or 3 thin strips of jackfruit (to cover length of banana). Sprinkle ⅛ teaspoon of sugar over top of fruit. Roll into shape of eggroll, seal edge with a dab of water. Fry in canola oil until golden brown on each side.

Comments

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  1. Joy

    Liren

    Beautiful banana split, man it looks good. Like what is better than fried bananas with ice cream…oh right, nothing. :)

    Sorry to hear about your loss, it is great you are doing this for such a great cause. If only more people in this world had as beautiful of a heart as yours! Have a great weekend…I am now craving something fried. Poo -_-

    Reply
    • Liren

      Hi Joy! Thanks for stopping by – I’m so glad you liked it – I agree, fried bananas and ice cream rock. Your banana split was AMAZING – just stunning, really. I’m so glad we both got to create lovely splits for such a good cause. It affects too many people.

      Reply
  2. Jessica

    What a beautiful and unique split! Thanks for sharing these flavors and recipes with us. I always enjoy learning about different flavors from across the world!

    Reply
    • Liren

      Thanks Jessica! The beauty of these global flavors is that we can easily find them now in the US! Travelling by grocery store is always fun :)

      Reply
  3. Ruby

    Hi Liren – I featured your banana split on my Weekly WOW! I thought you did a great job with it!

    Reply
    • Liren

      Hi Ruby – thank you so much for featuring it on your Weekly WOW! That is so thoughtful, and I am honored to be featured with such beautiful creations!

      Reply
    • Liren

      Thella, thank you! I’m so flattered that you thought of me for the versatile blogger award – I am really honored!

      Reply
  4. Trish

    Such a creative way to make a banana split! Thank you for sharing your story. A good cause, indeed. Cheers!

    Reply
  5. Judy

    I love the Filipino twist on your banana split with the tropical ice cream flavors! Cancer affects so many lives… Glad you made this for a good cause.

    Reply
  6. Mhel B

    I have been inactive from Fb for a while… glad to see this Pinoy version of Banana split. very brilliant! I love turron with langka! Buti, there’s magnolia in your place…. U

    Reply
    • Liren

      Yes, I’m so fortunate that Magnolia is now available here. If only they offered their Magnolia chocolate milk, too. Do they still sell that there?

      Reply
  7. Tracey@TangledNoodle

    Excellent banana turon split! I miss Magnolia ice cream (my favorite was mais); although I can find it here, it’s quite expensive. With that said, this is such a special treat, it may well be worth the cost go enjoy this truly fantastic Filipino twist on the split! 8-)

    Reply
    • Liren

      Thanks, Tracey! It’s true, the price of Magnolia can be more expensive, but I’ve noticed the prices have gone down in the last few years. Plus there was a sale at my local Asian grocer (yay!). It’s still cheaper than a plane ticket though!!!

      Reply
  8. Lando

    What a great post featuring turon. Our banana split post that we submitted features turon also. It’s a unique way to add some Filipino flare to the dessert.

    Reply
    • Liren

      Lando, like I said on your blog, great minds think alike. I LOVE how you added Nutella to your turon! I am definitely trying that next time.

      Reply
    • Liren

      Absolutely perfect for summer (though I’d be happy to eat this any time of the year!).

      Reply
    • Liren

      Thanks! It really is remarkable all the creativity and flavors that have emerged for this benefit!

      Reply
    • Liren

      I’ve been going to town on the macapuno ice cream, combined with an extra heaping of macapuno on top…need to work out a little extra this week :)

      Reply
  9. Julie Gardner

    Love, love, love this twist on the split :)

    You have me craving turon this week!

    Reply
    • Liren

      Hello Priscilla! Oh, you must try the turon…and the ube ice cream. If you’ve ever had taro frozen yogurt, it’s quite similar!

      Reply
  10. Gina Stanley

    I’m loving that purple ice cream, I have to find me some of that! Thanks for supporting such a great cause, sorry it’s affected you!

    Reply
    • Liren

      Hope you do get to try the ube ice cream – it’s one of my favorites!

      Reply
    • Liren

      Thanks, Brian! Don’t like banana splits? Well just go straight for the turon, then!!!

      Reply
  11. Jean

    Love your filipino version of the banana split. Ube ice cream is yummy! It’s just not safe to have around my house! :-) And the turon!

    Reply
    • Liren

      I agree, it is positively dangerous having ube ice cream in the house. I’m afraid I’ve been consuming a lot of it lately!

      Reply
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