Hi, Safarfriendly friends! One sweet dish that never fails to hit the spot—especially during Ramadan—is banana kolak. Featuring tender bananas, fragrant coconut milk, and the mellow sweetness of palm sugar, it’s a classic go-to for iftar. Ready to whip up this irresistible dessert at home? Let’s jump right in banana kolak recipe!
Gather Your Ingredients

Photo courtesy of masakapahariini.com
- 5 kepok or raja bananas, sliced however you like
- 200 g palm or brown sugar, finely shaved
- 500 ml thin coconut milk
- 500 ml water
- 2 pandan leaves, tied into a knot
- 100 g kolang-kaling (palm fruit), washed clean
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp vanilla powder (optional for extra aroma)
Step-by-Step Instructions

Photo courtesy of blog.klikindomaret.com
- Simmer the Water & Sugar
Combine water and palm sugar in a pot. Bring to a boil and wait until the sugar fully dissolves. Strain to remove any debris left by the sugar. - Add Pandan and Kolang-Kaling
Drop in the pandan leaves and kolang-kaling, cooking them for about 5–10 minutes so the palm fruit becomes tender and absorbs all that sweet goodness. - Incorporate Bananas
Now, toss in the sliced bananas and lower the heat. Let them simmer until soft and fragrant. - Introduce the Coconut Milk
Gently stir in the thin coconut milk, salt, and optional vanilla powder. Keep the heat low and stir slowly to prevent the coconut milk from curdling. Wait for it to come to a gentle boil. - Serve It Your Way
Turn off the heat and let your kolak rest for a bit. You can enjoy it warm straight from the pot, or chill it in the fridge if you prefer a cooler treat.
Making It Extra Special

Photo courtesy of fimela.com
- Use ripe kepok or raja bananas for maximum sweetness and softness.
- Stir gently while cooking on low heat to maintain a smooth coconut broth.
- Feel free to add sweet potato chunks, jackfruit, or biji salak (tapioca dumplings) to broaden the flavor profile.
Whipping up your own banana kolak recipe is surprisingly easy, right? With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can bring a scrumptious dessert to the iftar table—one that the entire family will adore.Don’t forget to stay tuned at safarfriendly.com for travel pointers, lifestyle inspiration, and the latest events. Our comprehensive guides, helpful tips, and diverse articles are here to enhance your journeys. You’ll also find recommendations for destinations, halal food venues, and other Muslim-friendly amenities to ensure a hassle-free and memorable trip!