Bolen Lilit: Indonesian Banana Roll Pastry Recipe
Bolen Lilit: Indonesian Banana Roll Pastry is a sweet treat that captures the heart and soul of Indonesian snacking culture. Imagine ripe bananas nestled inside buttery puff pastry, layered with melty chocolate and a hint of cheddar cheese, then baked to golden perfection—each bite is pure comfort, with a blend of textures and flavors that dance on your tongue. This beloved pastry is irresistible fresh from the oven and perfect for sharing with friends or family over a cup of tea or coffee. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and will become your new favorite way to enjoy bananas!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Bolen Lilit: Indonesian Banana Roll Pastry lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient shines. Every component is thoughtfully chosen to balance sweet, savory, and creamy in every mouthful. Here’s what you’ll need and why each matters to the final creation:
- Puff pastry: Provides those signature flaky, buttery layers that envelop the filling and turn golden during baking—store-bought works perfectly for ease.
- Ripe bananas: The star of the show; use fully ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and tender texture inside each roll.
- Chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate: Melts into chocolatey goodness, contrasting beautifully with the banana and pastry.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional but traditional): A distinctly Indonesian twist—the sharpness balances the sweetness.
- Egg (for egg wash): Brushed over the top for a glossy, bakery-style finish that helps the pastry turn rich and golden.
- Granulated sugar (for sprinkling): Adds sparkle and a hint of caramelized crunch on the baked surface.
- Sesame seeds (optional for garnish): Offer extra texture and a nutty aroma—totally worth adding if you have them!
How to Make Bolen Lilit: Indonesian Banana Roll Pastry
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for a hassle-free cleanup. While the oven heats, thaw your puff pastry sheets if you haven’t already. Peel your ripe bananas and slice them in halves or thirds lengthwise—how you slice them depends on the length and width of your bananas and how much filling you want in each roll. Having everything ready makes the assembly a breeze.
Step 2: Shape and Fill the Pastries
Roll out your puff pastry sheets just a bit—enough to smooth out creases and slightly enlarge each sheet without getting too thin. Cut each sheet into four equal rectangles, giving you eight in total. Place a slice of banana in the center of each rectangle. Top the banana with a generous spoonful of chocolate chips or chopped chocolate, then a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese if you’re going the traditional route. The warm, gooey combination of chocolate, cheese, and banana is what sets Bolen Lilit: Indonesian Banana Roll Pastry apart from other sweets!
Step 3: Roll and Seal
Carefully fold the pastry over the filling and roll it up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go so nothing leaks out during baking. Lay each roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. It’s fun to see the little logs lined up, ready for their transformation in the oven.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Brush the tops of each roll thoroughly with beaten egg. This step is key—it gives each pastry that enviable golden sheen. Sprinkle with a little granulated sugar for extra sparkle and crunch, and add sesame seeds if you want a lightly nutty aroma and extra visual appeal.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the pastries are gloriously puffed and deeply golden. Resist peeking too often—the magic happens when the puff pastry is undisturbed! Once baked, let them cool slightly before diving in; the aroma alone will draw everyone to the kitchen.
How to Serve Bolen Lilit: Indonesian Banana Roll Pastry
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar makes Bolen Lilit: Indonesian Banana Roll Pastry look extra festive and adds a delicate sweetness. Or, for a true Indonesian street-food vibe, try drizzling a bit of condensed milk over warm pastries right before serving. The glossy finish and milky sweetness are out of this world!
Side Dishes
Pair these pastries with a piping-hot cup of black coffee or strong tea to balance the sweetness, or serve alongside a tropical fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. Bolen Lilit: Indonesian Banana Roll Pastry is also delightful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve each roll sliced in half on a wooden platter, sprinkled with extra sesame seeds and surrounded by fresh banana slices for an inviting display. Or try stacking them in a pyramid on a cake stand, with a drizzle of melted chocolate across the top for that wow factor at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep leftover Bolen Lilit: Indonesian Banana Roll Pastry in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay crisp on the outside with a dreamy, soft center—but honestly, they rarely last that long!
Freezing
Want to have a stash ready for sudden cravings? After baking and cooling completely, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For the perfect texture, reheat your Bolen Lilit: Indonesian Banana Roll Pastry in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8 minutes. This revives the flakes and melts the chocolate inside, making them almost as good as fresh!
FAQs
Can I use other types of fruit instead of banana?
Absolutely! While bananas are classic, you can try mango slices or even cooked apple for a deliciously different twist. Just remember that juicier fruits might need a sprinkle of flour or cornstarch to soak up extra moisture.
What if I don’t want to use cheese?
No problem—just omit the cheddar cheese for a purely sweet treat. The chocolate and banana alone are wonderful, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you could swap in cream cheese for a milder tang.
Is this pastry really best served warm?
Yes, Bolen Lilit: Indonesian Banana Roll Pastry is at its dreamiest when slightly warm. The pastry is crisp, and the filling is gooey and luscious. That said, they’re also fantastic at room temperature if you’re packing them for a picnic or snack.
Can I prepare the pastries ahead of time and bake later?
Absolutely! Assemble the rolls and keep them covered in the fridge for up to six hours before baking. Just brush with egg wash and add sugar/sesame seeds right before they go in the oven for best results.
Are there any gluten-free options for this recipe?
Sure! Look for gluten-free puff pastry in the freezer section of well-stocked grocery stores, and follow the recipe as written. You’ll get similar flakiness and satisfaction, so everyone can enjoy Bolen Lilit: Indonesian Banana Roll Pastry without worry.
Final Thoughts
Bolen Lilit: Indonesian Banana Roll Pastry is the kind of treat you can’t help but share (if you can resist eating them all yourself!). With its comforting banana-chocolate center, flaky exterior, and so many ways to make it your own, this is one recipe you’ll want to bake again and again. Give it a try, and get ready for the happy smiles and empty plates that always follow!
Print
Bolen Lilit: Indonesian Banana Roll Pastry Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bolen Lilit is a delightful Indonesian pastry featuring a delicious combination of bananas, chocolate, and cheese wrapped in puff pastry. These sweet rolls are perfect as a dessert or snack, offering a unique blend of flavors that will surely satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
Filling:
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced in halves or thirds lengthwise
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but traditional)
Others:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheets slightly to smooth out the creases. Cut each sheet into 4 equal rectangles.
- Add filling: Place a slice of banana in the center of each piece. Add a spoonful of chocolate chips and a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top of the banana.
- Roll pastry: Fold the pastry over the filling and roll tightly, tucking in the sides to seal. Place each roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush with egg wash: Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar and sesame seeds if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Let cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a sweeter version, drizzle with condensed milk or dust with powdered sugar after baking.
- You can also use Nutella or peanut butter instead of chocolate chips for a flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indonesian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
