Recipe of the Month: Saly’s Pan de Platano
This delicious banana bread recipe comes from one of our community partners, Saly, the heart and soul behind Punto Blanco, a cozy and inviting café in the center of Felipe Carrillo Puerto. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and homemade treats, Punto Blanco has become a favorite hangout for Na’atik students, staff, and locals alike.
Saly’s banana bread is everything you want in a homemade dessert—moist, comforting, and just the right touch of sweetness. It pairs excellently with a cup of coffee and is the kind of snack that is perfect for after a busy day. For students here in town as part of our Spanish or Maya immersion programs, it’s a must-try—whether as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up after class or a sweet ending to the day during a relaxed evening walk around the town center.
Saly’s story is just as inspiring as her cooking. She’s not only a talented baker but also a dedicated local entrepreneur whose café has become a hub of warmth and connection in the community. To learn more about her journey and our partnership Punto Na’atik, check out our recent blog post: Faces of Na’atik: Saly and Punto Blanco.
Wet ingredients:
3 ripe bananas
2 eggs
100 ml (about ⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) vegetable oil
¾ cup brown sugar (preferably mascabado or unrefined)
Dry ingredients:
2 cups flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Optional: chocolate chips
Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions:
Mash the bananas in a large bowl until smooth.
Add the eggs, then mix in the oil and sugar until well combined.
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture and stir until you get a smooth, even batter.
Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts, if using.
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Curious to try the original product? Saly’s baking is available exclusively in Felipe Carrillo Puerto where Na’atik operates award-winning Spanish and Maya Immersion Programs. To find out more about how you can improve your language skills and experience the real Mexico, visit our immersion page or send our team an email at mas@naatikmexico.org today.