These Canary Island–Inspired Banana & Coconut Churros bring the tropical flavors of the islands to a classic Spanish treat.
While churros are traditionally enjoyed across Spain, this recipe adds a creative twist using ripe bananas, coconut sugar, and a touch of gofio, creating a flavor that feels uniquely Canarian. Served with a rich chocolate-and-rum dipping sauce, these churros are golden, crispy on the outside, and soft and flavorful on the inside — a true taste of island sunshine in every bite.
The Canary Islands, located off the northwest coast of Africa, are part of Spain yet boast a cuisine shaped by subtropical climates, volcanic soils, and centuries of cultural exchange. Known for their Plátano de Canarias bananas, sugarcane plantations, and the traditional grain flour called gofio, the islands provide a perfect source of inspiration for reimagining classic desserts. While traditional churros in the Canary Islands are similar to those on the mainland, our recipe celebrates the abundant local ingredients in a modern, tropical way. By adding banana to the dough, rolling the churros in coconut sugar, and pairing them with a chocolate-and-rum sauce, we create a dessert that bridges Spanish tradition with island creativity.
Eating churros is not just about taste — it’s about experience. Imagine enjoying the warm, sweet aroma of fried dough infused with banana, the subtle crunch of toasted coconut, and the velvety richness of chocolate sauce drizzled over each piece. This recipe invites you to experience the Canary Islands not through postcards or beaches, but through a simple, delightful pastry that anyone can make at home.
Table of Contents
Recipe: Canary Island–Inspired Banana & Coconut Churros
- Serves: 6 (about 18–20 churros)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 0 minutes (no chilling required)
- Calories: ~220 kcal per churro (including coating + dipping sauce)
- Recipe Cuisine: Spanish / Canary Island–Inspired Fusion
- Recipe Keywords: Canary Island churros, banana churros, coconut churros, tropical Spanish dessert, churros with chocolate rum sauce, island-inspired dessert, Canary Island–inspired banana and coconut churros
Ingredients
For the churros dough:
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 2 tbsp raw cane sugar (or palm sugar)
- 2 tbsp coconut oil (or unsalted butter)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour (or cassava flour for a gluten-free twist)
- 1 ripe banana, mashed smoothly
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For frying & coating:
- Neutral oil for frying (sunflower or coconut oil works best)
- ½ cup cane sugar mixed with 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup toasted shredded coconut
For the dipping sauce:
- 4 oz (115 g) dark chocolate
- ½ cup (120 ml) coconut milk
- 1 tbsp dark rum (optional)
- 1 tbsp honey or cane syrup
How to Make Canary Island–Inspired Banana & Coconut Churros
1. Prepare the dough base
Combine water, sugar, coconut oil, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Remove from heat and add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously until a smooth, sticky dough forms. The dough should pull away from the sides of the pan and hold together in a soft ball.
2. Incorporate banana and eggs
Let the dough cool slightly for a few minutes. Add the mashed banana, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and thick. The banana adds natural sweetness and a subtle tropical aroma.
3. Pipe the churros
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped nozzle. Pipe strips about 4–5 inches long onto a tray lined with parchment paper. The ridged pattern helps the churros hold more of the coconut sugar coating.
4. Fry until golden
Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the churros in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp, about 3–4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
5. Coat with island sweetness
Mix the cane sugar with cinnamon and toasted coconut. Roll the warm churros in this mixture for a crunchy, fragrant coating.
6. Prepare the dipping sauce
In a small saucepan, heat coconut milk until steaming. Add chocolate, stirring until melted and smooth. Mix in honey and dark rum for a rich tropical finish. The sauce adds a silky, decadent touch that complements the churros perfectly.
7. Serve and enjoy
Serve Canary Island–Inspired Banana & Coconut Churros warm, paired with the chocolate-and-rum sauce. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an indulgent dessert for family and friends.
Tips & Variations for Canary Island–Inspired Banana & Coconut Churros
- Add gofio: Sprinkle a little gofio on the churros for a touch of traditional Canarian flavor.
- Non-alcoholic dipping sauce: Swap rum for orange zest or a dash of vanilla to make it kid-friendly.
- Tropical plating: Serve with fresh mango, pineapple, or passionfruit slices for a full island-inspired dessert platter.
- Texture twist: Roll some churros in crushed nuts or cacao nibs for added crunch.
FERRIES TO CANARIES
Why You’ll Adore These Canary Island–Inspired Banana & Coconut Churros
These churros are more than just a sweet treat — they are a fusion of Spanish culinary tradition and Canary Islands tropical flavors. The ripe bananas bring natural sweetness, the coconut adds crunch and aroma, and the chocolate-and-rum sauce elevates the experience to a dessert worthy of any special occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a holiday, or simply craving a sweet escape, these churros transport you straight to the Canary Islands. They are crispy, flavorful, and irresistible — a perfect example of how classic recipes can evolve when inspired by local ingredients and creativity.
By combining history, tropical flavors, and a simple, easy-to-follow method, this recipe ensures that anyone — even a home cook — can enjoy a true island experience without leaving their kitchen. The Canary Island–Inspired Banana & Coconut Churros are a great example of how tradition and innovation can come together in a delicious, shareable way.
Enjoy your meal! Buen apetito!