Pacific Island Baked Papaya Dessert
Transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with this Pacific Island Baked Papaya Dessert! Juicy, ripe papayas are halved and baked to perfection with a luscious blend of coconut sugar, fresh lime juice, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a hint of vanilla for irresistible flavor. Topped with golden, toasted shredded coconut and a touch of butter, this simple yet exotic dessert caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Serve it warm, garnished with fresh mint, for an island-inspired treat that’s both wholesome and indulgent. Perfect on its own or paired with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, this easy-to-make recipe combines tropical flavors and comforting textures in every bite. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a must-try for anyone craving a unique, crowd-pleasing dessert!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 whole ripe papayas
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
- 2 teaspoons butter
- 1 sprig fresh mint leaves
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Wash the papayas thoroughly. Cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds using a spoon.
Place the papaya halves in a baking dish, flesh side up.
Sprinkle the coconut sugar evenly over the four papaya halves.
Drizzle the lime juice over the papaya halves for a burst of tangy flavor.
In a small bowl, mix the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract until combined, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the papayas.
Dot each papaya half with a small amount of butter (1/2 teaspoon per half) to enhance the caramelization during baking.
Sprinkle the shredded coconut over the top for added texture and tropical flavor.
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the papayas are soft and the toppings are lightly caramelized.
Remove the dish from the oven and allow the papayas to cool slightly before serving.
Garnish each papaya half with a fresh mint leaf and serve warm. Enjoy on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
640 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 15.8 g | 20% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.7 g | 53% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 22 mg | 7% | |
| Sodium | 83 mg | 4% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 129.6 g | 47% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.5 g | 73% | |
| Total Sugars | 82.7 g | ||
| Protein | 7.4 g | 15% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 165 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 3.0 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 2662 mg | 57% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
