How to Make Ube Banana Langka Turon

If you're a fan of Filipino snacks, you've probably had turon—a crispy, caramelized spring roll filled with ripe banana and jackfruit. But have you ever tried it with ube (purple yam)? This delicious twist adds a vibrant color and rich, nutty flavor that takes this humble street snack to the next level.

In this post, I’ll show you how to make Ube Banana Langka Turon from scratch. Whether you’re cooking for merienda (snack time), a potluck, or just craving something sweet and crispy, this colorful version of turon is sure to impress.

You’ll need just 6 main ingredients, plus a few pantry staples:

Main Ingredients: What You’ll Need

This Ube Banana Langka Turon recipe only calls for a handful of ingredients, but each one plays a delicious role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and some helpful tips for choosing the best versions:

Ube Halaya (Purple Yam Jam) - is the star of this twist on classic turon. It brings a creamy, slightly nutty, and earthy sweetness that pairs perfectly with banana and jackfruit.

• Homemade option: I personally love making my own using just three simple ingredients. It’s fresh, flavorful, and allows you to control the sweetness. Try my Easy Ube Halaya Recipe if you’d like to give it a go!

• Store-bought: No time to make it from scratch? No problem! There are plenty of great jarred versions available at Asian supermarkets or online. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature so it spreads easily.

Saging Saba (Plantain Banana) - are a staple in Filipino desserts. They’re firmer and starchier than Cavendish bananas, making them ideal for frying without becoming too mushy.

• Where to find: You’ll usually find saba bananas in the frozen section of Asian grocery stores.

• Tip: I recommend getting the pre-sliced frozen saba. It’s more budget-friendly.

Langka (Jackfruit) - adds a unique floral sweetness and chewy texture that complements both ube and banana. It’s a tropical favorite in many Filipino desserts.

• Fresh is best if it’s available, but it’s rare outside the Philippines.

• Frozen or canned are great alternatives—just make sure to drain and slice the pieces into thin strips. Avoid using the syrup if it's overly sweet, as it might overpower the other ingredients.

Brown Sugar - gives the turon its signature caramelized finish and adds a warm, molasses-like sweetness.

• Sprinkle a little inside the wrapper for extra flavor.

• You can also toss some directly into the hot oil as you fry the rolls to create that delicious sticky-sweet glaze on the wrapper.

Vanilla Essence - adds a subtle aromatic note that enhances the flavor of the banana and langka mixture.

• A small splash is all you need to elevate the fruit mixture into something special.

• Use real vanilla extract, if possible, though imitation will work in a pinch.

Spring Roll Wrappers (Lumpia Wrappers) - These thin, stretchy wrappers hold everything together and fry up to a beautiful golden crisp.

• Where to find: Usually found in the freezer section of most supermarkets, especially in the international or Asian foods aisle.

• Tip: Let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using so they’re pliable and easy to handle.

Additional Ingredients:

• Cornstarch + Water – Used as edible “glue” to seal the rolls.

• Cooking Oil – For frying. I use canola oil, but any neutral oil works.

Cooking Tools:

• No fancy tools needed—just a frying pan or deep skillet, and some paper towels for draining.

Ingredients List

• 1 package (454 g) of saba bananas (or plantains)

• 1 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam) – Easy Ube Halaya Recipe

• 1 cup ripe langka (jackfruit), sliced

• 20 pieces lumpia wrappers

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla essence

• 1/2 cup water

• 2 cups cooking oil (for frying)

• Optional: Extra brown sugar for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fillings

1. Slice the saba bananas and cut the jackfruit into thin strips.

2. In a small saucepan, combine banana, langka, brown sugar, water, and vanilla. Simmer for a few minutes to infuse flavor. Let it cool slightly.

3. If using store-bought ube halaya, let it come to room temperature, so it spreads easily.

4. (Optional) Make your own ube halaya with my easy recipe here: Easy Ube Halaya Recipe .

Step 2: Assemble the Turon

1. Lay a lumpia wrapper on a flat surface, with one corner pointing toward you (diamond shape).

2. Spread 1 tbsp ube halaya in the center.

3. Add a few slices of banana and a few strips of langka.

4. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold in both sides.

5. Roll tightly to the top corner.

6. Seal the edge with a dab of cornstarch-water mixture.

Step 3: Fry the Turon

1. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.

2. Gently place the turon rolls in the oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

3. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side.

4. Optional: Sprinkle brown sugar into the oil for that signature caramelized glaze.

Step 4: Drain and Serve

• Transfer fried turon to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

• Let cool slightly before serving (the filling will be hot!).

• Serve warm and enjoy the crispy, gooey goodness.

Tips & Variations

• Cheesy twist: Add a stick of cheddar cheese inside each roll for a salty contrast.

• Air fryer option: Brush rolls with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

• Storage: Best eaten fresh, but you can refrigerate and reheat in an oven or air fryer to crisp them back up.

Why You'll Love It

Ube Banana Langka Turon isn’t just pretty—it’s flavor-packed. The ube brings a creamy, nutty richness that beautifully complements the sweet banana and fragrant langka. Wrapped in golden, crispy goodness, this snack is perfect for sharing (or not!).

Whether it’s your first time making turon or you're looking for a unique twist, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Shopping Checklist

✔️ Ube halaya (or ingredients to make your own)
✔️ Saba bananas (or plantains)
✔️ Jackfruit (ripe, canned or frozen)
✔️ Brown sugar
✔️ Vanilla essence
✔️ Lumpia or spring roll wrappers
✔️ Cornstarch
✔️ Cooking oil

A Filipino Sweet Treat with a Colorful Twist

Let’s Talk Turon!

Have you tried making turon with ube? What’s your favorite twist—cheese, chocolate, coconut? Let me know in the comments below or tag me if you post your own creations online!