baked banana turon rolls healthy — Baked Banana Turon Rolls (Healthier Version) is my go to fix when I want something sweet and cozy but I do not feel like dealing with a pot of hot oil. You know those snack cravings that hit around mid afternoon, when coffee is not enough and you want something warm and crunchy? This is exactly for that moment. You still get that caramel banana vibe, but with way less mess. And honestly, baking makes it easier to whip up a batch even on a busy weeknight. 
What is turon?
Turon is a classic Filipino snack that is usually made with ripe saba bananas, sometimes with jackfruit, wrapped in a spring roll wrapper, then fried until crisp and coated in caramelized sugar. If you grew up around Filipino snacks, you probably know the smell instantly. It is sweet, a little toasty, and super comforting.
My version is all about keeping the same flavors while making it more everyday friendly. Baked Banana Turon Rolls still give you that crunchy wrapper and soft banana center, just without deep frying. If you are curious about the traditional route, this recipe is a good reference point: classic Filipino turon recipe with caramel.
The fun part is that turon is flexible. It can be a snack, dessert, or even a little breakfast treat when you need something quick. I have even seen creative spins like wraps for mornings, and it totally works if you like banana for breakfast.
“I tried baking turon for the first time because frying felt too heavy for us. These rolls came out crisp, sweet, and my kids ate them faster than I could cool them.”
What is it made of?
Let us talk simple ingredients. The goal is to keep everything easy to find and easy to prep. Traditional turon uses saba bananas, but depending on where you live, you may need substitutes. I will give options so you are not stuck.
Ingredients for Baked Banana Turon Rolls
- Bananas: saba is best, but you can use plantain or even a firm ripe regular banana in a pinch
- Spring roll wrappers: the thin lumpia wrappers, thawed if frozen
- Brown sugar: for that classic caramel taste
- Cinnamon (optional): not traditional for everyone, but I love the warmth
- Neutral oil or melted butter: for brushing so the wrappers crisp in the oven
- Jackfruit strips (optional): if you have it, it adds a fruity pop
For the banana choice, here is my quick real life tip. If you use very soft bananas, they can turn a bit mushy and may leak. Go for ripe but still firm. You want sweet, but not collapsing.
If you are into other banana snacks, it is worth checking out how bananas get caramelized in different ways. This one is deep fried and super classic: banana cue on a stick. I love it, but it is definitely more of a treat day thing for me.
How to fold turon
Folding sounds intimidating until you do it once. After that, you will be wrapping like it is second nature. For Baked Banana Turon Rolls, neat wrapping matters because baking is gentler than frying. A snug roll helps it stay sealed and crisp.
Step by step folding (no stress)
Here is how I do it on my counter, with a clean damp towel over the wrappers so they do not dry out:
1) Lay one wrapper like a diamond, with a corner pointing toward you.
2) Roll your banana slice in brown sugar. Add a little jackfruit if using.
3) Place the banana near the bottom corner, then fold that bottom corner up over the banana.
4) Fold in the left and right sides, like making an envelope.
5) Roll upward tightly into a log.
6) Seal the top corner with a dab of water.
Then place the rolls seam side down on a lined baking sheet. Brush lightly with oil or melted butter. Bake at 400 F or about 200 C for 12 to 18 minutes, turning once halfway. You want them golden and crisp. If you want more color, broil for 1 to 2 minutes, but stay close because they can brown fast.
One more little tip that saves frustration: do not overload the wrapper with too much banana. A modest amount rolls better, seals better, and bakes more evenly.
If you like bite sized snacks for kids, mini versions are a whole vibe and they bake quickly too. Here is a cute idea for small portions: turon bites mini banana rolls for kids.
Tips and Variations
This is where you can make the recipe match your life. I have made these when I am trying to be “good” during the week, and I have also made them extra indulgent for movie nights. Both are valid.
My best tips for crisp baked rolls:
Use a hot oven. A cooler oven dries them out instead of crisping them.
Do not skip brushing oil or butter. A little goes a long way for that golden crunch.
Line your pan with parchment so sugar does not glue your rolls to the tray.
Turn them halfway through baking so both sides brown evenly.
Let them cool for 5 minutes before biting. The sugar inside is seriously hot.
Easy variations you can try
Lower sugar option: Use less brown sugar, or only sprinkle it on the banana instead of rolling heavily.
Extra crunch: Sprinkle a tiny bit of sugar on the outside after brushing with oil so it bakes into a thin crackly layer.
Cinnamon coconut: Mix cinnamon with a pinch of shredded coconut for a fun aroma.
Chocolate drizzle: Not traditional, but so good. Drizzle after baking so it stays pretty.
Air fryer method: If you love air fryer snacks, you can cook these similar to how other lumpia style foods crisp up with less oil. I get inspired by recipes like this: air fryer lumpiang shanghai healthy twist.
Also, wrappers matter. If your wrappers are thick, they can turn chewy. If they are too thin and dry, they can crack. If you see cracking, just keep them covered with a damp towel while you work. It fixes most problems.
And if you want more lighter cooking ideas in general, I like browsing Filipino recipes that lean healthier without losing the comfort factor: healthy Filipino recipes.
Serving Suggestions
I love turon straight from the oven, slightly cooled, when the wrapper is crisp and the banana is soft. But if you are serving family or friends, a couple little extras make it feel special with almost no effort.
- Simple and classic: serve warm with a light dusting of cinnamon sugar
- Dessert style: add vanilla ice cream or coconut ice cream on the side
- Snack plate: pair with sliced mango, pineapple, or even strawberries
- Dipping: caramel sauce, honey, or a quick sweetened condensed milk drizzle
- Breakfast vibe: serve with coffee, or alongside a bowl of oatmeal with banana
If you are making a bigger merienda spread, turon goes really well with other Filipino favorites. I have done a full banana theme before with pancakes and it was honestly such a fun weekend breakfast. If you want that, this is a cozy pairing: soft fluffy Filipino style banana pancakes.
Storage tip: These are best fresh, but you can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to bring the crunch back. The microwave makes them soft, so I avoid it unless I am truly in a hurry.
Common Questions
Can I use regular bananas instead of saba?
Yes. Choose ripe but firm bananas. If they are very soft, they can get mushy and leak while baking.
Why are my rolls not crispy?
Usually it is not enough heat or not enough brushing with oil or butter. Bake hot, and do not overcrowd the pan.
Do I have to use jackfruit?
Nope. It is optional. It adds a fruity scent, but Baked Banana Turon Rolls are still delicious with banana only.
Can I freeze them?
You can freeze them unbaked. Wrap tightly and freeze in a container. Bake from frozen, just add a few extra minutes.
How do I keep the wrappers from drying out while folding?
Keep the stack covered with a damp towel. Pull one wrapper at a time and work fairly quickly.
A sweet little snack you will actually make again
If you want the comfort of turon without the deep frying, Baked Banana Turon Rolls are such a win. They are simple, they hit that caramel banana craving, and cleanup is so much easier. If you want to read more about the traditional background and methods, I also like this guide from Turon (Filipino Banana Lumpia) – The Unlikely Baker because it really captures what makes turon special. Now go grab those bananas, preheat your oven, and make a batch. I promise the smell alone will make your kitchen feel like home. 
Baked Banana Turon Rolls
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 3 pieces Ripe saba bananas (or firm ripe regular bananas/plantains) Choose ripe but firm bananas to prevent mushiness.
- 1 cup Brown sugar For that classic caramel taste.
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (optional) Adds warmth and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Neutral oil or melted butter For brushing the wrappers.
- 1/2 cup Jackfruit strips (optional) Adds a fruity pop.
Wrapper
- 10 pieces Spring roll wrappers Thawed if frozen.
Instructions
Folding Turon
- Lay one wrapper like a diamond with a corner pointing toward you.
- Roll your banana slice in brown sugar. Add a little jackfruit if using.
- Place the banana near the bottom corner, then fold that corner up over the banana.
- Fold in the left and right sides, like making an envelope.
- Roll upward tightly into a log.
- Seal the top corner with a dab of water.
Baking
- Place the rolls seam side down on a lined baking sheet.
- Brush lightly with oil or melted butter.
- Bake at 400°F (about 200°C) for 12 to 18 minutes, turning once halfway.
- For more color, broil for 1 to 2 minutes, but watch closely.